Johannesburg Early Favorite in Round Three of Derby Future Wager

Johannesburg is the early favorite in pool three of the Kentucky Derby future wager offered by Churchill Downs, taking in $6,549 of $40,282 wagered on Thursday. After beginning the day the 6-1 co-second choice, the undefeated Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I) winner is currently available at 4-1.

The mutuel field consisting of all 3-year-olds not among the 23 individual betting interests was the 5-1 favorite on the morning line, but now stands at 10-1, behind 8-1 second choices Saarland, and the Ken McPeek-trained pair of Repent and Harlan's Holiday (both 9-1).

Others attracting interest early in the betting are Medaglia d'Oro (11-1), Godolphin's Essence of Dubai (13-1), Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) morning-line favorite Came Home (15-1), and Blue Burner and Sunday Break, who are both at 18-1.

On the other end of the spectrum, Southwest Stakes divisional winner Private Emblem is available at over 99-1 after attracting $139 in wagers over the first several hours of the four-day wager which closes Sunday.

Handle for the first day of pool three wagering was up from the $33,057 bet on the opening session of last year's third pool. Wagering resumes Friday at noon (EST). The pool will close Sunday at 5:30 p.m. (EDT).

(Live Odds, TVG)