Here’s a look at the latest headlines in the world of Kentucky Derby betting news, as the annual Run for the Roses draws closer and closer.
Vicar’s in Trouble Steals the Show
Saddled by Rosie Napravnik, Vicar’s in Trouble secured 10 huge points toward the Kentucky Derby leaderboard by capturing the Grade III Lecomte Stakes at Fair Grounds.
Vicar’s in Trouble cruised to victory by 6 ¾ lengths, earning his first career stakes win in his first try going two full turns.
Napravnik, who’s been a rather in-form jockey over the last 12 months, praised Vicar’s ability to handle the longer distance and said his natural speed gave her options for how to strategize the race.
With the win, Vicar’s in Trouble finds himself in pretty solid positioning given how early it is in the points race. He’s tied on points with Tanzanite Cat, Rise Up, We Miss Artie, Noble Moon, Ami’s Holiday, Cleburne and Midnight Hawk at 10 points. It’s a group to watch for those that want to get in on Kentucky Derby betting.
An Indianapolis Colt?
There were some big developments at the $75,000 San Pedro Stakes recently, as a curiously-named colt won by 4 ¼ lengths and solidified his chance at the Kentucky Derby.
That colt’s name? Indianapolis.
Coming from the stable of Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert – a three-time Kentucky Derby winner – Indianapolis is now undefeated in two sprint starts and was lauded for his “superstar status” by Baffert following the win at San Pedro.
Indianapolis was saddled by Martin Garcia at the stakes and ran six furlongs in an impressive time (1:08.80). He came into the race as a 3-5 favorite and paid out $3.20 and $2.10.
Though his name is Indianapolis, the colt is Kentucky bred and Baffert has his sights set firmly on Churchill Downs. He’s promised to run Indianapolis in all the major races leading up to May, when Kentucky Derby horse racing odds will heat up.
Tanzanite Cat Wins Smarty Jones
The latest entry from the James and Ywachetta Driver camp – Tanzanite Cat – registered a solid win at the $150,000 Smarty Jones at Oaklawn Park, giving him a precious 10 points to move into the aforementioned 10-point log-jam on the leaderboard.
Though he hadn’t raced since December 8, Tanzanite Cat showed extremely well down the finish – giving up a lead on the backstretch, taking it back mid-stretch – and looked good under jockey Norberto Arroyo Jr, who got the horse to run the opening quarter mile in 23.17 seconds.
Tanzanite Cat’s six-furlong time was 1:12.31 and his final time – on a fast track – was 1:38.69.
Updated Points Board
If you want to bet on Kentucky Derby, here’s the latest in terms of points board movers and shakers:
No. 1: Havana (trainer: Todd Pletcher), 14 points, $660,000
No. 2: Honor Code (trainer: Shug McGaughey), 14 points, $340,000
No. 3: Tapiture (trainer: Steve Asmussen), 12 points, $120,738
No. 4: Bond Holder (trainer: Doug O’Neill), 11 points, $273,000
(Dollar figures are Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings)
