2017 Kentucky Derby Predictions
What is the best trifecta for the 2017 Kentucky Derby? Here are our picks for the first leg of the Triple Crown today at Churchill Downs.
The Odds
According to oddsmakers from online sports book Bovada.lv, Always Dreaming is 14/5 to win Saturday’s Kentucky Derby. Irish War Cry has the next-best odds at 4/1, followed by McCraken at 6/1 and Classic Empire at 7/1. Gunnevera is also in the mix at 9/1, followed by Gormley at 10/1 and Tapwrit at 12/1. (Check out the morning odds here.)
Kentucky Derby Prediction to Win: Always Dreaming 14/5
Despite being the favorite, this isn’t the most popular pick among pundits. That said, the bottom line is Always Dreaming produced one of the most visually stunning performances in the Xpressbet Florida Derby this year, winning by five lengths. Granted, he’s only contested one stakes race and scored his prior two wins as a 3-year-old against questionable competition, but his team of Todd Pletcher (2010, Super Saver) and John Velazquez (2011, Animal Kingdom) each have Kentucky Derby victories on their resume. I like the team and love the horse.
Kentucky Derby Prediction to Place: Irish War Cry
In five career starts, Irish War Cry has four wins, including in the Wood Memorial Stakes. Why he didn’t show up in the Fountain of Youth Stakes is beyond me, but otherwise his resume stands above most in this year’s Kentucky Derby field. Irish War Cry will be one of the more popular choices, but keep in mind that no contender has ever won out of the No. 17 post position. In fact, in 38 starts out of the No. 17 post, only three horses have even finished in the money. Still, Irish War Cry is too talented not to have in my trifecta.
Kentucky Derby prediction to Show: Gunnevera
When narrowing down choices for my exotics in the Derby, I like to focus on closers. Gunnevera is a natural closer and one of the most consistent Kentucky Derby contenders in this year’s field. He’s won three graded stakes races and over $1.1 million, including closing third in the Florida Derby. He also has a great mount, as Javier Castellano was just elected to the Racing Hall of Fame.