See what Las Vegas thinks of the Tampa Bay Derby field
Classic Causeway, winner of the Grade 3 Sam F. Davis Stakes last month, continues on the Tampa Bay Downs road to the Kentucky Derby in Saturday's Tampa Bay Derby (G2).
The Sam Davis was the first start for the son of Giant's Causeway since he finished second to Smile Happy in the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) in November.
Derby odds: Among 189 horses, 3 are favorites in Las Vegas
If Las Vegas futures for the Kentucky Derby are any indication, Classic Causeway would be the favorite for Saturday's 1 1/16-mile race. Among the expected field, the Brian Lynch colt has the shortest odds at 16-1.
The table below shows the best odds available from either Caesars Sportsbook at William Hill Nevada or Circa Sports for the likely runners in the Tampa Bay Derby.
The next choice likely would be Major General, at 50-1 in Derby futures. The Todd Pletcher trainee is 2-for-2 but hasn't had a start since winning the Iroquois (G3) in September. He has been working at Palm Beach Meadows, progressing to five furlongs.
Although Las Vegas futures are not a perfect barometer, they offer insight to how bettors are thinking. For horses not listed, the two Las Vegas racebooks could add them this week.
| Horse | Trainer | Status | Best Kentucky Derby futures odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Causeway | Brian Lynch | Probable | 16-1 |
| Major General | Todd Pletcher | Probable | 50-1 |
| Shipsational | Ed Barker | Probable | 70-1 |
| Belgrade | Graham Motion | Possible | 150-1 |
| Golden Glider | Mark Casse | Probable | 225-1 |
| Spin Wheel | George Arnold | Probable | 250-1 |
| Trademark | Vicki Oliver | Probable | 300-1 |
| Happy Boy Rocket | Bill Mott | Probable | 300-1 |
| Grantham | Mike Maker | Probable | NA |
| The Skipper Too | Juan Alvarado | Probable | NA |