2008 Kentucky Derby Lineup: The Top Three

As even a cursory glance at Bodog’s current Kentucky Derby Odds will tell you, there’s three horses that are going to make it into almost everyone’s win, place and show Derby betting baskets. Let’s take a quick look at each of the top contenders.

Pyro (odds – 7:1)

A great bloodline, featuring such well known horses as AP Indy and prestige granddaddy Seattle Slew. Easily the Derby favorite for sometime after impressive victories a the Risen Star Stakes and Louisiana Derby (the latter by three lengths). But after finishing 10th in the Blue Grass Stakes, his star began to — and has continued — to fall. Still, 7-to-1 isn’t 50-to-1. Was the Blue Grass debacle a result of that racetrack’s synthetic surface, or does Pyro lack what it takes? Find out about a minute after post time on Saturday.

Colonel John (odds – 9:2)

Everyone’s talking about the Colonel’s workout this past Sunday, where he completed five furlongs in 57.8 seconds — the fastest of some 62 workouts at that distance. Just before the 2007 Derby, Hard Spun also had a fast workout, and ended up finishing 2nd on Derby Day. Pundits are wondering if 2008 will see a repeat, although you can bet that trainer Eoin Harty doesn’t want an exact repeat. The Derby Cup would be a nicer result, thanks very much.

Big Brown (odds – 5:2)

If you’re unfamiliar with this horse, or why he’s the current Kentucky Derby favorite, four words should suffice: Florida Derby, five lengths. Or maybe one word: undefeated. Handicappers seem undeterred by the fact he’s had only three career starts, and that it’s been nearly a century since a horse with that little experience won the Road to the Roses. Undefeated Derby winners are rare, too, but some (more experienced) victors — Barbaro and Smarty Jones.

So … when it comes to those crucial Kentucky Derby betting decisions, who to pick? Check out the Racebook’s Kentucky Derby guide for up-to-the-minute information on this year’s run for the Roses!

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