America’s biggest day in racing is tomorrow at Churchill Downs in Kentucky. 20 horses will be at the post for a chance to win the first leg of the coveted Triple Crown.
May 2, 2015 will be the 141st meet of the Kentucky Derby and the top two horses; American Pharoah and Dortmund, are both under the same trainer. Bob Baffert’s horses will start from post 18 and 8 respectively. American Pharaoh is currently at odds of 5-2 coming off an Arkansas Derby win, and Santa Anita Derby winner Dortmund is currently running at 3-1.
Odds will change up to post time and can be found on Bovada for those in the US and Bodog for the rest of the world.
Although you may not find a place among the 165,000 or so people to watch the event live (322 seats in the Mansion area sold for an average of $10,000 each) the race will be simulcast to outlets all over the country, and the world.
Off track betting parlors will account for the lion’s share of wagers on the Derby, but legal online race betting (check your local laws) across America will experience a hefty handle as well.
The 1 1⁄4 miles (10 furlongs; 2,012 m) race is known in the United States as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes In Sports” or “The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports” in reference to the length of time it takes from start to finish. The standing record on the left-handed dirt track is 1:59 2⁄5 seconds – set by Secretariat in 1973. The only other time under 2 minutes was posted by Monarchos at 1.59.97 in 2001.
Although the odds favor three-time Kentucky Derby winner and Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert’s top two, the entire field of 20 holds true contenders for an upset. Some top handicappers are looking at Firing Line, Bolo, and especially Frosted to take the race.
Churchill Downs gates open early at 8am (all times ET) with post time for the first race at 10:30am. Post time for the Kentucky Oaks is approximately 5:45pm on Friday. Post time for the Kentucky Derby is approximately 6:24pm Saturday.