Kentucky Derby 2013: Defining the Favorites in the 1st Leg of Triple Crown
The 2013 Kentucky Derby will take center stage on May 4, 2013, as horse racing grabs the attention of oddsmakers across the world. As we approach the event, however, it's imperative that we discover which horses are favored in the event.
From oddsmakers to experts, we've heard numerous forms of analysis to offer insight into which thoroughbred will win at Churchill Downs. While the unpredictable often seems to transpire in the end, there are reasons to believe the leaders of the pack will emerge.
So who are the favorites and what are their odds?
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Date: Saturday, May 4, 2013
Time: 4 p.m. ET
TV: NBC Sports Network
2013 Kentucky Derby Odds (via BOVADA):
| Horse Name | Odds |
| Verrazano | 7/2 |
| Orb | 5/1 |
| Goldencents | 7/1 |
| Revolutionary | 7/1 |
| Normandy Invasion | 8/1 |
| Itsmyluckyday | 12/1 |
| Vyjack | 15/1 |
| Governor Charlies | 18/1 |
| Will Take Charge | 20/1 |
| Lines of Battle | 20/1 |
Oxbow | 20/1 |
| Java's War | 30/1 |
| Palace Malice | 33/1 |
| Frac Daddy | 33/1 |
| Mylute | 33/1 |
| Black Onyx | 33/1 |
| Overanalyze | 40/1 |
| Falling Sky | 50/1 |
| Charming Kitten | 66/1 |
| Titletown Five | N/A |
Verrazano (7-2)
Verrazano is the horse generating the most buzz entering the 2013 Kentucky Derby. Outside of owning the best odds at 7-2, Verrazano has won all four of the races he's competed in since Jan. 1, 2013.
That includes the Tampa Bay Derby and the Wood Memorial.
Verrazano is trained by Todd Pletcher, who won the 2010 Kentucky Derby with Super Saver and the 2007 Belmont Stakes with Rags to Riches. In other words, Verrazano enters this race with success from all around.
Perhaps most impressively, he didn't race until this year.
Most horses train to get to this point by racing as two-year-old thoroughbreds, but Verrazano is an exception to the rule. Even still, he's been a dominant force this year and is looking to add to a growing resume with a win at the 2013 Kentucky Derby.
The odds are currently in Verrazano's favor.
Orb (5-1)
Orb comes in with the second-best odds at 5-1. The Colt won the Florida Derby and is looking to carry that momentum into Kentucky, where he appears poised for a breakthrough.
According to Lenny Shulman of ESPN.com, Orb recently torched Churchill Downs in a work out.
"Taking to the track after the 8 a.m. renovation break under exercise rider Jan Patterson, Orb cut out fractions of :23 4/5, :35 4/5, :47 4/5, and was out five furlongs in 1:00 4/5. Orb left his work mate Overwhelming behind him, which was key for trainer Shug McGaughey.
"
How's that for impressive?
There is no denying that Verrazano is the odds-on favorite, but Orb isn't second in the odds for no reason. Stuart Janney III's horse appears poised to be in contention until the final furlong, and anything could happen at that point.
Between Verrazano and Orb, the favorites are looking as strong as ever at the Kentucky Derby.
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