Essential Quality listed at 10-1 in KDFW Pool 1

The first of five Kentucky Derby Future Wager (KDFW) pools for the 2021 “Run for the Roses” opens Thursday, and presumptive divisional champion Essential Quality leads the 22 individual betting interests.

A perfect 3-for-3 after conquering the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) for Brad Cox, Essential Quality is tabbed at 10-1 on the Pool 1 morning line. Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, who tied the all-time Derby trainers’ record with six wins thanks to current hero Authentic, has two listed – debut winners Life Is Good (15-1) and Savile Row (20-1). The only other individual in the same price ballpark is Highly Motivated (15-1), winner of two straight for Chad Brown including a track-record stakes score on the Breeders’ Cup Friday undercard.

There’s plenty of value on offer with the other named interests all at 20-1 or more. Those banking on late developers have the “All other 3-year-old colts and geldings” play, at a skinny 6-5 on the morning line. Or those willing to take a chance on a female Derby winner can choose the “All 3-year-old fillies” option at 50-1.

Another option for value hunters is the Kentucky Derby Sire Future Wager that runs over Thanksgiving weekend alongside the KDFW Pool 1. The mutuel field of “All other sires” opens at 9-2, but you can back individual top sires at better odds.

Betting commences at noon Thursday, and both Future Wagers end Sunday at 6 p.m. (ET). Win and exacta wagering are available. Future Wager bets are not refundable. Note that betting would be suspended on any individual interest if Churchill Downs officials determined, during the four-day pool, that the horse suffered a setback ruling him out of Derby 147.

Stay tuned for more Future Wager analysis on the TwinSpires blog, as well as past performances courtesy of Brisnet.

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 1 Odds & Contenders

Kentucky Derby Sire Wager Odds