2010 Kentucky Derby
Every year since 1875, the most coveted horse race in the World is run on the first Saturday of May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Restricted to three-year-olds and run at the distance of one mile and one quarter (miles), this race has been labeled “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.” It’s the first leg in the United States Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing or the “first jewel,” and many call it “the Run for the Roses” because of the blanket of roses awarded to the winning horse.

On May 1st, twenty of the top three-year-old horses in the World will compete for the most prestigious crown in thoroughbred racing. Fans will pack into both the grandstand and general admission of the infield to bear witness to the celebration of the Kentucky Derby in all its splendor. Society’s elite will be seen mingling with the “who’s who” in the executive box seats or “Millionaire’s Row.” Women will be seen with extravagant hats, the bigger the better as the tradition goes. The official drink of the Kentucky Derby called the “Mint Julep” will be served in souvenir glasses displaying all prior winners of this historic race.

As the “King of the Big Races,” ATS has made a fortune for thousands of clients and our information has always been top notch. Although we are prolific at all kinds of sports investments, our roots are actually in horse racing. Simply put, we know how to spot a winning horse, especially in the Derby. And thanks to this expertise in horse racing, we’ve nailed several derbies over the last two decades.

Approximately 15 minutes prior to Post Time – the start of the race – the University of Louisville Marching Band will begin to play “My Old Kentucky Home,” signifying the introduction of the race entrants. This is known as the “Post Parade.” Let’s also take a look at the horses that are in the “Post Parade” and let ATS help you choose a winner.

2010 Kentucky Derby Odds, Post Positions and Contenders
(Post Position – Horse – Jockey – Current Odds: May 1st 2010)
1 – Lookin At Lucky – Garrett Gomez – 7-2
2 – Ice Box – Jose Lezcano – 11-1
3 – Noble’s Promise – Willie Martinez – 12-1
4 – Super Saver – Calvin Borel – 12-1
5 – Line of David – Rafael Bejarano – 28-1
6 – Stately Victor – Alan Garcia – 30-1
7 – American Lion – David Flores – 14-1
8 – Dean’s Kitten – Robby Albarado – 35-1
9 – Make Music for Me – Joel Rosario – 50-1
10 – Paddy O’ Prado – Kent Desormeaux- 15-1
11 – Devil May Care – John Velazquez – 20-1
12 – Conveyance – Martin Garcia – 18-1
13 – Jackson Bend – Mike Smith – 20-1
14 – Mission Impazible – Rajiv Maragh – 18-1
15 –Discreetly Mine – Javier Castellano – 30-1
16 – Awesome Act – Julien Leparoux – 12-1
17 – Dublin – Terry Thompson – 12-1
18 – Backtalk – Miguel Mena – 60-1
19 – HomeboyKris – Ramon Dominguez – 35-1
20 – Sidney’s Candy – Joe Talamo – 6-1

The Kentucky Derby is always a great betting race. With twenty horses to choose from and all with Graded Stakes Earnings, there’s an angle for ever single horse. And no horse should ever be ignored.

Last year, Mine that Bird won the Kentucky Derby handily and then went on to win Preakness. No one saw him coming—on paper, on backside, or on the track. Is there another Mine that Bird in the field this year? Nobody knows. But everyone has an opinion. And that’s why the Kentucky Derby is so exciting—anything can happen!

Remember, to win the Kentucky Derby, a horse must triumph over tough competition from a large field, as the best horses in the world converge at Churchhill Downs. It takes a trained, veteran eye to determine where the value lies in the field, and to detect which horses are primed to deliver. Here at ATS, we’ve been preparing for this race since the Breeders Cup six months ago! We’ve scrutinized every key race, including but not limited to the Wood Memorial, Blue Grass Stakes, Florida Derby and the Santa Anita Derby! So when Derby Day finally gets here, we’re ready!

So let ATS make it happen for you! Give us a call today at 1-800-772-1287 and find out who the winner is. Good luck and enjoy!

2010 Kentucky derby betting preview is courtesy of ATS Consultants and Featured on Touthouse.com

In picking winning wagers for the 2010 Kentucky Derby BetUS online sportsbook horse bettors should take the time to figure out profitable exacta and trifecta bets. The reason is that, the huge 2010 Kentucky Derby betting pools for both the exacta and the trifecta require gamblers to dedicate some of their bankroll on each of these wagers.

No other horse race of the year demands bettors to use the exacta box and trifecta box wager when creating bets then the Kentucky Derby. The Derby will have many horses in it. After maybe two or three of those contending horses, every single other horse in the field will be going off at double-digit odds. This provides a great opportunity for large payouts for winning exacta picks and winning trifecta picks

You could literally bet the three favorites in terms of odds in your winning trifecta pick on the Derby and still come out with a huge payout. That’s how large the Derby pools will be. Combining some of the larger, double-digit odds in your exotic wagers could produce a massive payout that you would not see in any other horse race during the “Run for the Roses”

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How to Bet an Exacta for the 2010 Kentucky Derby
To win an exacta, you must select the horses that finish first and second in a race in their exact order on a single ticket. An exacta box enables you to combine on one ticket all possible exacta combinations involving two or more horses. You win an exacta box if any two of the selected horses in the exacta box finish first and second.  A $1 Exacta box using three horses costs $6. Winning $1 exacta box tickets pay one-half the posted exacta price (which is based on a $2 wager).

How to Bet a Trifecta for the 2010 Kentucky Derby
To win a trifecta, you must select the horses that finish first, second and third in exact order on a single ticket. A trifecta box enables you to combine on one ticket all possible trifecta combinations involving three or more horses. You win a trifecta box if any three of the selected horses in the trifecta box finish first, second and third. A $1 trifecta box using four horses costs $24. Winning $1 trifecta box tickets pay one-half the posted trifecta price (which is based on a $2 wager).

If we had to pinpoint where the majority of our success in horse racing comes from over the years, it would have to be high profile races. In fact, not only do we succeed but we excel in them. That’s where our biggest prices and most consistent winners come from. Historically, we have collected in nearly 67% of the Road to the Derby Races over the last eight years. It’s why ATS is known as “King of the Big Races” and another reason for why you should take full advantage of the 2010 Road to the Kentucky Derby Package.

