"Racing fans across the nation have shown again that they love the Kentucky Derby Future Wager," said Alex Waldrop, president of Churchill Downs. "It is gratifying to see wagering on a single pool top the $500,000 mark for the first time and we look forward to the continued growth of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager as the excitement builds in the weeks leading up to Kentucky Derby 127." (More, Churchill Downs)
After the first round of the 2001 Kentucky Derby Future Wager closed Sunday the mutuel field remained the 3-1 favorite in the betting with Point Given (7-1) the lowest priced individual horse. Dollar Bill, who won the Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds in the closing minutes of the bet, closed at 14-1, up from his 10-1 listing on the morning line.A P Valentine closed as the third wagering choice at 9-1 despite finishing third Saturday at Gulfstream Park in an allowance race won by Hero's Tribute (19-1). Fountain of Youth (gr. I) winner Songandaprayer closed at 24-1 after being offered at 99-1 in the early stages of the bet. $510,815 was wagered, the highest amount wagered in an individual pool in the three-year history of the wager. The previous record was $465,454 wagered in pool one last year.