Kentucky Derby Odds: Breaking Down Favorites to Win, Place and Show

The Kentucky Derby is slowly but surely creeping up, and soon enough the draw will have taken place and the hopeful horses will be making their way to the starting gate.

Let’s take a look at the members of the field with projections for which pony will win, place and show.

Win: Gemologist

This horse has yet to lose in his illustrious career. From his first race on Sept 24 of 2011, to his most recent on April 7 of this year, Gemologist has been a winner.

At 7/1 odds right now, this is an absolute bargain. If he secures good position, the payout is going to drastically decrease as bettors load up on this surefire winner.

Todd Pletcher, who won the 2010 Derby winner with Super Saver, is training Gemologist. He’s being ridden by Javier Castellano, who has experience with Union Rags and Stay Thirsty, with wins at the 2004 Breeders’ Cup Classic with Ghostzapper and the ’06 Preakness aboard Bernardini.

Place: Daddy Nose Best

Daddy Nose Best ran four furlongs in 49.23 seconds during a pre-event warm-up at Churchill Downs. He finished slow and confidently, which made his modest speed of no concern.

He’s simply one of the faster horses in the race and can go the full distance. At 15/1, betting him to place is one of the better values on the board.

It wouldn’t be a shock if it were a nose-to-nose finish between Daddy Nose Best and Gemologist.

Show: Union Rags

Union Rags is hoping to win the roses on Saturday, but he’ll have to settle for a show.

He’s only managed to win four of his six races and finished third in the Florida Derby.

Rags doesn’t have the speed to pull ahead of the other horses in the pack, but should finish quite strong in third.