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2010 Kentucky Derby Prep Races – Below is a list of the 2010 prep races leading up to this year’s “Run for the Roses”. If you are an avid horse bettor be sure to order ATS Consultant’s “Road to the Derby” package and get winning horse picks for each of this year’s derby prep races.

January 2nd
Turfway Prevue – Turfway Park
Count Fleet Stakes – Aqueduct
Santa Ysabel – Santa Anita

January 3rd
San Miguel – Santa Anita

January 9th
San Rafael – Santa Anita
The Old Hat – Gulfstream
The Spectacular Bid – Gulfstream

January 10th
Jimmy Winfield – Aqueduct

January 16th
Pasco Stakes – Tampa Bay
La Sevora – Sunland
Smarty Jones Stakes – Oaklawn Park

January 23rd
The Holy Bull – Gulfstream
Lecomte Stakes – Fairgrounds

January 24th
California Derby – Golden Gate

January 30th
WEBN – Turfway Park
Sham – Santa Anita
Miracle Wood – Laurel Park

January 31st
The Forward Gal – Gulfstream

February 6th
Turf Paradise Derby – Turf Paradise
Whirlaway – Aqueduct
Last Virg – Santa Anita

Feburary 7th
The Hallandale Beach – Gulfstream
Sam Vicente – Santa Anita
Golden Gate Derby – Golden Gate

February 13th
Sam F. Davis – Tampa Bay
Freddy Caposella – Aqueduct
El Camino Real Derby – Golden Gate

February 15th
The Southwest – Oaklawn Park

February 20th
Fountain of Youth – Gulfstream
The Hutcheson – Gulfstream
Silverbulletday Stakes – Fairgrounds
Risen Star – Fairgrounds
Best Turn – Aqueduct
Mountain Valley – Oaklawn Park

February 27th
The Davona Dale – Gulfstream
John Battaglia Memorial – Turfway Park
Borderland Derby – Sunland
Robert Lewis – Santa Anita

March 6th
The Palm Beach – Gulfstream
Baldwin – Santa Anita

March 7th
Santa Anita Oaks – Santa Anita

March 13th
The Rebel – Oaklawn Park
Florida Oaks – Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay Derby – Tampa Bay
Gotham – Aqueduct
San Felipe – Santa Anita

March 14th
Sunland Derby – Sunland

March 20th
The Florida Derby – Gulfstream
The Swale – Gulfstream
The Bonnie Miss – Gulfstream
Lanes End – Turfway Park
Boubonette Oaks – Turfway Park
Rushaway – Turfway Park
Hansel – Turfway park
Palm Beach Stakes – Gulfstream

March 27th
Louisiana Derby – Fairgrounds
Private Terms – Laurel Park

March 28th
UAE Derby – Nad Al Sheba

April 3rd
Santa Anita Derby – Santa Anita
Ashland – Keeneland
Bayshore – Aqueduct
Wood Memorial – Aqueduct
Illinois Derby – Hawthorne

April 4th
Lafayette – Keeneland
San Pedro – Santa Anita

April 10th
The Northern Spur – Oaklawn Park
The Instant Racing – Oaklawn Park
Arkansas Derby – Oaklawn Park
Blue Grass – Keeneland

April 17th
Lexington – Keeneland
Freddie Tesio – Pimlico

April 18th
NY Stallion Stakes – Aqueduct

April 24th
Withers – Aqueduct
Derby Trial – Churchill Downs
Unbridled Stakes – Calder

ATS Consultants is a featured sports handicapping service featured on Touthouse.com. Visit our site each day for expert horse betting picks as well as all of your kentucky derby betting predictions this year.

2009 Kentucky Derby betting preview courtesy of John Pricci, a horse betting expert and featured columnist featured on horseraceinsider.com. If you are betting on the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 2nd and need an overall summary of each horses abilities, check out John’s 2009 Kentucky Derby betting writeups on each entry below. Horses are listed by post position and have the early line odds featured in parentheses.

1-WEST SIDE BERNIE (30-1): A good wide-trip third in the Holy Bull, a dull return to the synthetics, then a strong-rally placing behind I Want Revenge in the Wood Memorial. He, too, has proven “faster” on conventional dirt, but has required time to rebound from top efforts and his Wood was a career top. Connections must be concerned, scheduling a final short work to keep whatever energy may be left in the tank. A very nice colt that appears heading the wrong way and the rail draw certainly didn’t help.

2-MUSKET MAN (20-1): There might be better colts in Derby 135 but not many that are better managed: A less than perfect trip third in the Sam F. Davis is the only blemish in a six-race career. After rebounding to win the Tampa Derby, he shipped to Hawthorne and became a man with a comprehensive Illinois Derby score. But that career-best effort sets him up for a regression. Churchill training indicates that might be the case.

3- MR. HOT STUFF (30-1): Altered course, weaving his way through traffic when third in the Santa Anita Derby, galloping out very strongly past the wire. Has two nine-furlong routes under his belt, is bred for the distance, and had crisp work Monday at his Santa Anita base. With Corey Nakatani opting for Square Eddie, a last minute defection, colt picks up hot-riding Johnny Velazquez, indicating that it might be better to be lucky than good. Live exotics price play.

4-ADVICE (30-1):His work on Monday convinced his connections to make a run for the roses. Chapel Royal colt has had a career mixed with immaturity and bad luck but put it together in a big way to win the Lexington, coming from last of 11 after early trouble. Has earned his way into the field but doesn’t appear fast enough and is another deep closer in what might be a moderately paced event.

5-HOLD ME BACK (15-1): Impossible to knock in two starts this year. Colt overcame a quirky Turfway Polytrack to win the Lane’s End coming from last then was an excellent second after General Quarters got the drop on him in the Blue Grass. Nagging flaw was a horrible outing in last year’s Remsen, his only dirt start. Sunday workout showed ability to handle the surface while maintaining his freshness and strength. Exotics player.

