There were a number of big developments on the Kentucky Derby horse racing odds front recently, as a several would-be contenders either solidified their chances at the Run for the Roses or saw those chances get considerably slimmer. Here’s a look at some of the horses making noise.
Tough Times for Indianapolis
Another contender from the Bob Baffert stable has fallen on hard times as of late.
Indianapolis, who shot to the top of several must-watch lists after winning his first two starts, has been slowed down by throat issues and has a cloudy future regarding his next race. Baffert said he’s uncertain when Indianapolis will run next. The colt was expected to take part in the San Vicente Stakes at Santa Anita last month, but was scratched due to a cough which was, essentially, the start of his throat issues.
To compound matters, Indianapolis has been training in rainy weather, and that’s kept him from returning to the track in the hopes of regaining his early form. Baffert said all Indianapolis has been able to do thus far is light jogging – not the kind of updates you want in terms of Kentucky Derby betting news.
All that said, Baffert refused to rule Indianapolis out of Churchill Downs, saying that the fate of a horse “can literally change overnight.” That’s an important lesson to note when it comes to deciphering online horse odds.
Bond Holder Out of Tampa Bay Derby
Doug O’Neill’s Bond Holder – another horse that looked to be in solid shape to run in this year’s Kentucky Derby – has been ruled out of the Tampa Bay Derby with a foot injury.
Bond Holder shot to prominence with a win at the FrontRunner Stakes at Santa Anita early in this year’s campaign, but has been sidelined ever since sustaining a minor injury during a flight from California a few weeks ago. The plane went through some turbulence; Bond Holder tweaked his foot and was subsequently scratched from the Risen Star Stakes as a precautionary measure.
O’Neill updated the situation on Twitter this week, saying Bond Holder is “walking sound.” The big issue now is whether or not the colt will recover with enough time to rack up some Derby points – his lone win at FrontRunner got him on the board, but it was Bond Holder’s only victory in seven starts. He also finished fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and at the CashCall Futurity, which were good results but hardly massive point gainers.
For those who bet on Kentucky Derby, here’s a look at the latest point leaders:
60 – Samraat
53 – Intense Holiday
50 – Wildcat Red
24 – Alban, Uncle Sigh
22 – Tapiture
20 – Vicar’s in Trouble, General a Rod
14 – Havana, Cairo Prince, Honor Code
12 – Tamarando , Midnight Hawk
11 – Bond Holder
10 – Rise Up, We Miss Artie, Candy Boy, In Trouble, Noble Moon, Ami’s Holiday, Cleburne, Tanzanite Cat, Top Billing
