Horse Racing: Dialed In the Favorite for 137th Kentucky Derby

Dialed In and Unlce Mo head a strong field for what promises to be an exciting Kentucky Derby this weekend. Al Dannity breaks down the big storylines ahead of the biggest race of the year.

Two big guns in a wide open field
Having rallied to win the Florida Derby, one of the most competitive prep races of the year, Dialed In is joint favorite for Saturday’s Kentucky Derby at +400 with Sports Interaction. Nick Zito’s training regimen of the colt had been questioned earlier this season but the success Dialed In has enjoyed so far has silenced the doubters. While Dialed In left it late in Gulfstream Park, a more aggressive early pace will be required to come out on top in the Run for the Roses.

Uncle Mo is the other joint favorite for the big race in Churchill Downs, despite suffering a stunning defeat in the Wood Memorial. The Todd Pletcher trained colt was suffering from gastro-intestinal problems in that outing but is back in good health and ready to challenge.

Weather could play a factor
The current forecast does not bode well for the two joint favorites, with the track looking likely to be wet for Saturday’s big race. Few of the field have any experience in wet conditions but one the horses that does is amongst the contenders. Soldat, available at +1600 with Sports Interaction, has one win and two second place finishes in off track conditions. Horse Racing betting fans know a wet track will somewhat negate the speed advantage of Dialed In and Uncle Mo, possibly giving Soldat a shot at glory thanks to its experience. Two other horses to keep in mind if the track is wet are Twice the Appeal and Stay Thirsty, both of whom have performed well in off track conditions.

Moving from heart warming to history making
Mucho Macho Man was already an interesting choice due to the Village People rowing in behind the horse. There is however a more interesting story than the pop band deciding to root for Mucho Macho Man. Its trainer, Kathy Ritvo, is a heart transplant survivor who is aiming to become the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner. At +1200 with Sports Interaction, Mucho Macho Man is in with a fighting chance of wearing roses and victory would cap a remarkable story for Ritvo. Having undergone the life saving operation in 2008, she was back out training within six months. Now, less than three years on from that surgery, she has a shot at claiming Horse Racing’s biggest event.

For the best Kentucky Derby odds check out Sports Interaction’s online sportsbook.