6-FRIESAN FIRE (5-1): The negatives are a seven week layoff and no races beyond a mile and a sixteenth. Trainer Larry Jones had Hard Spun ready off a six-week respite and has a good history in this race, the Eight Belles tragedy notwithstanding. The other issue is that his best performance figure came on a sloppy track he obviously loved. Jones took a page from his own playbook, working his fresh colt five furlongs in :57 4/5. In the fray throughout, he’s a difficult read at relatively short odds.

7-PAPA CLEM (20-1): Another “new horse” with the shift from synthetics to dirt. After catching Louisiana Derby slop, he shipped to Hot Springs and won the Arkansas Derby with a career best effort. But that performance very likely could take its toll if a recent disappointing workout is any measure. The Kentucky Derby leaves a very little margin for error. Possibly worth a flyer, but needing twice the early-line odds.

8-MINE THAT BIRD (50-1): A bargain basement yearling, he’s been from one barn to the next but accomplished enough to be voted 2008 Canadian juvenile champion. Had a workmanlike five-furlong work with a good gallop-out, but when given an opportunity beneath Richard Mandella’s shedrow proved that he wasn’t really a prime time player. After SoCal sojourn, was winless in two starts at Sunland Park. Way over his head here.

9-JOIN IN THE DANCE (50-1): Apparent one-dimensional speedster is nonetheless pretty game. The trick is knowing how well he’ll class up. Held extremely well making two-turn debut in his first start over Tampa’s demanding surface, missing by a neck to win-machine Musket Man. Showing speed in the Blue Grass but tiring on Polytrack is mulligan material. Even with different owners, his best utility, as far as trainer Pletcher is concerned, would be to insure an honest pace for Advice and Dunkirk.

10-REGAL RANSOM (30-1): The speedy member of the Godolphin duo arguably possesses stoutest pedigree among Derby 135’s 20 starters. Has a juvenile foundation, is tactical–as opposed to run-off speed–and has a partner (Alan Garcia) with a deserved reputation for effectiveness with his type. With Join In The Dance to his immediate inside, a stalking posture appears more likely than a frontrunning gambit.

11-CHOCOLATE CANDY (20-1): Loves the game, as his winning record attests, and his trainer, Jerry Hollendorfer, should already be in the Hall of Fame. Of course, this colt has never seen dirt. The good news is that if handicappers must guess how his form will translate from the synthetics, winning bettors would be well compensated compared to, say, high profile conqueror Pioneerof The Nile. Suffered through very difficult trip when second in Santa Anita Derby, and probably was a short horse, too. Expect him to be at tops, indicating a superfecta finish is possible, and at generous odds.

12-GENERAL QUARTERS (20-1): Gray Cinderella colt is versatile, showing a liking for Tampa Bay, Churchill, and even Keeneland’s Polytrack, winning on the early pace or stalking just off it. The negative is that he’s a bit in-and-out, and this looks like an out spot. Hasn’t been breaking stopwatches since returning to his Churchill base and loses Eibar Coa to Musket Man. Not yet an elite three-year-old, his running style places him in a vice between the speed and the ralliers.

13-I WANT REVENGE (3-1): Turns out he’s a wonderful dirt horse. Classy, brave and athletic, no Derby-135 entrant has a better rapport with his rider than this colt has with the young, talented, cocky wise-beyond-years Joe Talamo. Between Animal Planet, his cucumber-cool Wood Memorial, and avoiding an Alysheba-like calamity to win a So Cal event last week, the racing gods just might be conspiring here. Churchill gallops indicate there might be more where that Gotham and Wood came from. Deserving favorite.

14-ATOMIC RAIN (50-1): Never lived up to the early season promise he demonstrated at Gulfstream Park. He’s never been a serious threat anytime he faced accomplished three-year-old competition, and got into the race due to all the last-minute defections. Had a Monmouth Park blowout before boarding a van for the 13-hour ride to Louisville, where he and partner Joe Bravo at best figure to get hot and dirty.

15-DUNKIRK (4-1): Apollo, 1882, and that’s a whole lot of history. Historical trends have been falling by the wayside recently but there’s a good reason why this one has lasted. But this colt cannot be eliminated on those grounds. True, he’s done a lot of developing in a short time. But his performance figures have increased with distance and experience. Todd Pletcher said that the long, lean individual is typical of the better Unbridled’s Songs, and has put on weight since the Florida Derby. Five weeks should be enough to refill the tank. Major player.

16-PIONEEROF THE NILE (4-1): Undefeated for newly elected Hall of Famer Bob Baffert but, as everyone knows, 0-for-0 on dirt. The Pro Ride horses have been running well on dirt all spring and observers have been impressed with how comfortable this colt is on the Churchill surface. But how he handles it Saturday is a complete guess. His high cruising speed suits the anticipated race shape and he wants to compete and to beat you. My guess is that he’ll transition to dirt. Now he needs to prove it. Value at 6-1 plus.

17-SUMMER BIRD (50-1): An interesting newcomer with less seasoning than Dunkirk, also making career start number four. This guy debuted even later, following his Mar. 1 sprint debut loss with a good win going long, then was a slow-start, wide-rally, strong-finish third in the Arkansas Derby. Even a money finish would be too much to expect but the race could provide an excellent educational foundation. Belmont, maybe?

18-NOWHERE TO HIDE (50-1): If a Kentucky Derby was held without Nick Zito, would the sky fall? Might never get an answer to that question. This is a nice colt who at present is not ready for something like this. But apparently the owners of My Meadowbrook Farm have dreamt about running in the Derby and will get their wish Saturday afternoon. Shaun Bridgmohan gets the last-minute assignment.

19-DESERT PARTY (15-1): The perceived stronger half of the Dubai pair was compromised by a moderate pace and a quality loose stablemate which kept him from sweeping the Dubai triple crown. A graded stakes win as a Saratoga juvenile speaks to his class and foundation and both Dubai runners appear to be thriving at the Downs. Owns enough pedigree and positional speed for the trip and is partnered with future Hall of Famer Ramon Dominguez. Wide draw hurts.

20-FLYING PRIVATE (50-1): Since stretching back out as a three-year-old, Fusaichi Pegasus colt has come to hand for four-time Derby winner D. Wayne Lukas. Following a good second in the Lane’s End, he suffered through a difficult Arkansas Derby trip. Finished well in his final Derby work at Churchill with a good gallop-out beneath new rider Robby Albarado. The post is a killer and he’s in deep water with these.

