Kentucky Derby 2017 Best Payouts in Modern History

The 2017 Kentucky Derby features some of the best payout potentials we have seen, starting no lower than $56 for every $10 bet on Classic Empire.

With no clear cut star heading into this year’s Kentucky Derby, five horses were being offered between 5-1 and 10-1 odds for the likelihood of a strong pay day.

Always Dreaming would pay $62.50 as the entrant with the second shortest odds.  He looked sensational in Tuesday workouts.

“He didn’t fight me at all. He was a lot more relaxed,” said exercise rider Nick Bush said.

“I thought he went great this morning,” trainer Todd Pletcher said. “I very much liked what I saw.”

Irish War Cry galloped about a mile after arriving at Churchill from Maryland late Monday afternoon.

“He was a little bit on the muscle today, being his first time out here,” trainer Graham Motion said. “He didn’t train (Monday morning) obviously, with traveling. He was a little sharp, but I think he’ll settle down as the week goes on.”

Originally among the three co-favorites, Irish War Cry drew arguably the worst post position, the only one (17) that has never produced a winner.

Trainer Graham Motion appeared unconcerned over the draw. 

“(2011 Kentucky Derby winner) Animal Kingdom was 16, so I can’t be disappointed with 17. It can be done from out there. I’m happy enough with it.”

Irish War Cry comes into this race promising a payout of just shy of $80 for every $10 bet.

Gunnevera sneaked into the single digit odds, slashed even shorter than those of Irish War Cry at +825 (paying $82.50 for every $10 bet).  He’ll be representing Venezuela.

"All Venezuelan guys with horses are fans of the Kentucky Derby -- jockeys, owners, trainers, they're all thinking about the race," Venezuelan trainer Antonio Sano said. "They're all excited about this horse. This horse, it's a very big gift to Venezuela with the situation there now. I am very proud of this moment. I think I hope many times for a chance to be in the Derby, and this year is the right moment. It's a beautiful experience."

McCracken at 7-1 odds is the one to watch should rain factor in the forecast as he has already won on a muddy track.

For the latest live odds go here

- Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com