Kentucky Derby Future Wager Off to a Strong Start

The first of three pools in Churchill Downs' 2006 Kentucky Derby Future Wager got off to a rousing start Jan. 26 as a $10,000 bet was placed on "all others" during its first hour.

The $10,000 wager on the mutuel field, the betting interest that includes all 3-year-old Thoroughbreds other than the 23 individual horses on the Pool 1 roster, instantly drove the odds on the field to 1/9. The mutuel field, which is wagering interest number 24 in the KDFW pool, was listed as a 4-1 favorite in Churchill Downs handicapper Mike Battaglia's morning line odds for Pool 1.

The large wager was placed at a simulcast outlet in Las Vegas, Nev.

Through the first 3 1/2 hours of wagering in the four-day pool, Kentucky Derby fans had wagered more than $30,000 on the Derby Future bet at racetracks and simulcast centers throughout North America. The wager is being offered in Canada for the first time as Woodbine Racecourse in Toronto has gained approval to offer the wager.

The Kentucky Derby Future Wager offers racing fans the opportunity to wager on Derby contenders well in advance of the "Run for the Roses" at odds that may be more attractive than they would receive on Derby Day. It is a minimum $2 wager and is a win bet only. There are no refunds in the Kentucky Derby Future Wager.

Winning payouts in all Kentucky Derby Future Wager pools are based on the odds that are in place on each wagering interest at the conclusion of each respective pool. Betting on Pool 1 will continue through 6 p.m. (EST) Jan. 29. KDFW Pool 2 is scheduled for March 2-5 and the third and final pool is set for April 6-9.

The 132nd running of the $2 million-guaranteed Kentucky Derby (gr. I) is scheduled for May 6.