Who Will Win The Kentucky Derby? Expert Picks and Predictions

Hoppert: Two of those wins came on a synthetic surface. I’ll pass.

13. Hidden Stash

Trainer: Vicki Oliver Jockey: Rafael Bejarano Odds: 50-1

Drape: Another who looks out of his league after finishing a well-beaten fourth in the Blue Grass.

Hoppert: He has won on this track, but he’s a step slower than the top contenders, and unfortunately we’ll have to wait a bit longer to see a female trainer win the Derby.

14. Essential Quality

Trainer: Brad Cox Jockey: Luis Saez Odds: 2-1

Drape: The Blue Grass victor and 2-year-old champion is a deserving favorite after winning all five of his races. The only question is, how much did the Blue Grass take out of him?

Hoppert: He won his first race on the rescheduled Derby day in September and has not stopped since, earning victories at three racetracks, on fast and sloppy surfaces, while employing a variety of running styles. Certainly the one to beat.

15. Rock Your World

Trainer: John Sadler Jockey: Joel Rosario Odds: 5-1

Drape: He looked like a worldbeater winning the Santa Anita Derby to go three for three. The first two, however, were on grass, where he may be better.

Hoppert: This late bloomer went wire to wire in the Santa Anita, and having previously raced on turf, he’s certainly not prepared for the dirt kickback from a 19-horse field. But Rosario is one of the hottest jockeys in the game, and if anyone can put him in position, it’s him.

16. King Fury (Scratched)

Trainer: Ken McPeek Jockey: Brian Hernandez Jr. Odds: 20-1

Drape: He won here as a 2-year-old and looked terrific winning the Lexington Stakes, his debut as a 3-year-old. His trainer and jockey are underrated. My pick.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/30/sports/horse-racing/kentucky-derby-odds-picks-predictions.html