2021 Kentucky Derby Betting Odds Preview

Back to its usual date after taking a detour last year due to the pandemic, the 147th Kentucky Derby will be run this weekend at Churchill Downs.

There’s a full 20-horse field in this year’s Derby and there’s a big favorite expected to run away from the rest of the pack. At Bovada Sportsbook, that favorite is Essential Quality at +275.

Essential Quality favored in Run for the Roses

He heads into the Derby undefeated in five races, which includes wins in the Blue Grass Stakes and the Southwest Stakes. He also delivered a strong performance in last year’s Breeders’ Cup. Essential Quality is trained by Brad H. Cox, who is looking to send his first horse to the winner’s circle in a Triple Crown race.

Following Essential Quality in the Kentucky Derby odds at Bovada is Rock Your World at +450, and Known Agenda and Hot Rod Charlie, both at +800.

Rock Your World is also undefeated with three wins in his career. All three of his wins came at Santa Anita Park, including his last win in the Santa Anita Derby earlier this month. Rock Your World’s trainer, John W. Sadler, is also looking for his first win in a Triple Crown race.

Known Agenda one of four Pletcher entries

Known Agenda has won his last two races and three of six overall. He last won the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park last month. Known Agenda is one of four Derby entries by famed trainer Todd Pletcher. He’s visited the winner’s circle twice before at the Derby with Always Dreaming in 2017 and Super Saver in 2010. Pletcher’s other horses in this year’s field are Bourbonic (+4000), Dynamic One (+4000) and Sainthood (+4500).

Hot Rod Charlie is coming off a win in the Louisiana Derby last month at the Fair Grounds. That was his second career win in seven races. Hot Rod Charlie is this year’s lone entry from trainer Doug O’Neill. He previously trained Derby winners in 2016 with Nyquist and in 2012 with I’ll Have Another.

If you judge your Derby picks by post position, you’ll want to know that Essential Quality has drawn the No. 14 post, while Rock Your World is at No. 15, Known Agenda at No. 1 and Hot Rod Charlie at No. 9.

Last winner from No. 14 post was in 1961

Only two horses have ever won from the No. 14 post with the last being Carry Back in 1961. Coincidentally, Authentic became the sixth horse to win from the No. 15 post last year. Eight horses have won out of the No. 1 post, and four winners have come out of the No. 9 post.

The post that has housed the most Kentucky Derby winners remains the No. 5 post with 10. Drawing that post this year was Sainthood.