Need winning 2009 Kentucky Derby Betting Picks & Predictions? Visit Touthouse.com for current 2009 Kentucky Derby odds and post positions. If you need the winning 2009 Kentucky Derby exacta picks or winning 2009 derby trifecta picks choose ATS consultants for your winning predictions for this year’s derby.

Below is a list of this year’s derby contenders with a small preview of each horses performance leading up to the Kentucky Derby.

1. West Side Bernie – Grade 3 winner as a freshman on Polytrack, the consistent three-year-old almost always fires and comes off a solid runner-up effort in the Wood Memorial S. (G1) for Kelly Breen. West Side Bernie hasn’t missed the board in four career outings on dirt, including a deceivingly good third in the Holy Bull S. (G3) in his 2009 debut, and the gritty three-year-old earned a 107 BRIS Speed rating in his last start. The colt’s pedigree is slanted toward speed, but his previous route attempts indicate that he will stay the 1 1/4 miles. West Side Bernie might be a cut below the best in here, but he’s an exotics threat if he finds room breaking from the rail under Stewart Elliot, the jockey of 2004 Derby victor Smarty Jones.

2. Musket Man – Once-beaten sophomore answered the two-turn question with a convincing score in the Illinois Derby (G2), winning for the fifth time in six tries. Musket Man has a questionable pedigree but continues to outrun it, and the Derek Ryan-trained colt has trained in fine fashion leading up to the Derby. Those who like the accomplished dark bay will receive a nice price at post. Eibar Coa will break from the two post in hopes of securing a clean trip aboard the underrated Musket Man

3. Mr. Hot Stuff – A full brother to dual Grade 1 hero Colonel John, Mr. Hot Stuff has improved steadily throughout the year and could be rounding into his best race with the added ground. The late-running Eoin Harty trainee has been solely a synthetic performer to date, and the WinStar homebred was third in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) and Sham S. (G3) in his last two. He’s another who will need a strong early tempo to aid his late rush, but the colt got a huge boost to secure jockey John Velazquez. Mr. Hot Stuff will be pretty far back early, but he should be able to save precious ground from his inside post and will look to rally strongly from off the pace.

4. Advice – Trained by Todd Pletcher, Advice was an impressive winner of the Lexington S. (G2) over Keeneland’s Polytrack in his latest showing to gain entry into this bulky field. The dark bay Florida-bred finished fifth in his lone dirt start and is bred for speed, but his half-mile drill over the Churchill main oval earlier in the week signals that the colt is thriving at this stage of his development. The three-year-old is one of three entered by WinStar Farm and could get a cozy rail trip breaking from post four. Rene Douglas will look to bag his first Derby trophy atop the late runner.

5. Hold Me Back – Lane’s End S. (G2) winner was a perfect-prep second in the Blue Grass S. (G1) in preparation of this for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott, and Hold Me Back could offer tremendous value as a prime threat – if he makes the transition to dirt. The visually impressive colt finished well back in his lone dirt try as a juvenile, but his trainer has chalked that up to inexperience and Hold Me Back has trained well at Churchill. He’ll be ridden by Kent Desormeaux, who took this race a year ago aboard Big Brown, and Kentucky-bred has looked good in his local preparation. The WinStar homebred seems perfectly spotted in the five hole.

6. Friesan Fire – This impressive colt is well drawn in post six, which should ensure Friesan Fire a trip close to the rail, possibly with or right behind the first flight. Trainer Larry Jones has finished second in the last two editions of the Run for the Roses and will look to break through before he retires at the end of the year. The son of A.P. Indy has great tactical speed, and while he’s never run longer than 1 1/16 miles, his pedigree and running style suggests that he’ll be ready for this trip. If the track has moisture in it, Friesan Fire may move up even more based on his tremendous Louisiana Derby (G2) romp in the slop. The Kentucky-bred has to be considered a huge threat under Gabriel Saez.

7. Papa Clem – Arkansas Derby (G2) winner Papa Clem is one of the many entries that began their career on the West Coast. Conditioned by Glen Stute, the fleet colt has very good early speed and showed that he can carry it a long way at Oaklawn Park most recently. The win contender has never been worse than second going two turns and retains West Coast king Rafael Bejarano for this journey. The dark bay is arguably the inside speed of the field, and Papa Clem may just clear this group leading into the first turn.

8. Mine that Bird – Mine That Bird was named Canadian champion two-year-old following wins in the Grey S. (Can-G3), Swynford S. and Silver Deputy S. at Woodbine, and he was sold to his current connections following those victories and is now based in New Mexico. Runner-up in the Borderland Derby two starts back, the colt exits a fourth in the Sunland Derby and will step up to face much steeper competition in the Kentucky Derby. He’s well-drawn in post eight, but Mine That Bird is a major outsider.

9. Join in the Dance – Todd Pletcher’s third entrant owns just one win to date, but Join in the Dance finished second in the Tampa Bay Derby (G3) and a decent fifth in the Blue Grass S. (G1). The Kentucky-bred has excellent early speed and should be prominently placed in the 20-horse contingent, but speed drew both to his inside and outside from the nine post. The colt is bred to be more of a miler and will need a career showing to put this group away in the lane at boxcar odds.

10. Regal Ransom – Regal Ransom upset stablemate Desert Party when capturing the U.A.E. Derby (UAE-G2) last out and has trained forwardly at Churchill Downs for his U.S. return. Alan Garcia will retain the mount on the Saeed bin Suroor trainee, and the dark bay colt figures to show speed from the start. Regal Ransom is a threat to fill the pacesetter’s roleset , and he’ll be forwardly placed regardless. The 10-furlong distance will be a major test, but he’s an intriguing play for the exotics at long odds

11. Chocolate Candy – Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer has thoroughly dominated the Northern California training ranks for more than two decades and would love nothing more than to make a big splash on the national scene with his best Derby contender to date, Chocolate Candy. The dark horse has never run a bad one at a route for and comes in off a strong runner-up effort in the Santa Anita Derby (G1). Winner of the El Camino Real Derby (G3) two back, the long-striding sophomore has faced the best out West and held his own. Chocolate Candy must answer the dirt question as he’s never raced on anything but synthetic, but the late runner will pick up Derby-winning jockey Mike Smith and has been training well at Churchill. He could get involved in the stretch.

