For many across the nation, the Kentucky Derby Day is synonymous with “the fastest two minutes in sports.” It’s a thrilling spectacle, sure, but Saturday offers more than just the main event with a packed schedule featuring 14 races starting at 11 a.m. ET. The first stakes race kicks off at 12:38 p.m., and there’s much more to enjoy before the iconic “My Old Kentucky Home” plays as the Derby unfolds.
Race 4, 12:38 p.m.
This race could be a golden opportunity for those looking to kick off Derby Day with a big win. With a competitive field of 14 horses, there are no standout favorites here, which might allow for some surprising outcomes.
Two horses to watch are Castle Chaos at 20-1 and Patriot Spirit at 8-1. The latter, starting from an outside position, seems to perform best when he charges from the gate. If he struggles, expect Castle Chaos to make a big move in the stretch.
Also keep an eye on No. 5, Kupuna, listed at 5-1.
Box: 4, 5, 12
Race 6, 1:53 p.m.
The Put Day Mile is a race featuring some top contenders, yet some interesting odds might catch your attention.
The favorite here is Madaket Road (2-1), trained by Bob Baffert, but alongside him is another Baffert entry, Gaming at 3-1. Rather than going with the top two choices, consider the buffered trans runner, Toe Toe (7-2), who could upset expectations.
A long shot to look out for is California Burrito at 12-1.
Box: 2, 3
Race 8, 3:24 p.m.
This race marks the return of NYSOS (4-1), who’s been sidelined for over a year. He made quite an impression in his first three races, winning by an impressive margin of 26¼ lengths.
Though he could potentially outperform everyone here, the odds might not reflect his true capabilities after such a long downtime, which could deter some bettors.
The betting may heavily favor NYSOS, but I’m also considering Em Danno (8-1) and Giant Prank (8-1), along with a touch of excitement from MindFrame (3-1).
Box: 3, 4, 6
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Michael Lubov, a seasoned sports bettor with over a decade in the industry, combines patience and insight as a fan while utilizing game theory to navigate the betting landscape. His expertise is centered on identifying fresh picks, exploring long shots, and mastering various sports markets.
