A Bet On The 2021 Kentucky Derby Has A Well Known Agenda

Image source: Flickr

Last year it was 8/1 Authentic that romped home in first place proving the bookies aren’t always right. Indeed, after that little upset, a bet on the 2021 Kentucky Derby doesn’t seem quite as simple as it used to. For instance, this year online betting sites in the US like Bovada are tipping Essential Quality at just 11/4. That seems fair enough but should you really back the favourite in a race that seems to perpetually throw up wildcard wins? We take a look at this years runners. 

As they finish congratulating Rachael Blackmore for her superb Grand National win, flutter fans turn to face America. With the big jumps done and dusted, focus moves across the Atlantic to a very different sort of horse race. To bet on the 2021 Kentucky Derby is not to wager on a long distance steeplechase. This is a short blast sprint of barely 10 furlongs. Which is perhaps why it so often throws up surprise winners like Authentic. The difference couldn’t be more stark.

In the Grand National you’ve plenty of time to make up for lost ground if you’ve the legs for it. In the Kentucky Derby if you’re out of position in the pack, you’re all out of luck. You’ve double trouble if the weather doesn’t play ball.  Do you remember 2019? So, those thinking about a bet on the 2021 Kentucky Derby need to keep these factors in mind. There’s no point you taking advantage of US gambling laws to blindly back the favorite. Not in this unpredictable little race.  

Is It Really The Most Exciting Two Minutes In Sports? 

Of course, the “Run for the Roses” as it’s called, isn’t a little race. It’s one of the three which make up the Triple Crown of US racing. They tend to call it “The Most Exciting Two Minutes In Sports”, but then, they would, wouldn’t they? I wonder if Romain Grosjean would agree with them. Probably not. Still, it’s a big deal. Everyone likes famous races and the prestige they bring with them. So, a lot of people around the world will enjoy a bet on the 2021 Kentucky Derby. 

Bet On The 2021 Kentucky Derby

• Dynamic One – 16/1
• Helium – 16/1
• Medina Spirit – 16/1
• Caddo River – 16/1
• Bourbonic – 12/1
• Known Agenda – 10/1
• Hot Rod Charlie – 10/1
• Highly Motivated – 10/1
• Super Stock – 10/1
• Concert Tour – 7/1
• Rock Your World – 6/1
• Essential Quality – 11/4
• More odds at Bovada…

But, if you’re going to bet on the 2021 Kentucky Derby, do remember it’s not as straight forward as it looks. The odds on the Kentucky Derby, as we’ve noted, can mislead. Essential Quality is favorite, and has the form (it’s unbeaten) but that doesn’t mean much here. That’s why Rock Your World, also unbeaten thus far, gets a far longer 6/1. The online sportsbook sites in the US like Bovada know that extra bit of experience two more races gives a horse, counts in Louisville.

Bet On The 2021 Kentucky Derby At Bovada

Concert Tour gets 7/1 but based on its last outing probably shouldn’t. It came third in Arkansas. The horse which won that race was Super Stock which gets just 10/1 in the Derby. These two have duked it out numerous times before. Highly Motivated shares those 10/1 Kentucky Derby odds. Unfortunately, it may have the motivation but doesn’t appear to have the legs anymore. This means it’s not a particularly good bet on the 2021 Kentucky Derby. Unlike Hot Rod Charlie.

Kentucky Derby

• Date – Sunday, May 2nd 
• Location – Louisville, Kentucky
• Course – Churchill Downs
• Surface – Dirt
• Distance – 1¼ miles (10 Furlongs/2,012m)
• Qualification – 3 Years Old +

Last time out this 10/1 shot came home in first and so did Known Agenda also getting the same price. Although, this is slightly longer than either likes running. So, as you can see, a bet on the 2021 Kentucky Derby isn’t that easy. Sure, the favorite looks to have it in the bag. But one of the reasons this is such a fabulous bet on sports in the US is that no one is quite sure what’s going to happen. They just know it always provides all the excitement you could want from racing.

Click here to visit the Bovada Sportsbook

We take a look at the runners  you’ll have to consider if you’re going to bet on the 2021 Kentucky Derby.