For horse-racing fans and bettors, the Kentucky Derby is one of the most anticipated sports events. This annual horse racing event exhibits numerous amazing Thoroughbred horses and their trainers to compete in the two-kilometer track at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, United States.

Even with the current pandemic, various individuals are still looking forward to this event. Fans and bettors are the most excited, especially now that the Kentucky Derby 2021 is just six months away. Many are already observing the leaderboards to check out which horses are rising and falling.

If you’re planning to bet on this season’s race, you can find the contenders here for this year’s Derby.

Essential Quality

This two-year-old colt is one of the most promising juveniles. His name is expected to rise in fame throughout the upcoming Kentucky Derby 2021. After his victories in winning Kentucky Jockey Club (G2), Breeders’ Futurity (G1), and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) last November, Essential Quality has become a top contender who’ll likely win this horse racing event.

He is at the 10-1 favorite in the Kentucky Derby 2021 Future Wager Pool 1 among the 24 betting interests. The odds keep on changing, but he is reaching +1200 in most sportsbooks. The odds can still go higher in the future as the Kentucky Derby comes closer.

Essential Quality is indeed in good hands with trainer Brad H. Cox and owner Godolphin. This joint force will improve their training for the rest of the winter season. That is why this is the right time to root for him, as many sportsbooks will likely back him as the Derby approaches.

Life is Good

Sired by the retired Into Mischief, Life is Good is giving a fantastic impression in the world of horse racing. He already won during his debut by 9 1/2 length at Del Mar, sprinting a 6 1/2-furlong race track last November. He went up the post in 1-5 odds, which is fascinating for a debut. The race made him earn a 90 Beyer Speed Figure, proving his incredible track speed.

Bob Baffert’s impressive skills in training top racehorses never left him. He still produces top contenders for the past years, with Life is Good probably the next in line. His Hall of Famer jockey, Mike Smith, is making him an even stronger contender that can possibly sweep next year’s Kentucky Derby.

Bettors should keep an eye on this two-year-old sensation. Life is Good made his morning line odds to 15-1 on the Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 1. In other sportsbooks, his odds are up to +800, topping the future odds ranking.

Jackie’s Warrior

Jackie’s Warrior’s last race in the Breeders’ Cup may be a disappointing performance. He only placed fourth, crushed by Essential Quality, Hot Rod Charlie, and Keepmeinmind, respectively. He was also at 4/5 that time, with everybody expecting him to win or even place. Still, many experts and bettors are still rooting for him as a contender for the Kentucky Derby 2021.

He won first place in all of his four previous matches, including the NYRA three-year-old division, in which he gained three major graded wins. This record is why Jackie’s Warrior should still be named one of the top contenders for the 2021 Derby. His trainer, Steven M. Asmussen, can still make him a stronger racehorse. He is the son of Maclean’s Music, after all.

Jackie’s Warrior is at 20-1 on the 2021 Kentucky Derby Pool 1. His odds on other sportsbooks reach up to +1800.

Hot Rod Charlie

Despite not winning the most recent Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1), Hot Rod Charlie’s still got his spotlight. He actually had 94-1 odds but unexpectedly got second place. Even if he struggled to break his maiden win, he still manages to have a good performance. Also, the results of his previous matches are commendable enough, with the fifth-place being his lowest.

In Pool 1 of the 2021 Kentucky Derby, he achieved 20-1 odds. This is a great leap to him, all thanks to the result of his most recent race. Hopefully, his trainer, Doug F. O’Neill, and his owner, the Roadrunner Racing, can improve his performance for the 2021 Derby.

Keepmeinmind

Keepmeinmind achieved first place in his most recent match in the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2). This achievement is a remarkable triumph for him, for this is his first win after failing to place first from his three past races. Now, he joins in the top list of being a great contender for the Kentucky Derby 2021.

He got the same odds with Hot Rod Charlie and Jackie’s Warrior, 20-1, in the same future wager. Some sportsbooks are backing him by extending the odds to +1600.

Takeaway

Knowing these top contenders and their betting odds is a great way to anticipate this upcoming Kentucky Derby. They are one of the helpful guides when it comes to picking favorites and placing bets. The list may still change since there are still several months left before the big event. So, keep yourself updated on the Derby leaderboards.