From the moment the betting windows opened on Friday to take action on the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby, Revolutionary took the lion’s share of the WIN wagers, maintaining favoritism at 5-1 until about 30 minutes to Post Time. The West Coast – Rick Pitino hope, Goldencents backers bettor their favorite colt down to 5-1 as well, while FL Derby winner Orb and undefeated Verrazano, were getting very little respect at 7-1 and 11-1, respectively.
That is, until 30 minutes to Post Time when the late money came in on Orb, to make him the official Post Time 5-1 favorite, and he did not disappoint his backers. Orb was away awkwardly at the start, angled in and reserved energy early while four wide on the first turn, angled out after six furlongs, made a bold six wide move commencing near the three furlong marker, reeled in the leader in mid-stretch, drew clear then stayed clear under steady handling to win by 2½ lengths over Golden Soul (34-1), who was one length ahead of Revolutionary (6-1).
Orb chillin’ just days before becoming a Derby Champ
Even though the betting favorite won, the $2 Exacta and Trifecta payoffs were huge due to Golden Soul’s runner-up finish at 34-1. Factor in a 19 horse field and an Exacta Pool of over $23 million resulted in a $981.70 Exacta pay-off on a $2 bet. The $6,925.60 Trifecta pay-off on a $2 bet was quite the gift when the second betting choice completed the Trifecta.
So what you say, “yeah nice pay-offs but nobody could have picked that #4 (Golden Soul).” That’s where you’d be incorrect. Because yours truly DID pick Golden Soul to finish third, behind Revolutionary and Orb, as documented in my Derby Analysis & Selections blog.
Sorry if I’m nearly breaking my arm padding myself on the back, but if I don’t do it, who will?!
Drawing compliments of Mel
There’s actually some bad news that Orb won the Derby. Last week while in Lou’vull (aka Louisville), I had the opportunity to ask Orb’s trainer, Shug McGuaghey what his travel plans would be for Orb IF he were to win the Derby and move onto run in the Preakness on May 18th. “We’ll go back to New York, then probably ship down on Tuesday (of Preakness week)” McGaughey stated. That’s unfortunate after the folks at the Maryland Jockey Club last year enjoyed early hype of the Preakness when trainer Doug O’Neill brought the Derby winner (I’ll Have Another) to Old Hilltop the Monday after the Derby.
The JockeyWorld.org racing term of the day is #125… “Gate Card”
Recapping Pimlico Day 19 selections from Saturday 11-race card posted had 6 winners (2 Top Selections in BOLD type) having $2 WIN pay-offs of $3.40 (1st race), $9.00 (6th), $8.00 (7th), $12.20 (8th), $5.20 (10th) and $8.00 (11th).
The BEST BET (18 8-2-2) Ruttzy Tuttzy (#2 7-1 PT; 8-1 M/L) lacked speed , raced outside horses on the turn, swung to the five path turning for home and rallied to be a clear third to return $5.00 to SHOW.
The LONGSHOT PICK (18 4-1-2) Skeleton Crew (R3 #4 5-1 PT; 8-1 M/L) lacked speed, raced inside horses in upper stretch, swung very wide in mid-stretch and rallied to earn a minor share of the purse, finishing third to return $4.60 to SHOW.
Selections for the Day 20 Pimlico Sunday, May 5th card will be on Page 2.
Kentucky Derby Future Wager – Pool 2 betting starts noon Friday through 6:00 p.m. EST Sunday, March 3rd