Kentucky Derby, mALX's Morning Line Options

[mALX]

The 2011 Kentucky Derby gets underway this Saturday May 7, as the drawings for the post positions took place on Wednesday, with overall Favorite Dialed In drawing the eighth position.

Dialed In has been set as the favorite to win the 137th edition of the Run for the Roses on 2011 Kentucky Derby Betting Lines at Bodog Sportsbook, going off at 4/1. He leads the 20-horse field for the $2 million purse just ahead of Uncle Mo, set at 5/1.

Uncle Mo was the favorite for the majority of 2011 prior to a poor performance in New York last month. Still, he remains as one of the top favorites to win the first leg of the Triple Crown. He draws the No.18 post position on the outside.

History favors Dialed In over Uncle Mo purely based on posting positions. 10 times a Kentucky Derby Winner has come from the No.8 post, with the most recent winner Mine That Bird back in 2009. Just once has a horse won from the No.18 post since 1900. That occurred in 1982.

“I think he ought to be able to relax and track the main speed,” said trainer Todd Pletcher. “He’s doing well.”

When informed of the No.18 post position, Pletcher seemed content, “I was okay with that,” he said.

The slated time for the race to begin at Churchill Downs is 6:24 pm Et, with NBC holding coverage beginning at 4 pm Et with the latest updates and information.




mALX's Comments:



2011 Kentucky Derby Post Positions-

1. Archarcharch - a family affair, bad luck #1 post position
2. Brilliant Speed - replacing hopeful Fla Derby winner that broke down, likes the grass (Derby is on dirt)
3. Twice the Appeal - Calvin Borel up, great longshot bet at 20-1
4. Stay Thirsty - 20-1 longshot
5. Decisive Moment - jockey is 52 YO that never rode in the Derby
6. Comma to the Top - second by a neck in the Santa Anita Derby - gelding
7. Pants On Fire - female jockey - will break the male dominated record for the KD if wins.
8. Dialed In - Nick Zito trainer
9. Derby Kitten - duel entry with Twinspired - rookie
10. Twinspired - duel entry with Twinspired - rookie
11. Master of Hounds - never run on dirt, 1 win in 7 starts
12. Santiva - duel entry, green around the gills
13. Mucho Macho Man - sentimental favorite, trainer Kathy Ritvo had heart transplant in 2008
14. Shackleford - second by a head in the Fla Derby
15. Midnight Interlude - just nailed the Santa Anita Derby as a longshot, Bob Baffert trainer
16. Animal Kingdom - 30-1 longshot
17. Soldat - can't come from behind
18. Uncle Mo - backed off the lead (to show) in the Wood Memorial, Unlucky #18 post position
19. Nehro - hot horse? Owner Ahmad Zayat hopes so
20. Watch Me Go - Female trainer - will break the male dominated record for the KD if wins.



Anyone want to post their picks for the Derby here?


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This post has been edited by mALX: May 6 2011, 09:58 PM

[Destri Melarg]

16. Animal Kingdom – Doesn’t have the legs.

Once again we are provided with clear proof that Destri has no business handicapping horses! But at least I know I'm not alone:

** EDIT: John Velazquez was left without a mount when Uncle Mo scratched, he has been snatched up at the last minute to ride Animal Kingdom, replacing the absentee Robby Albarado. Velazquez doesn't have time to accustom himself to the mount, nor Animal Kingdom to accustom himself to Velazquez. Don't see it happening for this horse this Derby, may as well change shoes in the paddock to seal his fate.

Congrats to Animal Kingdom for a spectacular Derby win!