12. General Quarters – The Thomas McCarthy owned/trained three-year-old is the Cinderella Story of the 2009 Triple Crown campaign as he’s the lone horse in the 72-year-old former Louisville principal’s stable. General Quarters stamped himself as a contender with a much-the-best victory in the Blue Grass S. (G1) in his last, and he appears to be thriving at Churchill. The 10-furlong trip is a big question for the gelding who will surely be a square price, but he’s proven himself on different surfaces and General Quarters got a dream draw in the 12 hole. The red-hot Julien Leparoux will be in the saddle.

13. I Want Revenge – Wood Memorial S. (G1) hero overcame a horrible start and traffic in the lane to storm home at Aqueduct, his second straight impressive showing since switching to dirt for conditioner Jeff Mullins. I Want Revenge is the deserving morning-line favorite and is bred top and bottom to excel at this lengthy trip, and a repeat of his last pair will make him a prime threat in the Kentucky Derby. The 19-year-old Joe Talamo will guide his first Derby runner but if his previous handling of the colt is any indication, he’ll handle the bulky field with ease. I Want Revenge is well-placed in the “lucky” 13 post position.

14. Atomic Rain – By one of the top sires in America, Smart Strike, Atomic Rain finished fourth in the Wood Memorial S. (G1) prior to this event. The Kelly Breen trainee was second in the Remsen S. (G2) as a juvenile but hasn’t won since his second career start. The bay is bred to run all day, however, and the colt put in a solid work leading up to this contest. Joe Bravo will get his second lifetime Derby mount atop Atomic Rain, who will very likely have smooth sailing early in the last slot of the regular gate, post 14

15. Dunkirk – No unraced two-year-old has won the Kentucky Derby (G1) since the 19th century, but this gray is surely special and could be the one to break that streak for Pletcher, who is winless with 21 prior Derby runners. Produced from Kentucky Oaks (G1) stalwart Secret Status (A.P. Indy), Dunkirk has made eye-popping moves in all three of his starts, including a big second in the Florida Derby (G1) in his last. The colt drilled a solid five-eighths at Palm Meadows last week and if he likes the Churchill oval, the Kentucky-bred looms as a surefire threat under Edgar Prado, who piloted Barbaro to a record-setting win just three years ago. Dunkirk will be closing from off the pace.

16. Pioneer of the Nile – King of the West, Pioneerof the Nile has won four straight since joining the Baffert barn and seems poised for a big showing on Derby Day. Well-bred colt has posted low BRIS Speed numbers and has never run on anything but synthetic and turf, but he often does just enough to win and could move up in a big way in his dirt debut. If the impressive bay handles conventional dirt oval, Pioneerof the Nile should be placed in midpack early prior to kicking in late and challenging for a top placing. The Zayat homebred is a live contencer with Garrett Gomez in the irons from slot 16.

17. Summer Bird – Chestnut colt came out of nowhere to finish a big third in the Arkansas Derby (G2) off of a maiden score for conditioner Tim Ice, who just began training this year. Summer Bird has earned huge BRIS Late Pace ratings in each of his three tries to date and should have further improvement in him as a lightly raced sophomore. The Kentucky-bred in the same situation as Dunkirk as an unraced juvenile hoping to buck a 126-year trend, but he should be able to handle the ten-furlong trip as he’s out of a mare by Summer Squall. However, the unproven Summer Bird will have to do so from the 17 slot under Cliff Rosier.

18. Nowhere to Hide – Nowhere to Hide was a surprise late addition following the defection of several other contenders. The bay colt has finished fourth in all three stakes starts, and the maiden winner will face a tough class check in the Derby from post 18. He is trained by two-time Derby winner Nick Zito, but Nowhere to Hide will be one of the longest shots in the field.

19. Desert Party – Winner of the Sanford S. (G2) at two, Desert Party opened his three-year-old campaign with a pair of impressive victories in Dubai for Godolphin. He came up a half-length short as the favorite in the U.A.E. Derby (UAE-G2), but the Saeed bin Suroor-trained colt gained valuable fitness and has trained great since arriving in America. He’ll break from post 19 with new jockey Ramon Dominguez, and Desert Party will look to settle in midpack before offering his best. He’s an attractive 15-1 on the morning line.

20. Flying Private – D. Wayne Lukas trainee earned his way into the Derby field with a runner-up finish in the Lane’s End S. (G2), but Flying Private will need to improve off a fifth in the Blue Grass S. (G1) last time to challenge. He’s stuck on the far outside (post 20) with new jockey Robby Albarado, and the maiden winner doesn’t own good BRIS Speed ratings. Lukas is a four-time Derby winner, though, and he always merits respect in the Run for the Roses.

- Previews Above Courtesy of KentuckyDerby .com
 

Need the Winning Exacta Picks or Winning Trifecta Picks for the 2009 Kentucky Derby? Let ATS Consultants do the work for you. With over 20 years of picking horse winners for their clients, ATS is ready to put you on the winning side for the 2009 Kentucky Derby.

If you need current 2009 Kentucky Derby Post Positions or 2009 Kentucky Derby Betting Odds visit Touthouse.com

Two years ago, ATS nailed the 2007 Kentucky Derby winning exacta!! Street Sense/Hard Spun, $101.80. This year they will break the bank with a longshot winner and winning exacta. ATS Brass says it’s the most confident Derby selection in nearly 20 years! ATS has now won 7 of the last 16 Derby races and 22 of the last 39 Triple Crown Races!

Don’t miss the Race, speak to an account executive ASAP for details. Full cards are also available at tracks nationwide on Saturday and Sunday. Visit ATS for Winning Exacta and Trifecta Picks and tell them Touthouse.com sent you!!

How to Bet Exactas
The Exacta or perfecta is a bet made in horse racing to pick the first and second place horses in a race.  The exacta was the first “exotic” bet at most racetracks and today is the least exotic when compared to the trifecta, superfecta, pick 3, pick 4, and pick 6 wagers.

