Which 2021 Kentucky Derby horse should you bet?
Essential Quality. (Photo by Coady Photo/Keeneland)
April 28th, 2021
The 147th running of the Kentucky Derby is just around the corner, and this year's race should be packed with surprises!
While undefeated gray colt Essential Quality is the frontrunner to win the Garland of Roses, a few other horses could wind up in the Winner's Circle, such as John Sadler-trained Rock Your World, or Todd Pletcher-trainee Known Agenda.
Bob Baffert will field just one entry this Derby with Medina Spirit, a 15-1 contender. The dark bay colt finished second to Rock Your World in April's Santa Anita Derby (G1), but could pull it all together in time for the first Saturday in May.
With last year's Derby-winning jockey John Velazquez aboard the three-year-old, this Florida-born Thoroughbred possesses plenty of potential. A win on Saturday would also give Baffert a record-setting seven victories in the Kentucky Derby.
In the longshot category, Soup and Sandwich (30-1) is worth a look out of Gate 19. Trained by Mark Casse, the other gray colt in the field finished second to Known Agenda in the Florida Derby (G1), after reeling off two victories earlier in the year.
Underdog O Besos (20-1 odds) could also make history by becoming the latest son of a Kentucky Derby champion to also win the most exciting two minutes in sports. Sired by Orb, the 2013 Derby victor, O Besos last finished third in the Louisiana Derby (G2), behind Hot Rod Charlie and Midnight Bourbon.
If the last two Kentucky Derby races are any indication, expect someone other than the favorite to pull out ahead in the Run for the Roses.
You can look to racing record, sire, or a horse's name to figure out who to bet on in the race, but if you still need help narrowing down the field, we have the perfect solution with our latest personality quiz below!
