Harlan's Holiday Favored in Derby Future Wager

Harlan's Holiday closed as the 7-1 favorite in pool three of the Kentucky Derby future wager which closed at 5:30 (EDT) Sunday. Johannesburg, who suffered his first career defeat in Ireland Sunday, was next at 8-1, just ahead of Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) winner Came Home.

Pool three closed with $524,847 wagered, the highest pool three handle in the four-year history of the wager and the second-highest for any individual pool. $577,889 was wagered earlier this year in pool one. The total handle for this year's three pools ($1,503,806) is up 15 percent from the previous record of $1,306,647 set last year. The wager was offered in 34 states this year, with California, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Washington participating for the first time.

"The continued growth of the Kentucky Derby future wager is a testament to the strength of this young wagering product and the enduring appeal of the Kentucky Derby, America's greatest race," said Alex Waldrop, president of Churchill Downs. "We appreciate the enthusiasm of racing fans across the country who love the Derby and the future wager. We also thank the racetracks, simulcast centers, and racing officials across North America who have worked to make this product available to their patrons."

(Final Odds and Will Pays, Churchill Downs)