There are 3 types of exacta bets; the straight exacta, the exacta box, and the exacta wheel.  In a straight exacta you are picking the first and second place horses in a race and they must finish in exactly that order.  An example of a straight exacta bet would be a $2 exacta ( 5-7).  This means that the 5 horse must finish first and the 7 horse must finish second.  Any other outcome makes that bet a loser.  In the Exacta box you are covering both combinations, a $2 exacta box (5-7) would be a winner if the 5 finished first and the 7 second, or vice-versa, the 7 wins and the 5 places.  When you make a $2 exacta box with 2 horses you are really betting $4: a $2 (5-7) and a $2 (7-5).  You can box as many horses as you would like in an exacta, and the price of the bet will rise accordingly.  The more horses you cover in your exacta box, the more likely you are to hit your exacta but the payoff may not cover the cost of the bet.

In an exacta wheel, you are usually picking one horse to win and two or more horses to come in second.  A $2 exacta wheel 7 with 2,3,5 would cost $6 and would be a winner if the 7 won and either the 2, 3, or 5 came in second.

How to Bet Trifectas
The Trifecta or triple is a bet made in horse racing to pick the first, second, and third place horses in a race.  The trifecta is the second most popular “exotic” bet in horse racing behind the exacta.  The payouts for hitting the trifecta can be astronomical.  The trifecta in the 2005 Kentucky Derby (Giacomo – Closing Argument – Afleet Alex) paid a whopping $133,000 on a $2 bet.

There are three types of trifecta bets; the straight trifecta, the trifecta box, and the trifecta wheel.  In a straight trifecta you are picking the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers in a race and they must finish in exactly that order.  An example of a straight trifecta bet would be a $2 trifecta ( 3-5-8).  This means that the 3 horse must finish first, the 5 horse must finish second, and the 8 horse must finish in third – any other result and you can tear up your ticket.  It takes a bold and confident handicapper to make a straight trifecta wager.  In the Trifecta box you are covering all possible combinations of your 3 or more horses.  A $2 trifecta box using (3,5,8) would cost $12 because there are 6 combinations of (3,5,8) coming in – 3,5,8 / 3,8,5 / 5,3,8 / 5,8,3 / 8,3,5 / 8,5,4.  If you add another horse to your trifecta box (3,5,8,1) you will have 24 combinations and your $2 box will cost $48 ($2 X 24 combinations).  A quick way to figure out the cost of a trifecta box is to take the number of horses you wish to include, for example 5, and multiply 5x4x3 which would be 60, and then multiply that by the type of bet you want to make – $2 x 60 = $120.  For 6 horses the cost would be 6x5x4 which would be 120 combinations x $2 or a $240 bet.  As you can see, the more horses you add to your box, the higher the cost.  You do not want to spend $240 boxing the top 6 favorites and have the trifecta pay $22.50 with an even money favorite in first and an 8:5 second choice in the place spot

Touthouse.com Sports Handicappers – Below you will find the current betting odds for the 2009 Kentucky Derby. The 135th Kentucky Derby will be run Saturday, May 2nd, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Widely regarded as the “most exciting two minutes in sports”, the Run for the Roses will bring attendance inexcess of 150,000 to the twin spires at Churchill Downs. Through simulcast and television (NBC 5PM EST) millions more will watch twenty of the best three year old thoroughbreds in the world face off for their chance to become legendary. The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the US Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. Only 11 horses have ever swept all three races (raced over a five week span), the last being Affirmed in 1978.

135th Running of the Kentucky Derby
Current 2009 Kentucky Derby Odds, Post Positions, Jockeys and Trainers
Bookmark This Page for updated betting odds up until race time

1. West Side Bernie (Stewart Elliott, Kelly Breen), 30-1
2. Musket Man (Eibar Coa, Derek Ryan), 20-1
3. Mr. Hot Stuff (John Velazquez, Eoin Harty), 30-1
4. Advice (Rene Douglas, Todd Pletcher), 30-1
5. Hold Me Back (Kent Desormeaux, Bill Mott), 15-1
6. Friesan Fire (Gabriel Saez, Larry Jones), 5-1
7. Papa Clem (Rafael Bejarano, Gary Stute), 20-1
8. Mine That Bird (Calvin Borel, Bennie Woolley Jr.), 50-1
9. Join in the Dance (Chris DeCarlo, Todd Pletcher), 50-1
10. Regal Ransom (Alan Garcia, Saeed bin Suroor), 30-1
11. Chocolate Candy (Mike Smith, Jerry Hollendorfer), 20-1
12. General Quarters (Julien Leparoux, Jeff Mullins), 20-1
13. I Want Revenge (Joe Talamo, Jeff Mullins), 3-1
14. Atomic Bird (Joe Bravo, Kelly Breen), 50-1
15. Dunkirk (Edgar Prado, Todd Pletcher), 4-1
16. Pioneerof the Nile (Garrett Gomez, Bob Baffert), 4-1
17. Summer Bird (Chris Rosier, Tim Ice), 50-1
18. Nowhere to Hide (Shaun Bridgmohan, Nick Zito), 50-1
19. Desert Party (Ramon Dominguez, Saeed bin Suroor), 15-1
20. Flying Private (Robby Albarado, D. Wayne Lukas), 50-1

All Odds are subject to change – Click Here for Current 2009 Kentucky Derby Odds

Oddsmaker Keith Glantz breaks down every horse for this weekend’s 2008 Kentucky Derby and gives you his picks & predictions. Glantz has been one of the sharpest sports betting minds in Las Vegas for over 25 years and he knows his ponies.

1. Cool Coal Man (20-1 Odds) – Toss out his last, the Blue Grass, as it came over the synthetic surface at Keeneland. However even in his best efforts, winning the Fountain of Youth and the two Allowance races, it’s questionable whether he’s quick enough to capture the $1,240,000.

2. Tale of Ekati (15-1 Odds) – One of six horses with only two starts this year – Court Vision, Colonel John, Monba, Recapturetheglory and Big Brown are the others. Ekati’s Wood Memorial victory certainly gives him a shot although he received a perfect trip in that one. He flattened out in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile last year finishing 13 lengths back of Pyro.

