Kentucky Derby 2018 odds: Justify already among favorites
What do the likes of Bravazo, Avery Island, Flameaway and My Boy Jack have in common? Each won a points-paying 2018 Kentucky Derby prep in February, but none are listed at a shorter price in future odds at the Wynn Las Vegas than Justify.
In new odds distributed this week, the Wynn dropped Justify, who won his Feb. 18 debut for trainer Bob Baffert going seven furlongs at Santa Anita Park, to 18-1 on the board.
Only co-favorites Good Magic and McKinzie (9-1), along with second choices Bolt d’Oro and Grade 2 Holy Bull winner Audible (14-1) are offered at shorter odds.
So, what’s with all the hype?
Justify is a $500,000 son of Scat Daddy campaigned by WinStar Farm, China Horse Club and SF Racing, the same ownership group as Audible. Baffert, of course, has won the Derby four times. And Justify made a slow Santa Anita track look just the opposite in his first start.
The colt covered 7/8 of a mile in 1:21.86, earning a 104 Beyer Speed Figure, so far fastest of the current 3-year-old crop. The margin of victory was 9 1/2 lengths under a hand ride.
Justify returned to the work tab Monday with an easy five-furlong breeze in 1:01.40. He could go next in the Grade 3 Sunland Derby on March 25, with the race offering 50 qualifying points to the winner, enough to get in the gate at Churchill Downs.
Aside from other favorites already mentioned, Mucho Macho Man Stakes winner Mask (18-1), Solomini (20-1) and Catholic Boy (20-1) are the next-shortest prices.
Among other notable movement in the Kentucky Derby odds, Greyvitos returned to the board at 50-1 with the multiple stakes winner back on the work tab.
See full listings from the Wynn below, with the option to go full screen at the bottom right of the window.