It’s four months later than its usual slot during the first weekend in May thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the 2020 Kentucky Derby is finally set to take place on Saturday, September 5. Tiz the Law is the heavy favorite after winning the Belmont Stakes, back in June, and dominating three races since then.
Let’s take a look at the latest odds, courtesy of JAZZ Sports, for each of the horses, as well as our last thoughts on the race.
It’s Finally Here! A Quick Preview for the 146th Kentucky Derby *
| POST / NAME | ODDS TO WIN | TOP 3 FINISH ODDS |
| 1 Finnick The Fierce | +5000 | +1250 |
| 2 Max Player | +3000 | +700 |
| 3 Enforceable | +3000 | +700 |
| 4 Storm the Court | +5000 | +1250 |
| 5 Major Fed | +5000 | +1250 |
| 6 Money Moves | +3000 | +750 |
| 7 South Bend | +5000 | +1250 |
| 8 Mr. Big News | +5000 | +1250 |
| 9 Thousand Words | +1300 | +375 |
| 10 Necker Island | +5000 | +1250 |
| 11 Sole Volante | +3000 | +750 |
| 12 Attachment Rate | +5000 | +1250 |
| 13 Winning Impression | +5000 | +1250 |
| 14 Ny Traffic | +2200 | +475 |
| 15 Honor A.P. | +450 | +125 |
| 16 Tiz The Law | -155 | -550 |
| 17 Authentic | +850 | +180 |
*Odds are subject to change.
The horses will slide over one position, so Finnick The Fierce will run out of gate #2, and so on. No horse has ever won the Kentucky Derby out of gate #17, where Tiz The Law will start, but it’s also worth noting that Churchill Downs has a new gate system installed this year, so those who are curious about the “jinx” factor of the gate may not worry as much about the gate assignment. In an interview with Fox News, Tiz The Law’s trainer, Barclay Tagg, said, “Well, I like being on the outside. I didn’t particularly want to be out that far, but it’s what we have. He seems to handle everything that gets thrown at him, so we have to leave it up to him.”
The course record for the Kentucky Derby, 1:59.40, has stood since 1973, when Secretariat thundered down the track. The 2019 winner, Country House, posted a comparatively pedestrian time of 2:03.93, although he did not cross the finish line first. Maximum Security crossed first but received a disqualification for interference.
Finnick The Fierce is a particularly interesting sleeper, as he is the only horse in this field that has ever handed Tiz The Law a loss, edging him out at the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes last November. Here are some other statistics to consider as you make your final picks:
· Of the last 28 Kentucky Derby winners, 26 finished with a closing speed of no more than 38 seconds or faster and also posted a Brisnet Speed Figure of at least 96 in their last prep race.
· The majority of the last 28 winners also registered a Dosage Index (speed to stamina on the basis of pedigree) of 3 or higher – and a layoff ahead of the Kentucky Derby of no more than six weeks.
Of those metrics, Max Player, South Bend and Tiz The Law are the only ones that fit them all.
The biggest horse racing event of the year is finally here – enjoy your wagering!
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