2021 Kentucky Derby Betting Preview PT 1

We’ve got a stellar race starting to come together in the ante post markets as the biggest contest of the flat season in the United States is set to run in just a couple of weeks time. Now that all of the key prep races have been run, the 20 horse field is becoming a bit more likely and a stream of defections towards the bottom of the points table still has some horses on the bubble about whether they might draw into the race or not. 

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The current points leader is Godolphin’s Essential Quality and he has been able to handle virtually anything thrown at him so far this season and last as he comes into the race as the defending Breeders’ Cup Juvenile champion - a feat that often winds up ensuring a horse goes off as the favourite in the Derby but typically doesn’t actually win the race. 

Right now, punters will find Essential Quality trading around an 11/4 best price with several top bookmakers. The colt is reported to be fit and shouldn’t have any problem making the race unless something happens in the interim between now and race day. 

His win in the Bluegrass showed that he’s got what it takes to pull two turn races like these and he shouldn’t struggle with the extra furlong that he will be tackling in the Derby. One has to think that the only thing genuinely working against him would be a poor post draw such as the 20 post or the dreaded 1 stall that often sees a horse defect from the race. 

Rock Your World has emerged as another big contender after beating some good horses in the Arkansas Derby. He has plenty of ability and many expect him to be peaking at just the right time. Right now, you’ll find him priced around a 6/1 margin in the ante post markets and he will likely be shorter than that on race day - again barring a poor draw.