With the post-position draw complete and the sports betting odds for the race updated at BetDSI to reflect the starting spots, the number of wagers for this year’s Kentucky Derby has picked up. The one change following the post-position announcements is that Justify has been upgraded to the favorite to win the race outright at +300 odds. Mendelssohn, which was the slight favorite before the post-position reveal, is now second in line at +400 odds. While there will be plenty of money on the favorites for the annual Run for The Roses there are some smart sleeper picks with immense potential that might be worth taking a chance on in this race. Here is a look at the best sleeper picks for this year’s Kentucky Derby.
Good Magic +1000
A lot of people jumped off the bandwagon with this horse after a disappointing third place finish at the Fountain of Youth in its debut as a three-year-old. However, Good Magic could be flying under the radar somewhat as a sleeper pick to contend this week. Trainer Chad Brown seems overdue for a Derby win and this horse has the talent despite a disappointing performance its last time out. With so many people overlooking this horse, Good Magic could be a sneaky good sleeper pick to win the Kentucky Derby.
Bolt d’Oro +1000
While this horse was no match for the Derby favorite Justify in their most recent head-to-head outing, Bolt d’Oro has the sheer ability to contend for the win as another intriguing sleeper option. Trainer Mick Ruis is well known among horse racing fans and he wouldn’t enter this horse in the race if he didn’t feel it had the talent to contend for the victory. At +1000 odds, Bolt d’Oro offers sneaky good value as a sleeper option to win the Run for the Roses this week.
Hofburg +1200
If you are looking for a little more value, Hofburg might be your best bet as some books have him listed at +1200 while one book in particular has him listed at +1600 odds to win the Kentucky Derby outright. With just three starts under his belt, some were surprised that Bill Mott decided to enter this horse in the race. However, this horse made a very strong impression at Churchill Downs and could be a sneaky good dark horse option to contend for the win this week.
My Boy Jack +2000
In terms of value, My Boy Jack represents another intriguing option as a sleeper pick for this week’s Derby. This horse seems to be completely overlooked at +2000 odds and that makes it that much more valuable as a sleeper option worth sprinkling a small amount of money on to win. The Santa Anita-based colt is the most experienced in the Derby after running 10 previous races. He won three of them including the Grade 3 Risen Star and the Lexington Stakes. While he is still definitely a long shot behind the favorites and some of the other names on this list, My Boy Jack has the potential to surprise as an excellent sleeper option to win the Kentucky Derby this week.
