'Field' is Huge Favorite in Derby Future Wager

Reflecting the lack of a strong favorite for this year's Kentucky Derby, bettors have made the mutuel field a prohibitive favorite in the first day of wagering in Pool One of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager.

Following Thursday's action, which closed at 11 p.m. (EST), the mutuel field stood at 3-2, hammered down from a 4-1 morning line. The field attracted approximately $7,000 of the first $10,000 wagered, and stood as low as 1-9 at one point. The first pool closes Sunday at 5:30 p.m. (EST).

Johannesburg, the unbeaten winner of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I), stood as the 7-1 second-choice at the end of Thursday, followed by Repent (10-1), Siphonic (11-1), Came Home (13-1), Saarland (16-1), and Stephentown (22-1).

Wagering on the pool's first day totaled $60,500, or about one-third more than last year. The wager is being offered in 34 states, the highest ever, with California, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Washington participating for the first time. Wagering resumes Friday at noon (EST). Pool Two runs from March 14-17, and Pool Three from April 4-7.

(Live odds, TVG)