Kentucky Derby Odds: Horses That Aren't Receiving Enough Respect from Bettors

The Kentucky Derby is nearly upon us, and while the likes of Union Rags, Bodemeister and Gemologist are among the favorites, there is no question that this is a wide-open field. When you add in the factor of possible rain storms that could make for a sloppy track as well, this race seems to be shaping up for an unheralded horse to come out on top.

There are several solid horses that haven't been getting a lot of play from the bettors, but that shouldn't stop you from taking a chance on them. Some of the main projected pacesetters are relative longshots, while there are some late chargers with a chance to win as well who have some very favorable betting odds.

Here are three horses who haven't been getting much love in the betting process, but could certainly pay off for you.

Sabercat (33/1)

If you're looking for a longshot with odds of 30/1 or more, then look no further than Sabercat. Trained by Steve Asmussen and ridden by Corey Nakatani, Sabercat is led by two of the best in their respective professions, both of whom have yet to win a Kentucky Derby. That could be looked at as a negative by some, but it ensures that both men are very hungry to pick up a victory, so they have done—and will do—everything possible to put Sabercat in position. 

On top of that, Sabercat loves to make his move late, so this may be the race for him. Not only has making an outside charge been the go-to move for Kentucky Derby winners over the past couple years, but it seems easier to reel in the field in tough conditions. Very few have been talking about Sabercat thus far, but he has all the tools to shock the world.

Daddy Nose Best (13/1)

At 13/1 Daddy Nose Best has gotten a little bit of interest from bettors, but he is still somewhere in the middle of the pack as far as that goes. Daddy Nose Best is no ordinary horse, though, as he enters the Kentucky Derby on the heels of some great success on dirt tracks. He is also trained by Asmussen, and he is jockeyed by one of the best in the business today: Garrett Gomez.

Daddy Nose Best is actually similar to Sabercat in a lot of ways, as he is a late breaker as well. But the general feeling is that he is higher-quality horse who has had more success in big races.

Although Daddy Nose Best certainly wouldn't pay out as well as Sabercat, he has a great post position at No. 10, so he may very well be in a better spot on the track when it comes time to make a move.

Hansen (13/1)

Unlike the previously mentioned horses, 13/1-shot Hansen is a colt who likes to get to the front of the field early and stay there. It isn't easy for a horse to hold a lead, particularly against a field as strong as this one, but Hansen has speed to burn. He has also had success in the past against some of the horses he'll be facing today.

Hansen has good leadership. He is trained by Mike Maker and steered by Ramon Dominguez, who will do his best to get him an early lead.

Of all the horses who seem likely to set the pace, Hansen is the one who figures to be in the mix the longest. If you bet Hansen, it will likely be a gut-wrenching affair. He'll have to hold off challenges from several capable opponents, but he's probably going to be near the front one way or another, so you should have a puncher's chance. Hansen hasn't been talked about much, but he has the ability to win it all.