3. Anak Nakal (30-1 Odds) – This one’s effort in the Wood actually was better than his 5th place finish but his Louisiana Derby and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile races left much to be desired. Anak will need a reversal of form here and his 46 and change work last week was a step in the right direction.

4. Court Vision (20-1 Odds) – Closed well for 3rd in the Fountain of Youth and then again in the Wood so the added distance here can only help. That closing kick can’t be ignored and I would expect it’ll show up on the tote board. Can’t ignore.

5. Eight Belles (20-1 Odds) – The only filly in the race and she’s never run against the boys. Belles has won four straight and her grandpappy is Unbridled but I doubt that’s enough to hit the board.

6. Z Fortune (15-1 Odds) – Achieved a 102 Beyer in his last, 2nd behind Gayego in the Arkansas Derby, and split Pyro and Visionaire after taking the lead at the top of the stretch in the Risen Star at the Fairgrounds earlier in the year. Bears consideration.

7. Big Truck (50-1 Odds) – Another that didn’t take well to the synthetic surface at Keeneland but other than that Tampa Derby win, not much can be said about this one.

8. Visionaire (20-1 Odds) – Ran 3rd to Pyro and Z Fortune in his first attempt at a Stakes race (Grade 3. He then won the Gotham in the fog at New York before going 10 wide to close six lengths back in the Grade 1 Blue Grass. Watch the tote board on Visionaire. He’s a tough one to figure with works that have been rather uneventful.
 
9. Pyro (6-1 Odds) – The early favorite before that Blue Grass disaster, but again, another that couldn’t handle the synthetic surface. Couldn’t seem to get by War Pass last year but doesn’t have to worry about that one here. He certainly can’t be overlooked especially since he was clearly the best in his two wins this year; the Risen Star and Louisiana Derby. Pyro is the top money earner in this race.

10. Colonel John (4-1 Odds) – Morning line 2nd choice with four wins and two seconds in his six lifetime races. The Colonels backers boast that he’s the best from the West after his Santa Anita Derby win and pointing out that Gayego won the Arkansas Derby after all his previous races were in the West on the synthetic surfaces. Others will say that he’s never been tested on the dirt (all six races on the West Coast version of the synthetic surface). Has served notice especially after that five furlong bullet drill Sunday (57&4).

11. Z Humor (30-1 Odds) – This “Z” finished 19-plus lengths back in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and hasn’t been very impressive in his efforts this year. His 3rd in the Illinois Derby was his best. Would need to improve dramatically to capture a part.

12. Smooth Air (20-1 Odds) – Was no match for Big Brown finishing 2nd, five lengths back in the Florida Derby and only has two races over a mile in his seven starts. However, don’t think that the added distance here will be a major problem but may be asking much to top his last effort.

13. Bob Black Jack (20-1 Odds) – One more West Coast horse that hasn’t ventured a trip on the dirt but showed good in the Santa Anita Derby, 2nd by a half-length behind Colonel John. Another horse with only two races over a mile but handled those two well. Should be close up, if not on top, in the early going.

14. Monba (15-1 Odds) – Big effort in winning the Blue Grass after a disastrous last place finish in the Fountain of Youth. While Monba broke his maiden (plus Blue Grass win) at Keeneland and won an allowance contest at Churchill, still can’t forgive that 39-plus length loss at Gulfstream.

15. Adriano (30-1 Odds) – Hasn’t raced since his Grade 2 victory in the Lanes End on March 22. Plus in his only race on the dirt (two on synthetic and four on the turf) this one finished 9th, 17 lengths back in the Fountain of Youth. Good luck.

16. Denis of Cork (20-1 Odds) – Won his first three races but didn’t fire in the Illinois Derby after going off as the even money favorite. You might want to consider that he’s off the Grade 2 Southwest Stakes victory at Oaklawn but the step up to the Grade 2 Illinois Derby was a disappointment.

17. Cowboy Cal (20-1 Odds) – Consistent sort after 3 wins and 2 seconds following his first maiden effort (7th by 11 ¼) but those 5 consisted of 4 turf races and 1 synthetic surface race. Yes, that garbage maiden race was on the dirt.

18. Recapturetheglory (20-1 Odds) – Clearly the best in the Grade 2 Illinois Derby with a 102 Beyer and 100 speed rating in his initial Stakes race. Likes to run on or near the front but doesn’t really have that much speed. Still, he certainly prefers the dirt to either the turf or the synthetic stuff.

19. Gayego (15-1 Odds) – Proved that a horse can make the transition from the synthetic surface to the dirt with his Arkansas Derby victory after two wins and two 2nds on the synthetic out West. Owns a 102 Beyer at Santa Anita and a 103 Beyer on the dirt (Oaklawn). Must be respected.

20. Big Brown (3-1 Odds) – The morning line favorite even with only three lifetime races. Of course all three were monster efforts, won by 11-plus breaking his maiden then by 12-plus in his only Allowance try and finally by his five-length drawing away win in the Florida Derby. But are three lifetime races enough? Remember Curlin last year? A front runner from the 20 post? Still, the one to beat according to Churchill’s Battaglia.

Kentucky Derby Picks:
1. Colonel John
2. Court Vision
3. Pyro
4. Big Brown

Good Luck and remember, everyone has an excuse for losing a horse race but the truth is that most lose because their horse runs too long in the same spot.

In deciding on the winner of the 2008 Kentucky Derby BetUS online betting horseplayers should take the time to figure out potentially lucrative exacta and trifecta wagers. The reason is that, simply put, the huge pools for both the exacta and the trifecta in the Derby requires online horse betting gamblers to concentrate some of their bankroll on each of these bets.

No other race of the year demands online sportsbook betting horseplayers to utilize the “box” technique when creating wagers then the Kentucky Derby. The Derby will have 20 horses in it. After maybe two or three of those horses, every single other horse in the field will be going off at double-digit odds.

You could literally go one two three in terms of odds in your trifecta on the Derby and still come out with a huge, lucrative payout. That’s how large the Derby pools will be.

Take into account last years’ trifecta that paid a whopping $440 for a two dollar bet. Who were the first three finishers in last year’s Kentucky Derby? The three favorites on the board – - Street Sense, Hard Spun and Curlin.

