There is no doubt that the odds makers haven’t changed their minds about which horse has the best chance of winning the 2016 Kentucky Derby. Nyquist was the favorite when the odds were first posted on the field of 20 horses, and he remains the top pick leading up to the world-famous race. Currently, he has 2-1 odds (+225) after starting with 3-1 odds (+300) with the original morning line.
Kentucky Derby odds 2016: Nyquist still favorite, but a deep field keeps things interesting
While it’s understandable why betting on Nyquist makes sense, it’s important to remember that the 142nd running of the Kentucky Derby has a deep field with plenty of contenders worth taking a look at.
Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports
The second favorite horse has been Exaggerator from the start. His initial 8-1 odds (+800) have moved to 5-1 (+650). Behind him, Gun Runner has the lone 10-1 odds (+1000), which are the same odds he started with. Mohaymen comes in next at 12-1 (+1000) and Mor Spirit at 13-1 (+1400).
Don’t worry if you don’t understand all the numbers that come with the odds. Here’s a quick breakdown: The odds that are listed as 3-1 or 10-1 are meant to be the easiest to understand. For every dollar you bet on the winner, you get your original dollar back plus three more with a 3-1 odds. You get 10 more on 10-1 odds. Simple, right? The numbers above in parenthesis are from our friends at OddsShark. That number indicates the amount you win for every $100 you bet. You get your original $100 bet back with a win, plus that amount.
Nyquist will be looking for his eighth-straight victory when the derby kicks off. He won the Florida Derby (G1) in early April on his last race. He is jockeyed by Mario Gutierrez and trained by Doug O’Neill. Those two have history together with the Kentucky Derby, having won it in 2012 with I’ll Have Another.
Exaggerator, the winner of the Santa Anita Derby (G1) will be jockeyed by Hall of Famer Kent Desormeaux and is trained by his brother, Keith. Exaggerator lost to Nyquist in the San Vicente (G2) and then lost to fellow Kentucky Derby contenders Danzing Candy and Mor Spirit in the San Felipe (G2).
Here are the current odds as of noon on May 7 (horse order is based on post position):
| Horse | Morning Line Odds | Current Odds |
| Trojan Nation | 50-1 | 40-1 |
| Suddenbreakingnews | 20-1 | 24-1 |
| Creator | 10-1 | 16-1 |
| Mo Tom | 20-1 | 23-1 |
| Gun Runner | 10-1 | 10-1 |
| My Man Sam | 20-1 | 19-1 |
| Oscar Nominated | 50-1 | 41-1 |
| Lani | 30-1 | 27-1 |
| Destin | 15-1 | 21-1 |
| Whitmore | 20-1 | 32-1 |
| Exaggerator | 8-1 | 5-1 |
| Tom's Ready | 30-1 | 44-1 |
| Nyquist | 3-1 | 2-1 |
| Mohaymen | 10-1 | 12-1 |
| Outwork | 15-1 | 27-1 |
| Shagaf | 20-1 | 63-1 |
| Mor Spirit | 12-1 | 13-1 |
| Majesto | 30-1 | 60-1 |
| Brody's Cause | 12-1 | 21-1 |
| Danzing Candy | 15-1 | 28-1 |
Kentucky Derby odds, presented by a horse
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