I know absolutely nothing about horse racing, although I did watch closely as Big Brown’s bid to become the next Triple Crown winner come up short last year, so I firmly believe that I am more than qualified to make predictions on the sport.
The 135th running of the Kentucky Derby is today, with post time set for approximately 6:04 p.m. ET. The biggest news coming out of Churchill Downs is that the favorite, I Want Revenge, was scratched from today’s race because of a foot injury. Ironically, Quality Road, who was the favorite before I Want Revenge, was also scratched for the race last week due to a foot injury himself.
Here are the 2009 Kentucky Derby Odds:
Advice 25/1
Atomic Rain 50/1
Chocolate Candy 8/1
Desert Party 10/1
Dunkirk 4/1
Flying Private 50/1
Friesan Fire 4/1
General Quarters 5/1
Hold Me Back 12/1
Join In The Dance 50/1
Mine That Bird 50/1
Mr Hot Stuff 30/1
Musket Man 25/1
Nowhere To Hide 50/1
Papa Clem 12/1
Pioneerof the Nile 4.5/1
Regal Ransom 15/1
Summer Bird 30/1
West Side Bernie 40/1
Here are my shot in the dark predictions:
Win: Pioneerof the Nile
Pioneerof the Nile has finished first in all three of his 2009 outings, including a victory at the Santa Anita Derby on February 5. He also placed first in his final race of 2008 at the CashCall Futurity in Hollywood Park.
Place: Friesan Fire
I’m a little concerned because Friesan Fire hasn’t raced since March 14, but he’s been on fire (pun definitely intended in the cheesiest way possible) lately, winning all three of his last three races and placing second in his final race of 2008.
Show: Musket Man
Call this my deep sleeper of this year’s Kentucky Derby. M-Squared has placed first in five of his last six outings, including a victory at the Illinois Derby in Hawthorne on February 4. He’s a 25/1 long shot, but I see a lot of potential in this colt’s hindquarters.
Those are my picks. Avoid them at all cost.