CLICK HERE TO BET THE EXACTA AND TRIFECTA AT BETUS
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 It pays to play the trifecta and exacta on Kentucky Derby Day.

The key, of course, is structuring your wagers. A lot of very capable, very smart online bettors shy away from the box technique. The reason is because putting horses in boxes creates high front-end online wagers.

For instance, a $2 trifecta box with five horses in it will cost you $120 on the BetUS online racebook. A $2 exacta box with five horses will cost you $40 on the BetUS online racebook. If you had bet the trifecta and exacta in last year’s Kentucky Derby like what’s above and won, you would have yielded a profit of $62 on your exacta bet, and $320 on your trifecta bet. This is important to understand as it will help you construct your wagers this Saturday.

Okay, let’s take a closer look at the 134th Kentucky Derby and try to find clues as to how we should construct our exacta and trifecta wagers. Should we go ahead and use the box technique?

Maybe. The key with this year’s Kentucky Derby is how good you really feel about Big Brown. If he doesn’t win the race, then he may not finish in one of the top two spots. In that scenario it would make sense to use “key” horses over some long-shots in your exacta wagers. Of course, you will want to have a strong opinion on two of the horses. Let’s say that you like both Pyro and Colonel John. Then you would choose to play Colonel John and Pyro on top of some long-shots (designated below as L1, L2, L3, L4, L5).

Colonel John + Pyro (L1, L2, L3, L4, L5)

The above online wager would cost you $20.

If you like Big Brown, and really believe that he could just destroy the field this Saturday, then use Big Brown on top of some of your other favorite horses in higher-priced Exactas and then on long-shots in another exacta bet.

$10 Exacta Big Brown + (Pyro, Colonel John)
$2 Exacta Big Brown + (L1, L2, L3, L4, L5)

The first wager above would cost you $20.
The second wager above would cost you $10.

If you think that there are a lot of horses that could win the Derby this weekend, not just either Colonel John, Big Brown, or Pyro, then bet the five horse $2 exacta box with the five long-shots that you like.

[L1, L2, L3, L4, L5]

Again, that’s only a $40 wager.

The same strategy above applies to your trifecta wagers. The cost, of course, could be different.

$2 Tri- Colonel John + Pyro (L1, L2, L3, L4, L5) = $80
$10 Tri – Big Brown + (Pyro, Colonel John) = $20
$2 Tri – Big Brown + (L1, L2, L3, L4, L5) = $40
$2 Tri – [L1, L2, L3, L4, L5] = $120

There are a number of ways to structure your BetUS online wagers on the Kentucky Derby. By sticking with some basic rules regarding your feelings about the horses in the race, you could definitely come out on top this Saturday.

My list of Top 10 contenders for the 2008 Kentucky Derby has changed a bit as the 3-year-olds begin to arrive in Louisville. So Dave Letterman style, from the bottom, here we go again. By Greg Melikov (Betus)

10. Denis of Cork/Cowboy Cal (Odds to Win): Southwest Stakes winner Denis of Cork joins rankings off bullet breeze of a minute for five furlongs at Churchill Downs, the fastest of 23 clockings on Monday. Horses that work well at the track do well on the first Saturday in May. Jockey Calvin Borel, aboard in his debut victory last year at the track, won with Street Sense in ’07 after a bullet work. Cowboy Cat recorded another bullet breeze, 1:00 2/5 for five furlongs. He might do as well on dirt as he has on grass and synthetic surfaces.

9. Smooth Air (Odds to Win): Ran second to the Florida Derby winner after finishing third in the Tampa Bay Derby. If you love Big Brown, then you should like the steadily improving son of Smooth Jazz to hit the board.

8. Recapturetheglory (Odds to Win): Wire-to-wire win in Illinois Derby is reminiscent of War Emblem’s front-running victory in the ’02 Kentucky Derby. His speed figure was triple digit in the prep, just like the son of Our Emblem, but the son of Cherokee Run must overcome his breeding shortcomings.

7. Court Vision (Odds to Win): Added blinkers and blazed four furlongs in 46 2/5 at Churchill Downs on April 17, the fastest of 25 works by a second. The son of Gulch has a solid juvenile foundation, won a graded ’07 stakes at Churchill Downs, is bred to go 1 ¼ miles and Garrett Gomez chose him over Colonel John.

6. Tale of Ekati (Odds to Win): Take of the Cat sibling rebounded from fourth to Pyro in Louisiana Derby to take the Wood. Has solid foundation as a juvenile. Could surprise.

5. Monba (Odds to Win): He comes off a Blue Grass victory and travels well on dirt and synthetic surfaces. Bred to go long, son of Maria’s Mon always encountered full fields in six career starts, capturing three.

4. Colonel John (Odds to Win): Son of Tiznow closed like an express train to take the Santa Anita Derby. His pedigree indicates he’ll get the distance at Louisville, but the colt has a definite disadvantage having only raced on synthetic surfaces.

3. Gayego (Odds to Win): California invader made debut on dirt a winning one in the Arkansas Derby with a four-length triumph. He covered the 1 1/8 miles at Oaklawn Park in 1:49 3/5 – two ticks faster than ’07 Horse of the Year Curlin who posted a record 10 ½-length victory. The son of Gilded Time jogged a mile and galloped another mile Thursday morning.

2. Pyro (Odds to Win): He didn’t run a lick from the start of the Blue Grass and obviously didn’t care for the Polytrack. He ran 10th and beat only two horses. That ended his two-race streak in which he posted come-from-behind wins in stakes at Fair Grounds. Many experts say throw out the effort. At least his odds with go up in Louisville. Son of Pulpit still a major threat.

1.Big Brown (Odds to Win): Huge Florida Derby victory from the No. 12 post in 1:48 for the 1 1/8 miles was the fastest since ’96 and only a fraction off Gulfstream’s track record. The son of Boundary on Thursday blazed five furlongs in 58 3/5 on Thursday at Palm Meadows Training Center in South Florida, but trainer Richard Trainer wasn’t concerned about the fast time. The colt’s in the catbird seat, but must over the decades-old curse that no runner with only four career outings has smelled the roses since Exterminator in ’18.

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