While most trainers and jockeys consider the one-hole a less than ideal starting post, Orb maintained the top spot on the Preakness Stakes odds leaderboard despite drawing the far inside gate. Obviously the odds makers and betting public believe the smaller field (nine) coupled with Orb’s track record reduces the significance of the draw. The colt has overcome a gate one start before, winning the 1 1/16 miles Fountain of Youth (G2) from Post No. 1.

Orb, which needed four attempts to break his maiden, enters the Preakness Stakes on a five race winning streak; he also has the hottest jockey in the country at his reigns in Dominican native Joel Rosario. Rosario rode 2011 Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom to victory in the $10 million Dubai World Cup before piloting Orb to the win at Churchill Downs two weekends ago.

While Orb was not affected by Wednesday’s draw results, some horses saw their odds move. Departing (Post No. 4) was drawing 5/1 odds earlier in the week, but it is now a 13/2 Preakness selection. Post No. 5 starter, Mylute, is now a second pick with Departing, moving from 9/1 odds up to 13/2. Like Departing, Goldencents dropped ever so slightly, falling from 7/1 to odds to its current line of 8/1.

D.Wayne Lukas’ Preakness trio of Will Take Charge, Oxbow, and Titletown Five remain the longest shots in the nine horse field, coming in at 12/1, 16/1, and 28/1 respectively.

Preakness Picks 2013: Provided by Bovada.lv

Orb 10/11
Departing 13/2
Mylute 13/2
Goldencents 8/1
Govenor Charlie 10/1
Itsmyluckyday 10/1
Will Take Charge 12/1
Oxbow 16/1
Titletown Five 28/1

Orb (+140): Orb, a 4 to 1 favorite to win the Kentucky Derby, enters the Preakness Stakes on a five race winning streak. The son of Malibu Moon and Lady Liberty has not lost since breaking his maiden in November of last year. The colt’s strong finish in the slop at Churchill Downs made it the clear favorite at Pimlico and its workouts at the track would indicate it is great post-Derby shape.

Departing (+350): Despite this gelding’s win at the Grade 3 Illinois Derby, it did not race in the Kentucky Derby. Departing, which was only raced once as a two year old, has four wins in five career starts; its only non-victory came at the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby in late March. The product of War Front and Leave finished third at the Fair Grounds Race Course behind Derby runners Revolutionary and Mylute.

Goldencents (+700): Goldencents was considered one of the Derby favorites after wins at the San Felipe Stakes (G2) and Santa Anita Derby (G1), but it did not show well at Churchill Downs, finishing a distant 17th. The colt’s handlers, which includes trainer Doug O’Neill (trained 2012 Derby and Preakness winner I’ll Have Another), were, obviously, disappointed with the lackluster result; however, the horse is in good health and they anticipate a far better finish at Pimlico.

Preakness 2013 Odds: Provided by Sportsbook.ag

Orb +140
Departing +350
Goldencents +700
Itsmyluckyday +900
Will Take Charge +1200
Mylute +1200
Govenor Charlie +2000
Oxbow +2000
Titletown Five +3000

Orb (+400): Has won its last four races, including the Fountain of Youth Stakes and the Grade 1 Florida Derby. Possesses wonderful pedigree, especially for distance on both sides as his sired, Malibu Moon, was sired by 1992 Belmont Stakes winner A.P. Indy and his dam was sired by 1990 Kentucky Derby winner Unbridled.

Verrazano (+500): The pedigree is not as impressive as Orb’s, but it comes into the Derby undefeated with wins at the Tampa Bay Derby (G2) and Wood Memorial (G1). Verrazano also sports a Derby winning trainer in Pletcher (Super Saver – 2010) and a Derby winning jockey in John Velasquez (Animal Kingdom – 2011).

Revolutionary (+500): Has never competed in a Grade 1 race, but has won its last three races, including the Withers Stakes (G3) and Louisiana Derby (G2). Revolutionary owns one of the top Beyer ratings in this year’s field at 102, and will be piloted by three-time Derby winner Calvin Borel. Will start from Post 3, which should play right into the hands of Borel’s hug the rail style.

Goldencents (+650): Goldencents’ 105 Beyer rating ties with him with Verrazano as the best in this year’s field. The colt is trained by last year’s winning trainer, Doug O’Neill (I’ll Have Another), and it has plenty of experience in graded stakes competition, having raced in Grade 1 events in the Champagne Stakes (2nd) and Santa Anita Derby (1st).

