2018 Kentucky Derby Field Is Set
Now that this year’s Road to the Kentucky Derby has been completed (35 qualifying races), the top 20 horses from the points-graded tournament have been selected. However, though the 2018 Kentucky Derby field is set, there could be potential injuries to current placeholders, which could change the lineup (or reduce it from its current 20-horse tally). If the Derby were to be held today, however, the roster would look like this (with odds from both Bovada and BetOnline, respectively):
- 1. Justify +400, +225
- 2. Mendelssohn +400, +525
- 3. Audible +500, +675
- 4. Magnum Moon +800, +725
- 5. Bolt d’Oro +900, +575
- 6. Good Magic +1100, +825
- 7. Vino Rosso +1600, +950
- 8. Noble Indy +2000, +3000
- 9. My Boy Jack +2000, +3500
- 10. Hofburg +2000, +4000
- 11. Solomini +2200, +3000
- 12. Enticed +2500, +3000
- 13. Promises Fulfilled +3300, +8500
- 14. Gronkowski +3300, +5500
- 15. Free Drop Billy +3300, +6500
- 16. Flameaway +3300, +4500
- 17. Firenze Fire +4000, +9000
- 18. Lone Sailor +4000, +6000
- 19. Quip +4000, +3000
- 20. Bravazo +5000, +6500
Once regarded as the front-runner, Bolt d’Oro’s odds have widened, making him an attractive wager in both singles and various exotic bets. In early April’s Santa Anita Derby, Justify – the current Derby favorite – beat Bolt d’Oro by three lengths, but the race was close and the latter colt wasn’t as taxed as he had been in prior major stakes outings. And with Victor Espinoza, a 3-time Kentucky Derby winner, riding Bolt d’Oro in this year’s Run for the Roses, the upset could turn out to be a sure thing.
Many analysts and KentuckyDerbyPreview.com are giving the top four horses listed – all of whom are among the combined points leaders from the qualifiers – the best chances to win outright (or to play a part in your parlays). On the other end of the spectrum, though Gronkowski made the cut to get into the Derby, almost everyone agrees that he doesn’t belong in the field, having only been invited via a special “European Qualification.” However, due to his name and its popularity in the region, he’ll get lots of wagers and help build up the betting pool (which probably explains why he was invited in the first place).
Regardless of how these horses draw for the big day, it seems pretty clear that a few exactas and trifectas are in order. Just don’t leave out Bolt d’Oro, as these are some of the best odds you’ll ever get on the colt. Also, with a decided betting board upset in your parlays, your payout stands to be that much sweeter.
| Race Day: |
| May 5, 2018 |
| Post Time: |
| 6:46pm EST |
| Horse Track: |
| Churchill Downs |
| Track Location: |
| Louisville, Kentucky |
| Track Length: |
| 1.25 Miles |