Kentucky Derby undercard: 3 price plays at Churchill Downs

All eyes will be on the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, but with 11 races prior to the Kentucky Derby, there are a plethora of opportunities to build a solid bankroll leading up to the marquee event.

Below I highlight three runners who look attractive based on the combination of good form and value. Each horse is 8-1 or more on the morning line and should be keyed in all wagers.

Three Witches, 8-1, race 6, Derby City Distaff (G1)

The daughter of Into Mischief has won three of her last four with her only loss coming in the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint when she ran a solid third. She dominated the Santa Maria Stakes (G2) in her first start for trainer Michael McCarthy and has never been better. She has great versatility and is being overlooked in a field that lacks a superstar. 

Who Dey, 10-1, race 8, Pat Day Mile (G2)

The Pat Day Mile is loaded with inexperienced speed, which is the perfect recipe for a pace collapse. Who Dey is one of the only proven closers in this race. He won his first four races and ran a strong second in the Lafayette Stakes over a Keeneland track that was biased toward speed. His speed figures have improved since adding blinkers two starts ago, and he already owns a win over this track at this distance. Look for this improving colt to make noise late. 

Bo Cruz, 10-1, race 10, Churchill Downs Stakes (G1)

Unlike the Pat Day Mile, there is a lack of early pace in this affair. Bo Cruz should be right on a slow pace and is in razor sharp form after a convincing win in the Commonwealth Stakes (G3). He appears to be peaking at the right time, already has a win over the track and is running at a distance that fits him perfectly. This division is begging for a star to emerge, and he just might be the one.