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2024 Kentucky Derby Picks: Dornoch, Mystik Dan, Catalytic

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The Kentucky Derby is one of the most prestigious and highly-anticipated events in the world of horse racing. Held annually on the first Saturday in May, the Kentucky Derby attracts horse racing enthusiasts from all over the world. The Derby is a 1 ¼ mile race for three-year-old thoroughbreds and is often referred to as “the most exciting two minutes in sports.” Let’s take a look at the current 2024 Kentucky Derby odds, post positions, and expert advice for Dornoch, Mystik Dan, and Catalytic heading into the 150th Run for the Roses.

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2023 Kentucky Derby Predictions: Dornoch

  • Post Position: 1
  • Odds: 20-1

In December, Dornoch defeated the second-favorite in the Kentucky Derby, Sierra Leone, in the Remsen. It was an impressive performance from Dornoch who led nearly the entire race before being overtaken by Sierra Leone on the home stretch. But the horse answered and retook the lead from the surging Sierra Leone to beat him across the line.

However, that race has been overshadowed by April’s Blue Grass Stakes where Dornoch finished fourth in a race that was won by Sierra Leone. The horse likes to run from the front and in a race with so many closers that could be problematic. But if Dornoch has the endurance to hang on, this is a horse that could elevate an exotic.

– Phil Wood

Bet: Use in Exotics

2023 Kentucky Derby Predictions: Mystik Dan

  • Post Position: 3
  • Odds: 20-1

Mystik Dan is all over the place. He won the Southwest Stakes in February on a muddy track, before finishing 3rd at the Arkansas Derby in March. However, he was 5th at the Smarty Jones and doesn’t show signs of being able to compete with the best horses in this race.

The only way that this horse has any chance is if the track conditions are less than ideal. If Saturday is rainy, then consider him for the back end of exotics. Otherwise, this horse should not be played.

– Phil Wood

Bet: Toss / Use in Back End of Exotics

2023 Kentucky Derby Predictions: Catalytic

  • Post Position: 5
  • Odds: 30-1

Catalytic has only run three races, but has finished either first or second in all three. In the longest race of his career, the Florida Derby, he finished second to Kentucky Derby-favorite Fierceness. While he was second, the two horses were clearly not in the same class, as Catalytic had nothing left while Fierceness pulled away down the final stretch.

The length of this race will be problematic for Catalytic, and unless a lot of horses falter down the final stretch, there aren’t any good plays for this horse.

– Phil Wood

Bet: Toss / Use in Back End of Exotics

2024 Kentucky Derby Horse Previews, Picks & Predictions

Check out our previews for every horse competing in the 2024 Kentucky Derby and our expert analysis on the best bets for this year’s Run for the Roses.

Kentucky Derby Post Positions & Odds

Post Position Horse Trainer Name Jockey Name Odds
1 Dornoch Danny Gargan Luis Saez 20-1
2 Sierra Leone Chad Brown Tyler Gaffalione 3-1
3 Mystik Dan Kenny McPeek Brian Hernandez Jr. 20-1
4 Catching Freedom Brad Cox Flavien Prat 8-1
5 Catalytic Saffie Joseph Jr. Jose Ortiz 30-1
6 Just Steel D. Wayne Lukas Keith Asmussen 20-1
7 Honor Marie Whit Beckman Ben Curtis 20-1
8 Just a Touch Brad Cox Florent Geroux 10-1
9 Encino Brad Cox Axel Concepcion 20-1
10 T O Password Daisuke Takayanagi Kazushi Kimura 30-1
11 Forever Young Yoshito Yahagi Ryusei Sakai 10-1
12 Track Phantom Steve Asmussen Joel Rosario 20-1
13 West Saratoga Larry Demeritte Jesus Castanon 50-1
14 Endlessly Michael McCarthy Umberto Rispoli 30-1
15 Domestic Product Chad Brown Irad Ortiz Jr. 30-1
16 Grand Mo the First Victor Barboza Jr. Emisael Jaramillo 50-1
17 Fierceness Todd Pletcher John Velazquez 5-2
18 Stronghold Phil D’Amato Antonio Fresu 20-1
19 Resilience Bill Mott Junior Alvarado 20-1
20 Society Man Danny Gargan Frankie Dettori 50-1
21* Epic Ride John Ennis Adam Beschizza 50-1
22* Mugatu Jeff Engler Joe Talamo 50-1

* Epic Ride is replacing Encino. Mugatu would replace any other scratches ahead of the weekend.

More Kentucky Derby Betting Advice

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