An early look at the Derby Field
LAS VEGAS, NV (The Spread) – The 2014 Kentucky Derby will be here before you know it, so let’s take a look at some early contenders.
The 2014 Kentucky Derby is set to run on May 3rd at Church Hill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The race may be a couple weeks away, but it’s not too early to look at the contenders.
California Chrome is at the top of the power rankings right now, and so far looks like the strongest and most consistent in the field. California Chrome has six wins and one place out of 10 starts. This horse also won by over five lengths at the Santa Anita Derby, which was his fourth consecutive stakes derby. California Chrome also appears to be the consensus favorite by several top resources in the horse racing field.
Cairo Prince is currently 6th in the power rankings, but sat at no. 1 for weeks before a 4th place finish in the Florida Derby. This horse won the Holy Bull Stakes, and definitely can make a move at Kentucky. People are going to be off the Cairo Prince bandwagon, which might make this horse a stronger play. Cairo Prince has three wins and one place in five starts.
Hoppertunity sits No. 2 in the power rankings, and has two wins and one place in five starts. This horse never got close to California Chrome at Santa Anita, but did go past him after the wire in that race. Early speed doesn’t pay off at the Kentucky Derby, like it does at Santa Anita, and depending on how the training goes for Hoppertunity at Church Hill Downs, this horse could make a move. This horse seems to be a mixed bag in projections from those in the horse racing community.
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