Scully, Hanson share picks for KDFW Pool 2, Sire Future Wager

Pool 2 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager (KDFW) will open around noon (ET) Thursday, for a four-day run where bettors will have the opportunity to wager upon 38 individual interests for the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby (G1) on May 3 before the pool closes at 6 p.m. Sunday.

"All Fillies Foaled in 2022" and "All Other Colts and Geldings Foaled in 2022" are also listed as wagering interests, and there will be four more opportunities to wager upon Kentucky Derby hopefuls in KDFW pools next year.

The lone Kentucky Derby Sire Future Wager, where fans can wager on sires of Kentucky Derby prospects, will run concurrently with Pool 2, and TwinSpires analysts James Scully and Vance Hanson have selections for both wagers.

Pool 2 of Kentucky Derby 151 Future Wager

SCULLY: #16 Guns Loaded (99-1) overcame a stumbling start to finish second in his career debut at Saratoga in late August, and the Jose D'Angelo-trained colt graduated smartly the second time out at Churchill Downs, rolling to a 2 3/4-length decision on the front end. The dark bay son of Gun Runner registered an outstanding 98 Brisnet Speed rating, and Guns Loaded is bred to relish longer distances. I'm excited to see him try stakes rivals in the future.

HANSON: Perhaps #36 Uncaged (60-1) will be the colt Mike Repole can win his first Kentucky Derby with. Owned in partnership with WinStar Farm, Uncaged won on debut by 1 3/4 lengths at Saratoga in early August with a nifty stalk-and-pounce rally going six furlongs. By Curlin and out of Delaware Oaks (G3) winner Dark Nile, by Pioneerof the Nile, Uncaged is undoubtedly bred to be more effective going long. Although he's posted no official workouts since late September, his inclusion on the list suggests he should be gearing up soon for a winter campaign in Florida, whether at Gulfstream or Tampa Bay Downs.

Sire Wager for Kentucky Derby 151

SCULLY: #16 Gun Runner (30-1) produced 2022 Preakness (G1) winner Early Voting from his first crop, and his son Sierra Leone finished second by a nose in the 2024 Kentucky Derby. It seems like a matter of time until Gun Runner sires a Kentucky Derby winner, and he counts two very promising types, Bob Hope (G3) winner Bullard and Guns Loaded, among his three individual interests in Pool 2. Gun Runner is eligible to have more prospects come along as well, and he offers possible value as the co-sixth choice on the Sire Future Wager morning line.

HANSON: Given my endorsement of Uncaged, I would be remiss not to plop a few bucks down on his dad, two-time Horse of the Year and Hall of Fame inductee #9 Curlin (50-1). Curlin has already sired winners of the Triple Crown's other two legs, and has a pair of runner-up finishes in the Kentucky Derby with Exaggerator (2016) and Good Magic (2018). A superior stamina influence, Curlin is long overdue to make his mark on America's premier classic.