While the undefeated Nyquist remains the early betting favorite for the 142nd running of the Kentucky Derby (G1) at sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com, there are 19 other contenders and plenty of betting value to be found as the Run for the Roses approaches.
Kentucky Derby odds 2016: Nyquist favored, but betting value abounds for May 7 race
Nyquist remains the betting favorite for the 142nd running of the Kentucky Derby, but several other horses are also worth a look next week.
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We have seen betting favorites Orb, California Chrome and American Pharoah get the job done in the last three years, but I’ll Have Another (2012) at 15-1 and Animal Kingdom (2011) at 20-1 are recent winners and let’s not forget about Mine That Bird and Giacomo both paying over $100 to win in 2009 and 2005, respectively.
Florida Derby (G1) winner Nyquist is the current favorite at +300, but there are plenty of viable options other than backing the betting favorite at the 2016 Kentucky Derby.
Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner Exaggerator (+800) and Fountain of Youth (G2) victor Mohaymen (+1000) continue to be the second and third choices on the early Kentucky Derby betting lines.
Once we get beyond the top three it is difficult to separate the next half dozen contenders, and there will be plenty of betting value available come the first Saturday of May. Several contenders coming off victories in key prep races are going to be sent off at generous prices.
Creator won the Arkansas Derby (G1) in his last start, a race American Pharoah used last year as a springboard to sweeping the Triple Crown. The Steve Asmussen trainee is currently at early Kentucky Derby betting odds of +2000.
Outwork won the Wood Memorial (G1) at Aqueduct in his last outing, just his fourth career start. Trained by Todd Pletcher, who won the 2010 Kentucky Derby with Super Saver, the colt is at early Kentucky Derby betting odds of +2000 as well.
Brody’s Cause stamped his ticket to the Derby with his victory in the Toyota Blue Grass (G1) at Keeneland in his last outing, bouncing back from a disappointing effort as the betting favorite in the Tampa Bay Derby. He can be had at +1200 in early Kentucky Derby betting.
Lani will attempt to become the first Japanese runner to win America's most famous race. He earned his way into the field with his victory in the UAE Derby (G2) in Dubai and his race odds stand at +3300 at Kentucky Derby betting sites.
Toss in Mo Tom (+1600) who has had terrible trips in his last two starts, Whitmore (+3300) who ran credible without winning in his three prep races at Oaklawn Park, and My Man Sam (+2500) who was a fast closing second in the Blue Grass in his stakes debut, and we have a wide open edition of the two most exciting minutes in sports this year.
