The Bret Calhoun-trained By My Standards will come into this year’s Kentucky Derby (G1) flying under the radar. He is coming into the race off a six-week break. Here’s a look at the By My Standards odds for the Run for the Roses.
It took the colt four tries to break his maiden. But he accomplished the feat at Fair Grounds on February 16 with a good looking 4.25-length victory in a field of 12. The colt had run second in his first two starts and was third in his next start.
Next up for the colt was his stakes debut, coming in the Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds on March 23. He was dismissed at 22-1 in the betting. However, he pulled off the big upset.
War of Will was sent off as the 4-5 favorite, but did not fire, checking in a non-threatening ninth. Meanwhile, the second choice in the betting was Spinoff, who managed to run second.
By My Standards was well placed, due to tracking the early pace in fourth. He then came with a three-wide bid in the stretch. He made a good late rally to get the job done and earn his way to the Run for the Roses.
By My Standards Odds: Line Steady in Past Month
The By My Standards odds for the Kentucky Derby a week after his victory were +2500. He has stayed at those Kentucky Derby odds over the last month.
Calhoun will be saddling his first Derby starter on the first Saturday of May. Jockey Gabriel Saez has had two mounts in the race, running second aboard the ill-fated Eight Belles in 2008. He was also aboard Friesen Fire in 2009, that colt checking in 18th.
His pedigree is in question as far as getting 1.25 miles. His sire, Goldencents, won the 2013 and 2014 Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1).
The mare, A Jealous Woman, won eight times earning $469,956. She won a pair of ungraded stakes at a mile on turf.
The Louisiana Derby has produced just three Kentucky Derby winners. The most recent was Funny Cide in 2003.
While the race has not produced a winner in 15 years, several alumni have run well in the Run for the Roses. Among those are Gun Runner (third in 2016), Commanding Curve (second in 2014), Golden Soul (second in 2013), Revolutionary (third in 2013) and Nehro and Mucho Macho Man, who ran second and third in 2011.
Last year’s Louisiana Derby winner was the Todd Pletcher-trained Noble Indy. He came back to run 17th in the Kentucky Derby and 10th in the Belmont Stakes.
The colt has been stabled at Churchill Downs for nearly a month and has impressed clockers in the mornings with his works and gallops. That may shrink his price a few points, but still expect him to be around 20-1 on the Kentucky Derby odds for the race.