The calendar says February, not May.
But it’s time to get serious about the Kentucky Derby.
The prep races are getting longer. The points are getting bigger. And the separation — at least in theory — is supposed to start happening now.
Saturday’s Risen Star at Fair Grounds is the first 50-point prep of the season, the kind of race that doesn’t just produce a winner. It’s where contenders become headliners. Or where hype gets exposed.
On this week’s VSiN At The Track podcast, Mike Somich and Aaron Halterman break down what’s at stake — and why this race might shape Derby wagering through the first Saturday in May.
The favorite, Paladin, looks the part. Trained by Chad Brown. Proven at distance. Tactical speed. Logical choice.
But if he falters — if Golden Tempo, Cording or even a longer shot jumps forward — the Derby picture suddenly turns wide open.
Mike weighs in on the podcast:
I’m rooting for chaos. I hope that Paladin is not as good as we think Paladin could be. If Paladin stinks, how open is this Kentucky Derby? Very, very open.
And chaos is good for bettors. Which, of course, explains Mike’s rooting interest.
👉 VSiN At The Track: Watch / Listen
The Daily Racing Form’s David Aragona and David Grening rank the top 3-year-olds heading into the re-opening of the Kentucky Derby Wager pool (from noon ET today through 6 p.m. Sunday).
But if the future is now for you, we have picks for today’s races from VSiN’s “Mr. Ed” Sehon and DRF’s Mary Rampellini on our horse racing page.
Quick Hits
Olympic Hockey: Jonathan Davis has picks for today’s games.
College Basketball: Greg “Hoops” Peterson has Best Bets for tonight’s menu. On our college basketball page, you’ll also find Josh Appelbaum‘s betting splits analysis later this morning.
Get real-time steam alerts from the DonBest Screen. Sign up now for a 7-day free trial at go.donbest.com. Use the promo code VSIN10 for 10% off your initial subscription.
NBA: We’ve hit the All-Star Break. The talk of the Association is about teams tanking to move up in the draft. League officials are looking at new ways to combat that issue, reports Shams Charania.
