With the scratch of Hoppertunity, Vicar’s In Trouble, who drew post one, will come out a spot in the starting gate and break from post two. He won the Louisiana Derby (G2) in wire-to-wire fashion, but I don’t think he needs the lead. He earned a Brisnet speed figure of 104 in that race, for which he is tied with Danza as the second highest speed number in the field. No one is talking about him, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes off close to his 30-1 morning-line or even higher. Jockey Rosie Napravnik finished fifth in last year’s Kentucky Derby with Mylute and ninth with Pants On Fire in her next most recent (and first) Kentucky Derby mount in 2011. One day Napravnik is going to become the first female jockey to win the Kentucky Derby. We’ll have to wait and see if it happens this Saturday.
For wagering purposes on a limited budget, I’ll take California Chrome, Medal Count, Ride On Curlin, Vicar’s In Trouble and Wildcat Red in a five-horse $1 exacta box; cost $20. Longshot play $5 to win on Commanding Curve and Intense Holiday. The Derby offers such great wagering value that you should take advantage of the prices and options. Play the longshots, mix in horses with lower odds with those with higher odds, play the exotics. Don’t let the year’s best wagering race pass you by!
For a complete list of contenders, along with post positions, jockeys, trainers and odds, check out our post draw article.
The Kentucky Derby is the 11th race on Saturday’s card with a scheduled post time of 6:24 p.m. ET. The Derby will be aired live as part of NBC’s coverage from 4-7 p.m. ET. The race is included in Horse Racing Radio Network’s coverage from 5-7 p.m. ET. Replays will run on HRTV and TVG. Click here for free PPs courtesy of Brisnet.
Photo: Courtesy Kentucky Derby
