Current 2019 Kentucky Derby odds: Who's the favorite?
As advanced betting closed Friday for the 2019 Kentucky Derby, a new -- and somewhat surprising -- favorite emerged when Florida Derby (G1) Maximum Security dropped to 9-2.
Throughout the afternoon, both Tacitus and Improbable spent their own time atop the tote board, evidencing how truly wide-open Saturday's race can be viewed.
Now, how much of it will stick? Last year, it was surprising to see My Boy Jack at a short price when wagering started, and support for the morning line longshot continued up until post time, when he went off as the second choice to Justify.
Jason Servis-trained Maximum Security debuted for a $16,000 tag, went un-claimed and ran his next two races in starter conditions. Some will note he won the Florida Derby given a cushy pace scenario. Others will point to his pair of 100-point Beyer Speed Figures, unbeaten record and strong late pace numbers.
Improbable and Tacitus remain co-second choices at 5-1. Behind them are the Baffert duo of Game Winner (6-1) and Roadster (9-1) were next on the board.
Beyond that, as of 7 p.m., all other runners were priced in the double digits.
Here's a look at the board:
| 2019 Kentucky Derby odds | ||
| Horse | Morning line | Current |
| 1. War of Will | 15-1 | 18-1 |
| 2. Tax | 20-1 | 38-1 |
| 3. By My Standards | 15-1 | 14-1 |
| 4. Gray Magician | 50-1 | 29-1 |
| 5. Improbable | 5-1 | 5-1 |
| 6. Vekoma | 15-1 | 22-1 |
| 7. Maximum Security | 8-1 | 9-2 |
| 8. Tacitus | 8-1 | 5-1 |
| 9. Plus Que Parfait | 30-1 | 50-1 |
| 10. Cutting Humor | 30-1 | 22-1 |
| 11. Haikal | SCR | SCR |
| 12. Omaha Beach | SCR | SCR |
| 13. Code of Honor | 12-1 | 13-1 |
| 14. Win Win Win | 12-1 | 14-1 |
| 15. Master Fencer | 50-1 | 50-1 |
| 16. Game Winner | 9-2 | 6-1 |
| 17. Roadster | 5-1 | 9-1 |
| 18. Long Range Toddy | 30-1 | 44-1 |
| 19. Spinoff | 30-1 | 54-1 |
| 20. Country House | 30-1 | 72-1 |
| 21. Bodexpress | 30-1 | 115-1 |