HORSE RACE BETTING: FOR GAMBLERS, KENTUCKY DERBY FUTURE (BOOK) IS NOW

The 2009 Run for the Roses won't be contested until the first Saturday in May but Kentucky Derby betting fans can run to the windows (or their computer screens) now to place a future book wager on America's premier horse race.

 

By any standard, Kentucky Derby future book betting is ripe with the potential for significant monetary windfall but, at the same time, also fraught with the danger of economic collapse. Unlike, say, the Detroit Lions, who will play 16 NFL games this season and will have a chance, no matter how remote, to win the Super Bowl, no horse is guaranteed a place in the Churchill Downs starting gate for the Kentucky Derby.

 

In fact, out of more than 34,000 horses foaled in 2006 that now are eligible for the 2009 Run for the Roses, a maximum of 20 will compete in the opening leg of thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown.

 

Those are daunting odds but Kentucky Derby betting aficionados who defy them can get some pretty hefty prices of their own on a thoroughbred or two that might be a much shorter number on Derby day.

 

It's a case of lots of risk and plenty of reward.

 

That said, let's look at the early contenders. (Future book odds in parentheses):

 

Old Fashioned (12/1): After winning his six-furlong debut at Delaware Park by a nose, Old Fashioned crushed an allowance field by 15 1/2 lengths at a mile and won the nine furlong Remsen Stakes at Aqueduct by 7 1/4 lengths, Nov. 29, 2008, earning a strong Beyer Speed Figure of 100. Showing he hasn't lost any of his form over the winter, Old Fashioned remained unbeaten when he captured the Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park, Feb. 16.

 

Stardom Bound (18/1): Yes, she's a filly and therefore could opt for the Kentucky Oaks the Friday before the Derby but her victory in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies earned her a higher Beyer Speed figure than Breeders Cup Juvenile colt winner Midshipmen achieved in his win so she made be good enough to accomplish what only three other females have done in 134 years of Kentucky Derby history, beat the boys.

 

Pioneerof The Nile (20/1): Overcame traffic problems to win the Robert B. Lewis Stakes, Feb. 7, finishing strongly, which may indicate that the mile and one-quarter distance of the Kentucky Derby will be no problem. Trainer Bob Baffert has plenty of experience succeeding at the Derby.

 

Vineyard Haven (20/1): After winning both the Grade 1 Hopeful at Saratoga and the Grade 1 Champagne at Belmont last year, hopes were high. Then Vineyard Haven was purchased by Sheikh Mohammed and taken Dubai. It's not just that horses don't win the Kentucky Derby after wintering there; Vineyard Haven lost his 2009 debut, fading to fifth without excuse. Stablemates Desert Party (40/1), who won that race, and Midshipmen (25/1), who was being prepped for a March start, seem more likely now.

 

Friesan Fire (22/1): The second round in trainer Larry Jones (Old Fashioned) shotgun has impressed on his own, winning the Risen Star Stakes by two lengths while recording a competitive Beyer Speed Figure of 96.

 

Capt. Candyman Can (25/1): Showed requisite speed in taking the seven furlong Hutcheson Stakes at Gulfstream Park while earning a 101 Beyer Speed Figure but questions remain about whether he's anything more than a sprinter.

 

Giant Oak (25/1): Fifth in the Risen Star after a horrendous trip, he'll get another chance to redeem himself before bettors start to look elsewhere.

 

OTHERS TO WATCH: Among the more intriguing longshots is This Ones For Phil 40/1), who notched a 116 Beyer Speed Figure when he won the Sunset Millions Dash. Is he just a sprinter? At those odds, some will take a chance that he's not. Haynesfield (30/1) is coming off a 6 1/4-length win in the Whirlaway Stakes at Aqueduct but he'll have to prove he can stretch out, too. I Want Revenge (40/1) has been chasing Pioneerof The Nile without success but the price is right.

 

This article was written by Luken Karel for http://www.thegreek.com. The Greek Sportsbook & Casino is host to one of the top online sportsbooks offering sports betting on NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and all other major sports. The Greek is a must have sports betting and entertainment portal with one of the largest wagering menus available online. Article reproductions must include a link pointing to http://www.thegreek.com