Horse Betting

Derby Betting Pool 2 Odds Released

Who are the new colts on the block?

Churchill Downs released its Pool 2 Future Wagers lineup for the Kentucky Derby this past Tuesday. Wagering odds have been posted for nine new horses, with injured Stevie Wonderboy among those dropped. Handicappers will want to check whether their sportsbook of choice has adjusted its futures odds to reflect what the folks in the Bluegrass State have posted.

Most of the new horses have popped up on the betting radar screen thanks to solid performances at allowances and Kentucky Derby prep races. VIPSports.com has several of the newcomers on its odds list, including Strong Contender (18-1) and Steppenwolfer (20-1).

Strong Contender is getting extra attention after his Feb. 22 allowance win at Gulfstream Park. He earned an impressive 94 Beyer Speed Figure in his second career start, the first being his maiden win at Arlington Park last August. Strong Contender is expected to make his graded-stakes debut on Mar. 25 at the Lane's End Stakes at Turfway Park.

Steppenwolfer, meanwhile, came a close second to Lawyer Ron (a 9-1 Derby favorite at BoDog.com) during Saturday's Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park. The son of Aptitude is a fast closer, charging to within three-quarters of a length of Lawyer Ron at the Southwest. He's also won three of five races on dirt. Steppenwolfer is being pointed at the Mar. 18 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn for a second chance at disbarring Lawyer Ron.

PinnacleSports.com has also dipped into the Pool 2 horses, adding all nine newcomers, including Corinthian (+6500 in American pricing), Great Point (+3079), Latent Heat (+2943), My Golden Song (+6000), Noonmark (+10000), Really Indian (+9000) and Sweetnorthernsaint (+3452).

Latent Heat gets the shortest odds after breaking his maiden in his second start, breezing through seven furlongs at Santa Anita on Jan. 21. Trainer Bobby Frankel has been working out the son of Maria's Mon at Hollywood Park. His stakes debut should come at the Santa Catalina Stakes on Mar. 4 at Santa Anita, where Brother Derek (8-1 for the Derby at MySportsbook.com) is heavily favored to win. Really Indian may also join the field of nine currently penciled in for the Santa Catalina.

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