Normandy Invasion (+800): Normandy Invasion has just one win (maiden race) in five career starts, but it took second in the Remsen Stakes (G2) and Wood Memorial (G1). The extra distance at the Derby (10 furlongs or 1 1/4 miles) could actually benefit Normandy Invasion; the colt was rallied at the end of both the Wood Memorial and Remsen Stakes, suggesting it had more in the tank.

Kentucky Derby Picks 2013: Provided by Sportsbook.ag

1. Black Onyx SCRATCHED
2. Oxbow +3000
3. Revolutionary +500
4. Golden Soul +4000
5. Normandy Invasion +800
6. Mylute +1800
7. Giant Finish +5000
8. Goldencents +650
9. Overanalyze +1200
10. Palace Malice +3000
11. Line of Battle +3000
12. Itsmyluckyday +1000
13. Falling Sky +4500
14. Verrazano +500
15. Charming Kitten +4000
16. Orb +400
17. Will Take Charge +2500
18. Frac Daddy +3000
19. Java’s War +2000
20. Vyjack +2000

Verrazano and Orb are intriguing prospects as they both feature a solid pedigree as well as exceptional trainers (Todd Pletcher, “Shug” McGaughey respectively), but based upon each colt’s best Beyer score (speed rating), Verrazano looks like the more probably Derby winner.

Verrazano, the son of More Than Ready and Enchanted Rock, produced a 105 Beyer rating at the Grade 2 Tampa Bay Derby on March 9th while Orb’s scored back to back 97 Beyer totals in winning the Fountain of Youth Stakes and the Florida Derby. A triple digit Beyer score has become the standard for most Derby winners with 19 of the last 21 Kentucky Derby champions producing a 100 or better rating prior to their Run for the Roses victory.

Orb would seem to have the more advantageous post position, though. The product of Malibu Moon and Lady Liberty, Orb will start tomorrow’s race from Gate 16; Verrazano will jump from Post 14. Post No. 16 has produced three Derby winners since 1999 in Charismatic (1999), Monarchos (2001), and Animal Kingdom (2011). The last horse to win with a Gate 14 start was Carry Back in 1961.

Post time for the 2013 Kentucky Derby, which will be broadcast live on NBC (coverage starts at 4:00pm ET), is set for 6:24pm ET on Saturday, May 4th. The event, a 10 furlongs (1 1/4 miles) Grade 1 race, will take place at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky; it features a $2.18 million purse.

Note: Black Onyx (post 1) has been scratched from tomorrow’s Derby; race officials have decided to leave Post 1 vacant.

Kentucky Derby 2013 Predictions: Provided by CarbonSports.ag

Orb +400 (Post 16)
Verrazano +400 (Post 14)
Goldencents +700 (Post 8)
Revolutionary +700 (Post 3)
Normandy Invasion +1000 (Post 5)
Itsmyluckyday +1200 (Post 12)
Overanalyze +1200 (Post 9)
Mylute +1500 (Post 6)
Vyjack +2000 (Post 20)
Java’s War +2000 (Post 19)
Will Take Charge +2500 (Post 17)
Oxbow +3000 (Post 2)
Lines of Battle +3000 (Post 11)
Palace Malice +3000 (Post 10)
Frac Daddy +3000 (Post 18)
Charming Kitten +4000 (Post 15)
Giant Finish +5000 (Post 7)
Golden Soul +5000 (Post 4)
Falling Sky +6000 Post 13)

Orb (17/4): Orb was considered a favorite coming into Derby week given the colts strong Derby Trail performance as well as its tremendous pedigree (Sire – Malibu Moon by A.P. Indy, Dam – Lady Liberty by Unbridled). Orb has not lost since breaking his maiden, taking first in a Gulfstream Park Allowance and in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes and Grade 1 Florida Derby. The Claude “Shug” McGaughey trained colt became an even stronger consideration after yesterday’s post draw. Orb drew Post No. 16, which has yielded four Derby winners since 1995 in Thunder Gulch, Charismatic, Monarchos, and Animal Kingdom.

Verrazano (9/2): Trainer/Jockey tandem Todd Pletcher and John Velasquez will chase their second career Derby wins aboard this More Than Ready sired colt; however, a Run for the Roses victory would be their first together. Velasquez piloted 2011 winner Animal Kingdom while Pletcher served as trainer for 2010 champion Super Saver (Calvin Borel). Verrazano certainly looks like a good candidate to reward both Plethcer and Velasquez; the colt is undefeated in four starts with wins in the Grade 2 Tampa Bay Derby and Grade 1 Wood Memorial. Verrazano will start the Derby from Post No. 14 (the last Post 14 start to win the Kentucky Derby was 1961 champion Carry Back).

