2004 TRIPLE CROWN PREVIEW - BETTING ODDS, PICKS AND CONTENDERS

Well, we picked the winner in the Kentucky Derby, so we hope that those of you who read the first part of this View current odds.

THE CONTENDERS AND OUR TOP PICKS: Kentucky Derby - May 1st, 2004

Smarty Jones - A damn fine pick, this one. Won the Arkansas Derby and is currently unbeaten in six races. Consequently, Smarty Jones is the one and only undefeated horse sure to run in the Kentucky Derby. Possible winner ?

The Cliff's Edge - A strong runner and proven winner. Considered a 'dual qualifier' under the Jockey Club's Experimental Free Handicap rankings. Statistically, this means he has a better chance of winning the Derby, and the strength and character shown in winning the Blue Grass backs this up.

Read The FootNotes - Another 'dual qualifier' and a stronger runner with some stamina. Apart from a slightly unlucky 4th in the Florida Derby, form has been very impressive. A good value outsider, currently at 20/1 with VipSports.

NOT GOING TO DO IT - FADING FAST

Here's a couple of horses that some think might perform well on the day, but we think might not even make it to the starting line.

Action This Day - Theoretically, Action This Day should be a strong contender for the Derby, having won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, but he has faded badly in the last two races and isn't looking the horse he was.

BirdStone - A good start to 2004 has faded into uncertainty for BirdStone. Missed the Blue Grass and was a poor performer at Turfway. Not one to back with your hard-earned cash, we feel.

GRADED STAKES EARNINGS (TOP TWENTY) FOR THE KENTUCKY DERBY - APR 15th, 2004

1. Halfbridled 2. Ashado 3. The Cliff's Edge 4. Action This Day 5. Friends Lake 6. Smarty Jones 7. Tapit 8. Castledale (Ire) 9. Limehouse 10. Lion Heart

11. Madcap Escapade 12. Read the Footnotes 13. Wimbledon 14. Pollard's Vision 15. Imperialism 16. Minister Eric 17. Birdstone 18. Borrego 19. Sinister G 20. Value Plus

---

KENTUCKY DERBY FUTURES & ODDS FROM VIPSPORTS.COM

---

---

JOIN VIPSPORTS.COM TO BET ON HORSE RACING, PLUS A CASINO & SPORTSBOOK

---

TRIPLE CROWN BETTING: - We recommended TCBets for high limits wagering, VipHorses for rebates on your bets and Bet365 for betting in Sterling.

'Bonuses, Deals and Odds' - the Gambling Source newsletter - delivered direct to your inbox. Get the latest online casino news, sports odds & more - every week.

YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS :

SubscribeUnsubscribe

Nigel Ridgway of Bet365.com writes:

After last weekend’s major trials, the first 20-runner maximum field since 1984 is beginning to shake-up with any number of possibles still hoping to squeeze in on the earnings rule. Victory for the Michael Dickinson trained Tapit, in the Grade 1 Wood Memorial catapulted him to the head of our ‘Derby’ market, but by doing so he recorded only the third-best Beyer figure among the weekend’s hopefuls.

Tapit’s rating of 98 pales into insignificance behind the Bluegrass Stakes winner The Cliff’s Edge (111) and Arkansas Derby winner Smarty Jones (107), who is now unbeaten in six races.

Interestingly, however, in a poll of Daily Race Form readers it was the other way around with 41% thinking that Tapit had run the best prep (38% Smarty Jones, 21% The Cliff’s Edge). If visual evidence is just as good as mathematical, and it often is, then it will be no surprise to see that progress continue between now and May 1st, especially considering who’s guiding his preparation.

VIEW CURRENT ODDS AT BET365.COM