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Kentucky Derby Betting: Late last year, Firenze Fire looked to be one of the contenders to win this year’s Kentucky Derby. He was impressive in his maiden and then knocked off Free Drop Billy by a length to win the Sanford Stakes.
After that, he grabbed fourth place in his first Grade 1 Stakes Race and then made a name for himself at the Champagne Stakes. He was able to beat a very good field that included Good Magic and Enticed in order to win the race.
Many felt that he had a shot to win the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, but he came up well short in Del Mar, finishing in seventh place. Since then, he has struggled to find his form.
This year, Firenze Fire won the Jerome Stakes and grabbed the Place at the Withers Stakes. However, he couldn’t hit the board at either the Gotham Stakes or the Wood Memorial, finishing in fourth place in each race.
The Kentucky Derby will go to post on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 6:34 p.m. ET at Churchill Downs in Louisville. Catch the Kentucky Derby live on NBC.
Firenze Fire
Career Record: 4-1-0
Career Earnings: $669,100
Kentucky Derby Points: 39
Kentucky Derby Odds at BookMaker.eu: +8050
The Sire of Firenze Fire is Poseidon’s Warrior. Poseidon’s Warrior never ran in one of the Triple Crown races, but he had some decent success as a racehorse. Firenze Fire’s dam is My Every Wish.
Trainer Jason Servis and jockey Paco Lopez will be trying to lead Firenze Fire to the Winner’s Circle. It will be the first time at the Kentucky Derby for both men.
Why Firenze Fire Will Win the Kentucky Derby
This horse is one of the more experienced racers in this field. This will be Firenze Fire’s 10th race, and he has competed against a good number of these horses before. His running style could make him a factor here. This is a field full of contenders that like to front-run, but if the lead pack decides to go out slow he has a shot. Firenze Fire is a closer and will make up ground late.
Why Firenze Fire Won't Win the Kentucky Derby
The speed ratings for Firenze Fire are downright woeful. He has yet to top 94 this year, and that will be well off the pace of the winner at the Kentucky Derby. This horse has shown no signs of any latent speed either, as we would have seen something over the course of nine previous races.
The Final Verdict
Firenze Fire is just not fast enough to be competitive at the Kentucky Derby. He might have a shot at the Belmont Stakes since it is a longer race, but he is not going to be able to stay within striking distance of the lead pack.
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