Kentucky Derby 2017 picks: Experts are split between top contenders McCraken, Classic Empire

The Kentucky Derby is set for Saturday, and it will be the 143rd iteration of the Run for the Roses. It’s a packed field of talented horses and talented jockeys. The betting lines are sure to fluctuate until the post time of 6:46 p.m. ET, but for now, Classic Empire is the favorite with 4-1 odds.

Always Dreaming, McCraken, and Irish War Cry rounded out the top contenders with 5-1 odds for the former two and 6-1 odds for the latter on the opening lines. With the big day approaching, experts around the Internet have been weighing in on who they think will win.

Brian Zipse provided his detailed thoughts on each horse going into Saturday’s race on Horse Racing Nation, and while he has some interesting insights into the potential for Lookin At Lee to surprise from the opening post, he is going all-in on McCraken.

He called the Ian Wilkes-trained McCraken his “top pick,” and called Churchill Downs his home track. He’s right there in the betting lines as well, and it wouldn’t be surprising for McCraken to take the win.

Over at the official Kentucky Derby website, they have picks from some of the prominent people involved, including Joe Kristufek, the Churchill Downs paddock host. Kristufek has Always Dreaming as his top horse, with current favorite Classic Empire ranked fourth and McCraken in second.

Of the other experts picking for the site, one has Always Dreaming as the winner, only one person is picking Classic Empire to win it, while the other three are going with McCraken.

The folks over at Sporting News say a long-shot winner won’t prevail in this race, and they’re going with Classic Empire for the victory, Always Dreaming to place, and McCraken to show.

Michael J. Cox of The Derby Handicapper also posted a preview of the Kentucky Derby, and he narrowed his top-two picks to Classic Empire and Always Dreaming. In the end, he picked Classic Empire, and gave plenty of detailed analysis for the description.