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Three horses had the shortest odds to win the 2017 Kentucky Derby with each owning favorite status as a result early on, exactly one week before the big race. The payout potential with an early bet could prove especially lucrative as a result.
Classic Empire’s price has been fluctuating, but as of Sunday morning he was coming in at +525 for a payout potential of $52.50 for every $10 bet depending on the book.
The Arkansas Derby winner breezed 4 furlongs in 49.20 (fast), galloped out 5 furlongs 1:03 in Friday’s workouts, a performance that helped instill him once again as the technical favorite after two other horses were featured with slightly shorter odds two days prior.
Veteran trainer Mark Casse said of his Arkansas Derby performance after suffering a foot abscess, "I thought his race was tremendous given all the obstacles we had to overcome.
“I don't see any reason why his next performance can't be as good if not better.
"Right now, he's a happy horse."
Irish War Cry and Always Dreaming were each hovering around +550 to +575 odds.
Always Dreaming also finished strong in his Friday workout.
"I thought he was exceptional," said Todd Pletcher of Florida Derby winner.
He went through a five-furlong drill in :59.60 with jockey John Velazquez aboard.
He produced fractions of :13, :24.40, :35.80, :47.60 and :59.60 with gallop-outs of 1:12.60 for six furlongs, 1:25.60 for seven and 1:40 for a mile.
“I thought it was a powerful work; exceptional,” Pletcher said.
Trainer Graham Motion trained Irish War Cry timed in 1:13.20 for six furlongs over the main track under jockey Rajiv Maragh.
Irish War Cry has a few wins under his belt already including the Holy Bull and the Wood Memorial.
“It was the only time I worked him since the Wood, by design. That's what I do. We don't usually breeze until three weeks after a race,” Motion said. “I told Rajiv to try and go off in 13 [seconds] which is right what they did on the money, and he finished up in 13 and change. I don't think it could have gone any better. It was perfect.”
Odds will be alternate following this week’s post position draw so bet your favorite early here.
- Ean Lamb, Gambling911.com
