2017 Kentucky Derby Predictions: Hence is Not to be Overlooked
- 16-1 odds make for a good middle of the pack value pick
- Bris speed figure is the highest in this bunch
- Starts from one of the best post positions
Hence had odds of winning the 2017 Kentucky Derby set at 16-1 though he does not seem to fit into any experts top three predictions.
Experts from the Lexington Herald Leader believe Hence has a very solid chance of turning in a solid performance at this year’s Kentucky Derby:
Need to know: He was impressive in winning the Sunland Derby over a group of horses who went on to run big races their next time out (including Irap, who was fourth at Sunland before winning the Blue Grass Stakes). His last-race Bris speed figure is the highest in this bunch. He also broke his maiden with a wild stretch run over a sloppy track.
A good bet? He seems to be improving from race to race, he has a versatile running style and — on paper — he’s as fast as anything here. At anything close to 15-1, he’s a great value.
He did have one bad race. That would be the Southwest Stakes where he finished 7th and followed up with a win at the Sunland.
Let’s not forget his number 8 post position has witnessed eight wins in Derby history, making it among the more ideal spots in which to start.
Trainer Steve Asmussen: "The eight for Hence is one of the preferred spots statistically. I think, looking at the stats the last 20 years, the eight, 13 and 16 posts have produced the most in-the-money finishes.”
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KENTUCKY DERBY FUTURES - May 06 |
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- Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com