One of the most exciting races in our country will take place later today and from looking at the odds, this could be a very close race. Trainers like Bob Baffert dedicate their lives to this race, the creme de la creme of horse racing, and every year the favorites have a hard time winning at Churchill Downs. But with this year, the odds are so crowded that there isn’t a “clear” favorite.
As of this article written, the favorite to win this one is Justify, who’s odds are 7-2 and is in the seven post. While the horse is the distinguished favorite in the field, there are twenty horses. Here is the rest of the field:
2018 Kentucky Derby Odds
| HORSE | POST POSITION | ODDS |
|---|---|---|
| Justify | 7 | 7-2 |
| My Boy Jack | 10 | 5-1 |
| Audible | 5 | 6-1 |
| Mendelssohn | 14 | 6-1 |
| Good Magic | 6 | 8-1 |
| Bolt d’Oro | 11 | 9-1 |
| Magnum Moon | 16 | 13-1 |
| Vino Rosso | 18 | 15-1 |
| Hofburg | 9 | 25-1 |
| Lone Sailor | 8 | 32-1 |
| Free Drop Billy | 2 | 41-1 |
| Promises Fulfilled | 3 | 46-1 |
| Flameaway | 4 | 51-1 |
| Enticed | 12 | 54-1 |
| Noble Indy | 19 | 54-1 |
| Firenze Fire | 1 | 63-1 |
| Solomini | 17 | 64-1 |
| Bravazo | 13 | 69-1 |
| Combatant | 20 | 77-1 |
| Instilled Regard | 15 | 99-1 |
*Source: http://www.espn.com/chalk/story/_/id/22594819/horse-racing-latest-2018-kentucky-derby-futures-odds
As you can see, it’s a very crowded field and the odds are very close with horses My Boy Jack, Audible, Mendelssohn, Good Magic, Bolt d’Oro, Magnum Moon, and Vino Rosso in striking distance of Justify.
One thing to look after is the conditions of the track. As of this morning, the conditions are fast, which means it’s good running conditions. There is rain in the forecast which could mean the conditions could change and make it slower for the horses to run on. Keep an eye out on this.
So later on today I plan on just grabbing a pint of beer for the race (yeah, I know, it should be mint julep per tradition, but I don’t care for that stuff), kicking back, and enjoying what unfolds in front of me. Who is my favorite to win the race? As cliche as it sounds, I’m going with the favorite here Justify. While the odds are on his side, the conditions look favorable for him. I also suspect this will be a tight race so keep an eye out for that. And let’s see if any horse will lead to a Triple Crown last won by American Pharaoh in 2015.
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