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Kentucky Derby Betting: The most impressive move we've seen all year long by a three-year old colt came at the Arkansas Derby when Classic Empire navigated to the outside of a crowded field in the final three furlongs and blew past everyone in his way as if they were all standing still. Now, Classic Empire is the favorite to win the Kentucky Derby and a deserving favorite at that.
The Kentucky Derby will go to post on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at 6:34 p.m. ET at Churchill Downs in Louisville. Catch the Kentucky Derby live on NBC.
Classic Empire
Career Record: 5-0-1 ( 7 Races )
Career Earnings: $2,120,220
Kentucky Derby Points: 132
Kentucky Derby Odds at BookMaker.eu: +250
We doubt that Classic Empire is actually going to go off at 5 to 2 to win the Kentucky Derby as his odds imply at the publication of this article, but we have no doubt that he's going to be the favorite. He's got the second most Kentucky Derby points with 132, and he's easily got the most money earned in the field with over $2 million to his name already. He was the two-year old champion, and he's effectively trying to become the three-year old champion in the Triple Crown races as well, and if he runs like he has his entire career, this could end up being a colt with a legitimate shot of winning the Triple Crown.
Why Classic Empire Will Win the Kentucky Derby
Simply put, this is the best horse we've seen this year. Classic Empire never seems to be bothered by much of anything, including when he was forced to start sixth at the Arkansas Derby, a little farther off the pace than he would usually like. Even headed into the stretch of that race, he had yet to make his move, but he definitely left himself enough time to challenge Conquest Mo Money and Malagacy in the final few strides to hit the wire first.
We're talking about a colt who has been a favorite in five of his last six races, including when he was a whopping 3 to 2 choice at the Breeders' Cup Futurity against a field of 12. There's a reason for that. Having Pioneerof the Nile and Empire Maker on his sire's bloodlines only adds to what Classic Empire has going for him, and so too is the fact that he's won at five different tracks, including twice here at Churchill Downs.
Why Classic Empire Won't Win the Kentucky Derby
There are just times this pony is just far too inconsistent for our liking. He tossed Irad Ortiz in th Hopeful Stakes at Saratoga last September and never really had a response at the Holy Bull with Julien Leparoux onboard. His Beyer Speed Ratings have been great otherwise, but Classic Empire still has a few of those moments that make us wonder if he can really win the Kentucky Derby. We know he can run from off the pace a bit, and we know that he can win from both the inside and the outside, but what we don't know is what's going to happen if he gets that feeling that he isn't going to ultimately win. Will his disposition cost him the biggest race of his life?
The Final Verdict
Classic Empire is going to be the most bet upon horse in the Derby field, and for good reason. If he runs his race, he probably isn't going to be beaten. Trainer Mark Casse knows that he has to go easy on his champion three year old to keep him fresh, but he's been a regular runner since his debut on Kentucky Derby week last year in a maiden race.
Would we put Classic Empire anywhere but on top of our exotics, though? Maybe not. After tossing Ortiz at the Hopeful and showing no response whatsoever in the Holy Bull, Classic Empire could easily finish in the middle of the pack if he isn't careful.
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2017 Kentucky Derby Contenders
