Review:
The Kentucky Derby is a race held annually in the first week in May, Louisville, USA. The race is held on a dirt track and known by many as ‘The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports’ as this is the length of the race which is 10 furlongs (1 ¼ miles).
The race is a Grade 1 contest and part of the American ‘Triple Crown’ which also includes The Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes and unlike the other two races, the Kentucky Derby has the largest attendance and is also the oldest horse race still going in America with the race first run as far back as 1875.
There are many records in the Kentucky Derby which include most wins by a jockey which include Eddie Arcaro and Bill Hartack who have both won the race 5 times. Most wins by an Owner goes to Calumet Farm who has owned the winner of 8 horses. Finally, most wins by a Trainer goes to Ben A. Jones who has trained the winner of the Kentucky Derby 6 times.
Other noticeable things about the Kentucky Derby include that last year Country House was awarded the race after Maximum Security was disqualified. This was the first time anything like this has happened in such a big race.
In 2018, Justify became the first horse since Apollo in 1982 to win the Kentucky Derby without having raced as a two-year-old. This is some achievement given the previous winners had all run as a two-year-old picking up valuable track experience.
Sponsorship in Horse Racing is part of the commercial value of the sport, however in the Kentucky Derby, in 2004 was the first year that jockeys were able to wear advertising messages on their clothing.
Finally, in our review of the Kentucky Derby, we look at the traditions of the race. The race is often referred to as “The Run for the Roses” for the reason that roses are awarded to the winner of the race. Also, an iced drink consisting of bourbon and mint called ‘The Mint Julep’ is the traditional beverage of the race.
Preview:
With more States in the US being regulated for Sports betting this year’s running of the Kentucky Derby could be the most staked on the race in its history.
This is sure to be a competitive race with many horses fancying their chances to win one of the richest races in the world.
Tiz the Law is the favorite on the online sportsbooks for the race, trained by Barclay Tagg and owned by the Sackatoga Stable. The horse has won 3 of its 4 starts.
Another horse who has huge potential is Authentic. With 1 win from the only race run, Authentic raced well on 4th January at Santa Anita winning well from a mile-long race.
The final horse to mention who will have their eye on this race is Ete Indien. The horse has won 2 out of its last 3 races and the most recent win was impressive at Gulfstream Park over 1-mile ½ furlong. The race before that could well have a huge bearing on the Kentucky Derby this year as Ete Indien finished 2nd behind Tiz the Law.
Tips
At this early stage, Tiz the Law is one of the likely winners of the Kentucky Derby following a good performance on 1st February at Gulfstream Park as the horse won well in a 1-mile ½ furlong race which was the first race as a three-year-old.
Prior to that Tiz the Law won two of three starts as a two-year-old including wins at Belmont Park and Saratoga. With good form as a two-year-old and a win a month ago, it makes obvious sense for the horse to be well fancied.
Top Tips
10/1 (11.0) (+1000) Finite to win Kentucky Derby (each way 1/5 the odds 3 places)
18/1 (19.0) (+1800) Ete Indien to win Kentucky Derby (each way 1/5 the odds 3 places