The preparation for the 151st Kentucky Derby, set to take place on May 3 at Churchill Downs, is now in full swing. Over the next few months, horse racing enthusiasts will have ample opportunities to engage with various betting options. Two prominent platforms offer futures wagers: Churchill Downs' parimutuel pools and Caesars Sportsbook's fixed-odds bets. The third Churchill Downs pool opens this weekend, featuring 39 individual horses plus an "all other 3-year-olds" category. Meanwhile, Caesars continues to expand its offerings but restricts betting to Nevada residents or visitors. Several promising contenders have emerged, including Barnes, Journalism, Patch Adams, and Rodriguez, each showcasing impressive performances that warrant attention from bettors.

Churchill Downs Parimutuel Pool: A Closer Look

The third parimutuel pool at Churchill Downs kicks off on Friday, January 17, and concludes on Sunday, January 19. This event provides a unique opportunity for fans to place bets on future Derby hopefuls. Thirty-nine horses are listed, along with an "all other 3-year-olds" option starting at 5-2 odds. During this period, one significant race—the Lecomte Stakes—will be held at Fair Grounds on Saturday, January 18, offering valuable insights into potential Derby contenders.

Among the top picks in this pool, Barnes stands out with opening odds of 10-1. His recent victory in the San Vicente Stakes demonstrated increased maturity and solidified his position as a leading candidate. Other notable entries include East Avenue at 15-1 and several horses tied at 20-1, such as Bullard, Chancer McPatrick, Citizen Bull, Journalism, Patch Adams, and Rodriguez. Each of these contenders has shown promise in their respective races, making them intriguing choices for savvy bettors. Additionally, Grande, a newcomer owned by Mike Repole and trained by Todd Pletcher, debuts at 50-1, adding another layer of excitement to the pool.

Caesars Sportsbook: Fixed-Odds Bets and Emerging Stars

Caesars Sportsbook offers a different approach to wagering on the Kentucky Derby through fixed-odds bets available exclusively in Nevada. The leaderboard features Barnes at 10-1, followed by Sovereignty at 15-1, and Journalism and Patch Adams both at 18-1. These odds reflect the current standings and provide a snapshot of the most favored horses. Notably, Rodriguez, who earned a 101 Beyer Speed Figure in his maiden win, is rated at 25-1, presenting an attractive value proposition for those willing to take a chance.

Patch Adams, despite not racing since November, remains a contender with impressive speed figures from his previous performance. He is scheduled to compete in the Southwest Stakes on January 25, under the guidance of trainer Brad Cox. Another horse to watch is Burning Glory, currently listed at 100-1 odds by Caesars. Trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, this Into Mischief colt has shown steady progress and hails from a prestigious lineage, including connections to champion Close Hatches and Tacitus. As the prep season unfolds, these emerging stars could significantly impact the landscape of the Kentucky Derby.