2016 Kentucky Derby Odds: Nyquist Betting Favorite for Run for the Roses

After American Pharoah made history last year as the first horse to win thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown since Affirmed in 1978, many are wondering if the field at the 2016 Kentucky Derby will have another horse capable of achieving the remarkable feat.

This year’s Kentucky Derby is slated for May 7 at Churchill Downs, with unbeaten Nyquist listed as the +300 betting favorite at sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark.

Nyquist won the 2015 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and the 2016 Florida Derby among his seven starts without a loss. The Summerville Farm-bred colt is trained by Doug O’Neill, who saddled 2012 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner I’ll Have Another.

Named after Detroit Red Wings winger Gustav Nyquist, his sire is Uncle Mo, who was also an undefeated two-year-old that was scratched from the Kentucky Derby in 2011 due to a gastrointestinal infection and was later diagnosed with a rare liver disease.

While Nyquist is the clear-cut favorite for the 2016 Kentucky Derby, there are several other contenders who will challenge him in the first leg of the Triple Crown.

Exaggerator (+750), Mohaymen (+800) and Brody’s Cause (+950) join Nyquist in the first group of top horses listed at odds of less than 10/1. In addition, Road to the Kentucky Derby points leader Gun Runner is right behind them at +1200 with a key victory in the Louisiana Derby.

The son of 2007 Preakness winner Curlin, Exaggerator was the biggest mover up the betting board after winning the Santa Anita Derby last Saturday. His jockey is three-time Kentucky Derby winner Kent Desormeaux, and his trainer is brother Kent.

Exaggerator had been listed back at +3500 odds, but he now ranks third in Road to the Kentucky Derby points following his big win at Santa Anita.

Mohaymen was the second choice, according to oddsmakers before Exaggerator’s move, but his odds remain unchanged. He placed a disappointing fourth in the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park after heading into the race undefeated, finishing behind Nyquist, Majesto and Fellowship.

Brody’s Cause also jumped up from +3500 following a victory in the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland. He had previously finished seventh in the Tampa Bay Derby behind winner Destin, who is listed at +1400 odds to win the Kentucky Derby.