Pletcher Dominates Kentucky Derby Odds Preview

Todd Pletcher-trained runners hold the key with our Kentucky Derby odds preview, including Forte and Tapit Trice.

The 3-year-old colts have performed best throughout the year with horse racing schedules, but it’s another wide-open contest.

Kentucky Derby odds have Forte at 3-1 as the easing favorite following his disappointing workout form.

Inside Draws Avoided

Pletcher didn’t want inside draws for his runners, so with Forte drawing gate 15, the favorite should avoid getting trapped.

Stablemates Tapit Trice and Kingsbarns drew ideally in posts five and six, so it all worked out well for the champion trainer.

“We’re just trying to avoid a really poor post 1 or 20 or something like that, which is pretty straightforward, and hopefully get some tactical position in the first turn and be able to save a little bit of ground and go from there,” Pletcher said.

Forte is the most high-profile runner with Kentucky Derby odds. He has been the favorite for months following wins in the Breeders’ Futurity, Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, Fountain of Youth, and last start in the Florida Derby.

There is little doubt that he’s the best-performed colt in the field, but he didn’t produce much in two pieces of work. That’s a concern, and it’s why he hasn’t been heavily backed throughout the week.

Usually, a runner in his class would be around 2-1 with bookmakers. Therefore, there is some trepidation at the 3-1 price.

However, we’re happy to have Forte in our Kentucky Derby odds preview. He should give bettors a good sight.

Tapit Trice to Upset Stablemate

Tapit Trice is a stablemate to Forte, but we predict late money to come for the 3-year-old son of Tapit.

He comes off three consecutive wins, including victories in the Tampa Bay Derby and Blue Grass Stakes. We like form coming out of the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland, so he should measure up at Churchill Downs on Saturday.

The betting will tell the full story. If there is more attention for Tapit Trice on race day, that’s a big sign. He’s good enough to beat the Kentucky Derby field and he’s our clear second pick in our Kentucky Derby odds preview.

Angel of Empire Best of the Rest

Angel of Empire shouldn’t be overlooked after winning the Grade I Arkansas Derby when beating King Russell and Reincarnate.

The son of Classic Empire is on the third line of betting and he shapes up as a solid Kentucky Derby contender.

Trained by Brad Cox, the 3-year-old owns four wins from six starts, so he knows how to find the line and beat whatever field is put in front of him.

“We’ve always thought he was a horse that could get to a mile-and-a-quarter, a mile-and-an-eighth. Obviously, he’s done that twice now,” Cox said. “He was by a sire [Classic Empire] that won this race, so I think the longer, the better.”

He also won the Risen Star two starts back, which is usually a good form guide for the biggest age-group race in North America. Therefore, Angel of Empire is worth including in our Kentucky Derby odds preview.

There is plenty of upside with this runner and bettors get each-way odds, so back him to win and place.

Can’t get enough? Here’s more!

• Wet Paint Headlines Kentucky Oaks Betting Preview
  
• Navigating the Triple Crown Tracks: Unraveling Horse Racing Odds and Betting Strategies
  
• Triple Crown Triumphs: A Historical Look at Horse Racing Odds and Legendary Winners
  
• What Are the True Odds of a Triple Crown Winner?
  
• Forte Tops Triple Crown Futures Betting