Kentucky Derby 2015 Odds: Examining Recent Vegas Lines for Entire Field
As we know, wagering is synonymous with horse racing, and while the Kentucky Derby is the pinnacle of the sport for breeders, owners, trainers and jockeys, it's also the annual focal point of many bettors. The race may still be four days away, but wagering action has already commenced.
Much will change between now and post time, as the post-position draw will factor heavily into the lines given to the Derby's contenders. After all, a favorite drawing the dreaded No. 1 gate or historically advantageous No. 5 gate will swing the odds in dramatic fashion.
Even though the draw has yet to take place, odds have already begun to shift due to early betting. There are already a couple of clear favorites in this year's field, but there are also some sleepers generating quite a bit of early action.
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Let's take a look at the race's updated odds and analyze the recent betting trends.
2015 Kentucky Derby Odds
| American Pharoah | 5-2 |
| Dortmund | 4-1 |
| Carpe Diem | 15-2 |
| Mubtaahij | 10-1 |
| Materiality | 12-1 |
| Frosted | 16-1 |
| Firing Line | 16-1 |
| International Star | 18-1 |
| Upstart | 20-1 |
| El Kabeir | 33-1 |
| Far Right | 33-1 |
| Bolo | 40-1 |
| Danzig Moon | 40-1 |
| Ocho Ocho Ocho | 40-1 |
| Mr. Z | 40-1 |
| Keen Ice | 40-1 |
| Itsaknockout | 40-1 |
| War Story | 40-1 |
| Tencendur | 66-1 |
All race odds provided by Odds Shark.
Analyzing Early Betting Trends
American Pharoah remains the odds-on favorite heading into the post-position draw. The three-year-old colt's odds have fluctuated recently, dropping as low as 2-1, but he's remained firmly at the top. Currently at 5-2 odds, this Bob Baffert-trained horse has a very compelling line, as a favorable draw will likely see his price increase.
Pharoah's recent success is the biggest reason for his position as the Derby's favorite. He's been dominating the three-year-old ranks this year, winning the Rebel Stakes by six-and-one-quarter lengths and the Arkansas Derby by eight lengths. Here's a look at the latter:
With performances like that on everyone's mind, expect Pharoah to maintain his position as the race's favorite.
The powerful Dortmund is the Kentucky Derby's second favorite and the choice for many bettors. One of the largest horses in the field, his long legs give him a big stride, allowing him to cover ground quickly. Also a Baffert-trained horse, Dortmund has produced some sparkling runs, as he enters the Derby undefeated after six races.
Dortmund's most prestigious win to date was the Santa Anita Derby, where his strong finish led to a four-and-one-quarter length victory over the field. Here's a look:
If Dortmund doesn't have trouble maintaining his finishing speed over the extra distance of the Kentucky Derby, he'll have a great chance of overtaking Pharoah.
Carpe Diem remains the third choice for the Derby. This Todd Pletcher-trained horse has been brilliant in 2015, winning the Tampa Bay Derby and Blue Grass Stakes, defeating several other Kentucky Derby contenders in the process. Here's a look at the colt's three-length victory over Danzig Moon at Keeneland:
With good speed out of the gate, sufficient endurance and the ability to finish, expect Carpe Diem to hold his position as the race's third favorite barring an unfortunate post-position draw.
If you're looking for some sleepers that are receiving some early betting action, look no further than International Star and Materiality.
International Star won all three of his 2015 races, recently emerging victorious in the Louisiana Derby, beating out Kentucky Derby contender Stanford by a neck. The win helped boost him to the top of the Road to the Kentucky Derby's point standings with 171. He's getting some early betting action and has dropped from 20-1 to 18-1 as a result.
Materiality is another Pletcher-trained horse. He's undefeated in three starts this year, recently winning the Florida Derby by one-and-one-half lengths over Upstart. Materiality has seen some recent action from bettors and dropped from 14-1 odds to 12-1, holding strong as the race's fifth favorite and closing in on Mubtaahij at 10-1 odds.
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