2013 Kentucky Derby Odds: Provided by Bovada.lv

1. Black Onyx 50/1
2. Oxbow 33/1
3. Revolutionary 15/2
4. Golden Soul 50/1
5. Normandy Invasion 10/1
6. Mylute 16/1
7. Giant Finish 50/1
8. Goldencents 7/1
9. Overanalyze 14/1
10. Palace Malice 25/1
11. Lines of Battle 33/1
12. Itsmyluckyday 16/1
13. Falling Sky 50/1
14. Verrazano 9/2
15. Charming Kitten 33/1
16. Orb 17/4
17. Will Take Charge 25/1
18. Frac Daddy 40/1
19. Java’s War 18/1
20. Vyjack 16/1

Verrazano (-130): Verrazano is undefeated in four races, having captured an Allowance victory and wins at the Grade 2 Tampa Bay Derby and Grade 1 Wood Memorial following his maiden victory on January 1st. Despite its impressive record, some believe the colt’s relative inexperience could play a part on Saturday. Should Verrazano, which is trained by four-time Eclipse Award winner Todd Pletcher, win on Saturday, he would become the first Derby winner to go unraced at two since 1882 champion Apollo.

Revolutionary (+100): Like Orb, another Derby favorite, Revolutionary had a difficult time breaking his maiden. The brown colt needed four cracks before finally getting it done; however, since clearing that hurdle, Revolutionary has gone on to win two races, the Grade 3 Withers Stakes and the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby. One of five Todd Pletcher (2010 Kentucky Derby winner – Super Saver) trained colts to compete this weekend, Revolutionary will be guided by three-time Derby champion Calvin Borel. Borel notched Kentucky Derby wins in 2007 (Street Sense), 2009 (Mine That Bird), and 2010 (Super Saver). Revolutionary also possesses a wonderful stamina pedigree with Derby champions A.P. Indy and Seattle Slew in his Dam’s bloodline (Runup the Colors).

Kentucky Derby Bets – Verrazano vs Revolutionary: Provided by Sportsbook.ag

Verrazano -130

Revolutionary +100

Verrazano (+500), which went unraced at two years old, enters the Kentucky Derby having won all four of the races he entered, but wins at the Grade I Wood Memorial and Grade 2 Tampa Bay Derby are what brought the colt into the Derby spotlight. Granted, Verrazano’s splits at the Wood were not overly impressive, but he did finish ahead of two other Derby entries, Normandy Invasion and Vyjack, in the 1 1/8th miles event.

Verrazano’s pedigree would suggest 10 furlongs (1 1/4th miles) might be an issue; however, given the other factors working in his favor, including a Derby winning trainer in Todd Pletcher and a Derby winning jockey in John Velasquez, the colt should be a major factor come Saturday.

Orb also boosts an impressive record, having won his last four races, but it did take him four tries to break his maiden. Despite the slow start, the Malibu Moon sired bay now has two majors Derby Trail wins in its proverbial pocket in the Grade I Florida Derby and Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes. This colt also boasts plenty of distance pedigree (A.P. Indy, Unbridled, Seattle Slew) and it will be piloted by a red hot jockey in Joel Rosario.

Kentucky Derby Favorites 2013: Provided by CarbonSports.ag

Orb +500
Verrazano +500
Revolutionary +700
Goldencents +800
Normandy Invasion +800
Itsmyluckyday +1200
Overanalyze +1500
Vyjack +1600
Javas War +1800
Will Take Charge +2000
Palace Malice +2500
Oxbow +3000
Mylute +3000
Lines of Battle +4000
Black Onyx +4000
Frac Daddy +5000
Falling Sky +5000
Golden Soul +5000
Charming Kitten +5000
Giant Finish (replacing Fear the Kitten) NA

Orb (+450): Orb needed four attempts to break his maiden, but he is 3-0 since with wins in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes and the Grade 1 Florida Derby. This Claude R. McGaughey III trained colt also has tremendous pedigree; the son of Malibu Moon and Lady Liberty, his bloodline includes 1990 Kentucky Derby winner Unbridled, 1992 Belmont Stakes winner A.P. Indy, and Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew.

