Kentucky Derby Bets Worth Considering
With such an open race this year there are plenty of Kentucky Derby bets that should be considered. Don't just think "Win", think about your exotic plays.
As Gambling911.com has previously reported, a lot of the betting public likes West Side Bernie, and with good reason. West Side Bernie has always finished "in the money" his first three starts on dirt despite being winless. This is certainly a horse that should be considered as part of one's exotic plays.
Regal Ransom was listed at +2000 odds at BetUS.com and this online gambling site was pretty high on Regal early on when he was at +2500 odds.
"I still believe that out of the two Godolphin invaders the winner of the UAE Derby, Regal Ransom, is the better pick than his stable mate Desert Party," said D.S. Williamson of BetUS.com. "Not only did Regal Ransom win the UAE Derby, but he's sired by Distorted Humor, the sire of 2003 Kentucky Derby winner, Funny Cide. Both Regal Ransom and Desert Party are now in Kentucky and both of them have a shot to wear the roses in the First Saturday in May."
Hold Me Back is a contender whose name has come up among a few experts.
Ed McNamara of NewsDay believes he has a chance of pulling the upset.
"Big, long-striding colt is a tempting longshot who looks certain to stay 1¼ miles. He's in great hands with three-time Derby winner Desormeaux and Mott, two Hall of Famers. He'd be among the favorites if Churchill had a synthetic surface. Unfortunately, he was a distant fifth in his only try on dirt."
BetUS.com had shortened Hold Me Back to +1200 odds, although other online gambling websites were offering a much more appealing number here.
Friesan Fire is a co-favorite now that I Want Revenge has been scratched. Not only has he been considered a horse most likely to win even before I Want Revenge came out of contention, the likelihood of a muddy track gives Friesan an even greater edge.
Papa Clem looked great winning the Arkansas Derby but unfortunately looked ragged this past week.
General Quarters is yet another thoroughbred that can race well on a muddy track. His odds were shortened significantly over at Sportsbook.com to +500 Saturday morning. He has the pedigree to get 1 ¼ miles.
Those who have been observing the prep sessions at Churchill Downs note that Pioneer of the Nile, who had his best payout odds listed at betED.com (+550 for a payout potential of $550 on every $100 bet), was looking the best of any other horse entering the race.
"Looking good and training well at Churchill, and Baffert knows how to get them to peak for the big day," McNamara points out. "Garrett Gomez, an outstanding money rider, chose him over Dunkirk."
Christopher Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher
