The Kentucky Derby Future Wager's fourth pool is set to captivate racing enthusiasts with its thrilling lineup. Among the notable contenders, Citizen Bull, the reigning champion two-year-old colt and recent victor of the Grade 3 Robert B. Lewis Stakes, stands out as the individual favorite at 6-1 odds. However, the collective field of all other three-year-olds takes the overall lead at 9-2. This three-day betting window opens on Friday at noon EST and concludes on Sunday at 6 p.m. The excitement extends beyond the wagering period, coinciding with the commencement of the Kentucky Derby championship series, which kicks off with the Risen Star Stakes (G2) at Fair Grounds.

Spotlight on Citizen Bull and Other Top Contenders

Citizen Bull's impressive performance has positioned him as a formidable force in this year's Kentucky Derby Future Wager. Trained by Bob Baffert and sired by Into Mischief, Citizen Bull's recent triumph in the Grade 3 Robert B. Lewis Stakes adds significant weight to his candidacy. Despite the strong competition from the broader field of three-year-olds, Citizen Bull remains a top pick for many bettors. Other notable horses in the mix include Built, East Avenue, Jonathan’s Way, and Vassimo, who are also set to compete in the upcoming Risen Star Stakes.

Beyond Citizen Bull, several other contenders in the fourth pool have garnered attention. For instance, Barnes, trained by Bob Baffert, enters the fray at 8-1 odds, while Burnham Square, under Ian Wilkes, comes in at 20-1. Captain Cook, managed by Rick Dutrow, and Chancer McPatrick, guided by Chad Brown, add depth to the field with their respective odds of 20-1 and 25-1. These horses, along with others like Coal Battle and Cyclone State, bring a diverse range of pedigrees and training backgrounds to the table, ensuring an engaging betting experience for participants.

The Structure and Timing of Pool 4

The fourth pool of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager unfolds over three days, starting on Friday at noon EST and concluding on Sunday at 6 p.m. This period offers ample opportunity for enthusiasts to place their bets on win and exacta wagers. The event aligns with the kickoff of the Kentucky Derby championship series, which begins with the Risen Star Stakes (G2) at Fair Grounds on Saturday. This strategic timing enhances the excitement, as it provides a preview of the talent that will vie for glory in the prestigious Kentucky Derby.

In addition to the main event, the fourth pool introduces 14 new entrants not seen in the previous round. These newcomers, including Burnham Square, Captain Cook, Gate to Wire, Hypnus, John Hancock, Legitimate, Praetor, Rapture, River Thames, Sand Devil, Sorcerer’s Silver, Speed King, Tip Top Thomas, and Vassimo, add fresh dynamics to the betting landscape. The inclusion of these horses ensures that each pool remains unpredictable and engaging. Furthermore, future wager pools 5 and 6 are scheduled for March 14-16 and April 3-5, respectively, keeping the momentum alive as the big day approaches. Notably, there are no refunds in the Kentucky Derby Future Wager, and if any horse faces an injury or illness preventing participation, betting on that horse will be halted immediately.