Which 2014 Kentucky Derby Horses Are the Best Closers
There are two top closers racing in this year’s Kentucky Derby: Wicked Strong at 10-1 odds and Intense Holiday at 12-1 odds. The 10-1 odds on Wicked Strong can be found at Bookmaker (at least as of Friday afternoon). You’ll want to lock this price in fast as most racebooks had him at 8-1 odds or shorter.
As we alluded to in a previous article, Intense Holiday probably has the edge, and at better odds. That’s by virtue of who the better jockey might be with Hall of Famer John Velazquez riding Intense Holiday.
He’s one of the most dependable closers around. Intense Holiday should relish what is expected to be a fast pace at Saturday’s Kentucky Derby.
He’s also improved in another area, according to Trainer Todd Pletcher: changing leads properly at the top of the stretch.
So far, Intense Holiday is wowing Todd Pletcher.
He also left quite the impression on former trainer Frank Brothers, who picked out Intense Holiday for owner Starlight Racing.
"That's as good as it gets," he said of Intense Holiday’s workouts and Pletcher echoed that same sentiment, claiming he’s never worked out better.
But let’s not ignore Wicked Strong, a horse that will represent Boston Strong at this year’s race.
This Jimmy Jerkens-trained colt presents itself as a dangerous closer with speed. He registered a 103 Speed rating for the 3 1/2-length decision.
It only seems to be getting better as he blew out three furlongs in :36 3/5 Thursday morning as part of his daily exercise program Thursday.
"I didn't have a chance to go around so I watched him come around the turn," Jerkens explained. "But he was good and into the bridle, so I imagine he went OK. It wasn't supposed to amount to much, just something to stretch his legs and open up his lungs a little bit because he's had plenty of work. He's dead-fit, but we still wanted to do something to get him to take a deep breath."
Wicked Strong’s outside post position remains a concern. Only one horse has won from this spot since 1930.
Other closers include Dance With Fate, Medal Count and Commanding Curve, that later of which was a huge long shot at 50-1 odds.
|
Post Position |
Horse |
Jockey |
Trainer |
Odds |
|
1 |
Vicar's In Trouble |
Rosie Napravnik |
Mike Maker |
30-1 |
|
2 |
Harry's Holiday |
Corey Lanerie |
Mike Maker |
50-1 |
|
3 |
Uncle Sigh |
Irad Ortiz Jr. |
Gary Contessa |
30-1 |
|
4 |
Danza |
Joe Bravo |
Todd Pletcher |
10-1 |
|
5 |
California Chrome |
Victor Espinoza |
Art Sherman |
5-2 |
|
6 |
Samraat |
Jose Ortiz |
Rick Violette Jr. |
15-1 |
|
7 |
We Miss Artie |
Javier Castellano |
Todd Pletcher |
50-1 |
|
8 |
General A Rod |
Joel Rosario |
Mike Maker |
15-1 |
|
9 |
Vinceremos |
Joe Rococo Jr. |
Todd Pletcher |
30-1 |
|
10 |
Wildcat Red |
Luis Saez |
Joe Garoffalo |
15-1 |
|
11 |
Hoppertunity |
Mike Smith |
Bob Baffert |
6-1 |
|
12 |
Dance With Fate |
Corey Nakatani |
Peter Eurton |
20-1 |
|
13 |
Chitu |
Martin Garcia |
Bob Baffert |
20-1 |
|
14 |
Medal Count |
Robby Albarado |
Dale Romans |
20-1 |
|
15 |
Tapiture |
Ricardo Santana Jr. |
Steve Asmussen |
15-1 |
|
16 |
Intense Holiday |
John Velazquez |
Todd Pletcher |
12-1 |
|
17 |
Commanding Curve |
Shaun Bridgmohan |
Dallas Stewart |
50-1 |
|
18 |
Candy Boy |
Gary Stevens |
John Sadler |
20-1 |
|
19 |
Ride On Curlin |
Calvin Borel |
William G. Gowan |
15-1 |
|
20 |
Wicked Strong |
Rajiv Maragh |
James A. Jerkens |
8-1 |
|
21 AE |
Pablo Del Monte |
Jeffrey Sanchez |
Wesley Ward |
50-1 |
- Dan Shapiro, Gambling911.com
