In all, $372,961 was wagered in pool two, more than the $306,259 wagered during the same pool a year ago but less than the $510,815 wagered into pool one. "Racing fans across North America continue to embrace the Kentucky Derby future wager and we appreciate their enthusiasm and support," said Alex Waldrop, president of Churchill Downs. "The participation of important new markets in Arizona and Pennsylvania were major factors in another record-setting pool and we look forward to continued growth as 'Derby Fever' escalates in our final Future Wager pool in April."Pool three of the wager will be conducted April 5-8. (Full Odds Listing, Churchill Downs)
Pool two of the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) future wager closed at 4:30 p.m.(EST) Sunday, prior to the running of the Louisiana Derby (gr. II), with Florida Derby (gr. I) winner Monarchos the 5-1 favorite. Point Given was the narrow 6-1 second choice, with slightly more money wagered on the Bob Baffert-trained colt than the mutuel field, which also closed at 6-1.While Monarchos run in the Florida Derby attracted the attention of bettors, horses finishing behind the winner fared less well. Outofthebox -- who has yet to win a stakes race while finishing second in four of five added-money attempts, including the Florida Derby -- closed at 25-1, higher than his morning-line odds of 20-1. Florida Derby third-place finisher Invisible Ink closed at 22-1. Startac, who finished a disappointing second in Saturday's El Camino Real Derby (gr. III), closed at 25-1.