Kentucky Derby Entries Taking Shape

Written by Jake Thompson
Friday, 29 April 2011 17:29

The 2011 Kentucky Derby lineup is starting to take shape.

We are still over a week out from the May 7th date of the 2011 Kentucky Derby, but the entries that will be in the starting gate lineup are starting to get a bit more clear at this point.  The Kentucky Derby defection of speedy The Factor has opened up a new spot and it appears that, like usual, the big race at Churchill Downs will once again have no trouble filling the open spot to ensure that 20 runners at in the gate at post time.

The fast closing Dialed In is likely to be the 2011 Kentucky Derby favorite after beating a talented field in the Florida Derby, while previous Kentucky Derby favorite Uncle Mo should be the 2nd choice on the horse racing odds despite coming off a troubling 3rd place finish in the Wood Memorial.  Other top contenders that are expected to be in the 2011 Kentucky Derby lineup include Wood Memorial winner Toby’s Corner, Arkansas Derby winner Archarcharch, another strong closer expected to take a big jump forward in Nehro, and Risen Star victor Mucho Macho Man.

After that, the Kentucky Derby lineup is a bit tougher to decipher as far as which horses stand out.  Expected to be amongst the entries at Churchill Downs are Santa Anita Derby 2nd place finisher Comma to the Top, Louisiana Derby upset winner Pants On Fire, Santa Anita Derby victor Midnight Interlude, Fountain of Youth Stakes winner Soldat, Blue Grass Stakes upset winner Brilliant Speed, European invader Master of Hounds, Twice the Appeal with Calvin Borel on board, Jean Lafitte winner Decisive Moment, Spiral Stakes winner Animal Kingdom, Gotham Stakes winner Stay Thirsty, Robert B. Lewis winner Anthony’s Cross, the disappointing but talented Kentucky Jockey Club winner Santiva, Tampa Bay Derby victor Watch Me Go, and the front running and speedy Shackleford.

The 2011 Kentucky Derby field seems to more wide open than many of the previous incarnations of the race, and it wouldn’t be a large surprise if a horse in the 15/1-20/1 area came out of nowhere to claim a victory.  I’ve been a huge Nehro fan for months and I’m locking in the 10/1 odds you can find with online racebooks.  He is likely to be the wise guy horse when the race rolls around and it wouldn’t surprise me at all to see this up-and-comer go off as the 2nd choice on the Kentucky Derby odds.  The smart move is to lock in his price now if you want to ride along with me in a hope I can repeat my perfect Breeders’ Cup Classic trifecta success in the 2011 Kentucky.