Verrazano (+450): This bay colt broke its maiden on January 1st and has since taken first in a 1 mile Allowance as well as the 1 1/16-miles Tampa Bay Derby (Grade 2) and the 1 1/8-miles Wood Memorial (Grade 1). Distance and experience could be issues for Verrazano, but the colt also has a lot working for it. Verrazano has a Derby winning trainer in Todd Pletcher (2010 Super Saver) and a Derby winning jockey in John Velasquez (2011 Animal Kingdom).

Revolutionary (+800): Another Pletcher trained, Revolutionary enters the Derby on a three race winning streak. The son of War Pass (Sire) and Runup the Colors (Dam) captured its maiden in in late December (fourth attempt) and it has since won the Grade 3 Withers Stakes and the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby. The brown colt, which has raced only on dirt surfaces, will be piloted by three-time Kentucky Derby winner Calvin Borel.

Kentucky Derby 2013 Contenders: Provided by Sportsbook.ag

Orb +450
Verranzano +450
Revolutionary +800
Overanalyze +1000
Goldencents +1000
Normandy Invasion +1000
Itsmyluckyday +1200
Vyjack +1600
Javas War +1600
Lines of Battle +2000
Will Take Charge +2000
Mylute +2500
Palace Malice +2500
Oxbow +3500
Black Onyx +4000
Golden Soul +4000
Charming Kitten +4000
Fear the Kitten +4000
Frac Daddy +4000
Falling Sky +5000

I’ll Have Another spoiled Derby favorite Bodemeister’s strong bid at Churchill Downs on May 5th and he thwarted the colt’s run at the Preakness Stakes almost three weeks ago, but the Doug O’Neill trained colt will go from being the hunter to the hunted at Belmont Park this weekend.

After winning both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, I’ll Have Another wears the favorite target and there is no Bodemeister in the field this time around. Among those vying to derail I’ll Have Another’s Triple Crown bid are Derby runners Union Rags, Dullahan, and Optimizer as well as two horses with quality distance pedigrees in Paynter and Street Life.

Union Rags, one of the Derby favorites, finished an unexpected seventh at Churchill Downs and it did not run at the Preakness. Prior to the Derby, Union Rags, who is trained by Michael Matz (also trained 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro), had never finished worse than third.

Dullahan finished third at Churchill Downs after making a late charge similar to the one I’ll Have Another now famously showcased in catching Bodemeister. The Dale Romans’ pupil, a winner in the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes as well as the Breeders’ Futurity, also possesses a notable distance pedigree. The colt’s bloodlines include 1990 Kentucky Derby winner Unbridled and Mr. Prospector. Mr. Prospector’s descendants include Belmont winners Empire Maker, Hansel, Birdstone, Summer Bird, Thunder Gulch, Point Given, Afleet Alex, Drosselmeyer, Victory Gallop, Conquistador Cielo, Commendable, Editor’s Note, Jazil, Lemon Drop Kid, and Ruler On Ice.

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2012 Belmont Stakes Contenders: Provided by SBG Global

I’ll Have Another +125
Dullahan +400
Union Rags +400
Paynter +800
Street Life +1250
Unstoppable U +2800
Atigun +3000
Optimizer +3000
Five Sixteen +4500
Guyana Star Dweej +4500
Revelo’s Boy +4500

Went the Day Well was by no means an afterthought heading into the Kentucky Derby, but nor was the colt on the forefront of many minds at 20 to 1 odds to win the Run for the Roses. However, after its impressive fourth place finish at Churchill Downs, some are beginning to take notice of the H. Graham Motion (trained 2011 Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom) trainee.

Went the Day Well possesses a championship pedigree as its bloodlines feature 2002 Derby runner up Proud Citizen, multiple graded stakes winner Tiznow, and the legendary Mr. Prospector. The colt also lacks the wear and tear of some of the other contenders in Saturday’s Preakness Stakes, having participated in just four races.

Went the Day Well needed two shots to break his maiden, but after doing so in early March the colt won the Grade 3 Spiral Stakes (1 1/8 miles) before finishing just out of the money at Churchill Downs.

Piloting Went the Day Well tomorrow is veteran jockey John Velazquez. Velazquez, who guided Animal Kingdom to victory at Churchill Downs last year, is a Preakness Stakes title away from completing his own personal Triple Crown. The Puerto Rican born rider won the Belmont  Stakes in 2007 aboard filly Rags to Riches.

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Went the Day Well Odds 2012 Preakness Stakes Bets: Provided by TopBet.com

Went the Day Well (Post #8) +600 (To Win the 2012 Preakness Stakes)