The stage is set, and the horses are drawn. Florida horse racing fans and bettors are eagerly awaiting the 149th Kentucky Derby on Saturday at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., with their eyes on several Sun State prospects. Post time is approximately 6:57 p.m. Florida sports betting remains tied up in the legal system. However, horse betting is allowed in a pari-mutuel format. Floridians looking to bet on the Kentucky Derby can do so through the FanDuel Racing app, one of the most popular racebooks in the Sunshine State. Known Agenda, the Fountain of Youth and Florida Derby winner at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, drew the 15 post in a 20-horse field on Monday. He was installed as the hot 3-1 morning-line favorite for this 1 1/4-mile spectacle, poised to provide excellent betting value with the large number of entries. Soup and Sandwich, who nearly upset Known Agenda in the Florida Derby, drew the 8 post and had 15-1 odds. He aims to become the first horse to win from that spot since Mine That Bird in 2009. This has been one of the top post positions, producing eight Derby triumphs. That is second only to the Number 5 slot (10 victories), drawn by another Florida standout, Tapit Trice.
Jake Pletcher will be heavily displayed at the Kentucky Derby
While three Florida-based horses are solid contenders, Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher gains early Derby spotlight. Pletcher is the leading money-winner at Gulfstream Park. Pletcher not only trains Known Agenda and Soup and Sandwich, but he also guides Known Agenda, one of the early speedrunners, at 12-1. Known Agenda breaks from the 6 posts. Pletcher has two Kentucky Derby victories with Super Saver in 2010 and Always Dreaming in 2017. Always Dreaming also won the Florida Derby. Saffie Joseph Jr, the leading wins trainer at Gulfstream Park, shook up the world when his 59-1 long shot Soup and Sandwich won the Wood Memorial in New York. Joseph, along with Soup and Sandwich, returns. Here’s a rundown of the Florida entries and an overview of the 1 1/4-mile spectacle, a classic distance for all the participants.
A glance at the Pletcher Trio & Mage
Specialty
The rock star in Florida. He beat 2-5 favorite Give Rock in the 2022 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Keeneland at 5-1 odds last November. That’s the last time bettors saw a price that good. His next two races came at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach. Forte toyed with the field to win the Fountain of Youth at 1-2 betting odds. He was then bet down to 1-5 to 1-9 in the Florida Derby, which he struggled to win. Drawn way outside in the 11 post, he had to circle the field and rally against a determined Mage. He’s not so far on the outside here.
Tapit Trice
What a horse. Bettors have witnessed a commanding performance from him in every race. He dominated a competitive field at Gulfstream Park and then came from behind to crush the Tampa Bay Derby field down the stretch. In the BlueGrass, he secured a favorable stalking position early and eventually passed Essential Quality to victory. He also survived a claim of foul play. The good news for him is the post position of 5, which has produced the most Derby winners with ten, and his stalking-closing running style in a race that may feature a speed duel.
Kingsbarns
He will break from the six post and is expected to show early speed. Unlike the Louisiana Derby, he is likely to face competition on the front-end. He is undefeated in three starts and has shown improvement with each race. He will not have the luxury of taking a breather in the middle stages of the race, so his connections hope that he can continue to improve enough to handle the distance.
Mage
Very nice price for a horse who had the top 3-year-old in the country beaten with 50 yards to go in the Florida Derby. He was passed by Forte but showed the wisdom of bettors who made him the second choice. He was shut down coming home in the Fountain of Youth and therefore should have a better position. He has a good post and could be used a little early to secure a good stalking spot.
An in depth look at the entire field
Here’s a short comment on each horse within the Kentucky Derby field. Chances won’t be recognized until article time, for each pari-mutuel rule.
1 . Strike Show (30-1)
Greatest was caught at the wire by 59-1 shot Lord Miles in the Wood Memorial. The last trained horse to win was Ferdinand in 1986.
2 . Confirming (15-1)
Dangerous early speed. Will likely pressure the pace but will have plenty of company in a race filled with speed. Kingsbarns, Reincarnate, Jace’s Road, and perhaps Confidence Game could challenge him. Throw in Derma Soto Gake as well. The outcome depends on whether he’s caught in a duel.
3. 2 Phil’ h (12-1)
Received the Shaun Ruby Meats as a stalker. Will attempt the same technique, most likely.
four. Confidence Sport (20-1)
Can flash velocity. He hasn’t operated since successful the Digital rebel Stakes within February. May require a competition.
5. Tapit Trice (5-1)
All techniques go. Could hardly ask for a much better post placement or speed scenario.
6. Kingsbarns (12-1)
You almost all know in the half-mile tag if he’s involved in a velocity duel or even running reduce and calm. If he’s calm, he’s a danger.
7. Reincarnate (50-1)
Nice price for any good equine. One of the velocity burners. He’d be harmful if this individual gets the guide by himself.
8. Mage (15-1)
Good article, should get a reasonable stalking journey.
9. Skinner (20-1)
Can enter who his greatest running past is due. Could get the items if the competition falls aside up front.
10. Practical Proceed (10-1)
Received the Santa Claus Anita Derby but was getting leg tired. Must extend, but arrives off a great win within the Golden Condition.
11. Deactivate (30-1)
Excellent odds for any horse that could be coming past due. Could be shocking.
12. Jace’ s Street (15-1)
An additional speed burning to keep the particular pace truthful.
13. Sunlight Thunder (50-1)
Stalks compete for cash at their major competitions. Not difficult underneath.
14. Angel associated with Empire (8-1)
Great is victorious in the Increased Star plus Arkansas Derby, monitoring the speed. Speed sets up with regard to him once again. Major danger.
15. Specialty (3-1)
The very best horse within the race. Can easily see him inside a thrilling pendule to the cable with a sponsor of race horses.
16. Increase Cain (16-1)
Surprise champion at the Gotham in Nyc, rallying more than a muddy-sealed monitor. With sunlit skies a prior weekend not too long ago, he must display another equipment.
17. Derma Soto Gake (10-1)
Winner from the UAE Derby in China. Fastest period there within the last five many years. UAE those who win have not already been faring nicely here, yet he may become the exception. Breaks or cracks from seventeen posts that have never been received.
18. Skyrocket Can (30-1)
Won the particular Holy Half truths at Gulfstream but offers since have already been beaten simply by top opportunities in this competition. He wants to flattened off.
19. Lord Kilometers (30-1)
Lawdy, Lawdy, may Saffie try it again?
20. Prorrogar (50-1)
3rd to Derma Soto Gake within the UAE Derby. Asking a great deal.
Pace Situation
It looks like there’s contentious speed with all the mentioned velocity horses. This race sets up for the likes of Forte, Angel of Empire, and Tapit Trice. Kingsbarns is a reasonable play on the front line, and horses like Two Phil’s and Disarm might have much to say if there’s a speed duel. Good luck with the Derby. It’s a great showcase.
Dave Bontempo is a several national award winning boxing commentator and author. He creates NFL gambling columns for that Press associated with Atlantic Town, iGaming Gamer and others. With regard to PlayFL, he can focus on the field of Florida equine racing.
