After the COVID-19 pandemic hit last year, it was up in the air if there would be any horseracing in a near future. Luckily enough, there were and the Kentucky Derby kicked off in September, around four months after its original date. That was won by Authentic.

Now it seems that sports schedules are returning to their normal time slots and calendar duration. And to kick off, the road to win the Triple Crown starts this weekend. Who will take the win? We’re going to take a deep dive into the latest 2021 Kentucky Derby odds, along with an expert preview and pick. Be sure to check out for more sports betting odds and lines at our online crypto racebook.

2021 Kentucky Derby Race Info

Post Positions for the 147th #KyDerby pic.twitter.com/Qj3jv0KY6B

— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) April 27, 2021

• When: Saturday, May 1, 2021 | 6:57 PM ET
• Where: Churchill Downs, South Louisville, Kentucky
• TV: NBC
• Radio: Sirius 219/XM 201
• Live Stream: NBC Sports

Odds to win the 2021 Kentucky Derby

• Essential Quality +225
• Rock Your World +500
• Concert Tour +700
• Highly Motivated +800
• Known Agenda +800
• Hot Rod Charlie +900
• Medina Spirit +1200
• Super Stock +1200
• Bourbonic +1400
• Mandaloun +2000
• Helium +2000
• Like The King +2000
• Dynamic One +2000
• Midnight Bourbon +2500
• Soup And Sandwich +2500
• Sainthood +2500
• Keepmeinmind +3300
• O Besos +3300
• King Fury +3300
• Hidden Stash +4000
• Brooklyn Strong +5000
• Starrininmydreams +6600

READ MORE: 2021 Kentucky Derby Sleeper Picks

Who are the Favorites to Win the 2021 Kentucky Derby?

Essential Quality

Topping the favorites to win the 2021 Kentucky Derby is Essential Quality, which currently holds a record of 5 wins in 5 starts. Some of its notable achievements come in the form of a TVG Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, the Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park, and the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes held at Keeneland. Essential Quality continues to improve his numbers, making his pedigree perfect for the upcoming Kentucky Derby.

Rock Your World

Right behind Essential Quality is Rock Your World with 3 starts and 3 wins to his name. Rock Your World adds more thrill to the Kentucky Derby as he recently delivered impressive performances, most notably in his win at the Santa Anita Derby. We anticipate him to contest the early lead in the upcoming race, despite winning both of his grass races by riding the pace. Furthermore, Rock Your World is a top contender with potential that fits the 1 ¼ miles well.

Highly Motivated

Following a splendid run in the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes in early April, Highly Motivated caused problems for Essential Quality during the race after setting the pace in his first start around two turns. He fought a good fight throughout the 1 ⅛-mile stretch before a narrow loss. As it stands, Highly Motivated records 2 wins, 2 seconds, and 1 third in 5 career starts. If Highly Motivated does well in stretching out towards the end of the race, he will remain a threat to the frontrunners.

Who are the Dark Horses at the 2021 Kentucky Derby?

Bourbonic

With an overall record of 3 wins and 1 second in 6 starts, Bourbonic is considered to be one of the dark horses of the tournament. He secured a spot in the Kentucky Derby with a breathtaking 72.25 win in the Wood Memorial Stakes on April 3. Running alongside the last nine through the backstretch and pursuing a leisurely pace, he started accelerating through the far turn to slide into contention and slowly worked his way to a head win after passing Dynamic One.

Like the King

Like the King boasts striking performances on the Tapeta Footings, claiming a win last December. Following this was a second-place finish in the John Battaglia Memorial Stakes and a first-place finish at the Jeff Ruby Steaks. In 6 starts, Like the King managed to list down 3 wins, with two second-place finishes, and a first-place finish.

Expert’s Prediction for the Kentucky Derby

Essential Quality tops the favorites for an obvious reason. This is backed by several huge wins this year, and a TVG Breeders’ Cup Juvenile trophy last year. However, this does not mean that we should overlook the other names on the list. There’s Highly Motivated, who almost pulled off an upset win in the Blue Grass Stakes. Several potential surprises might come along the way if you want to mix things up. At this point, upsets are not out of the picture. Keep an eye on recent results before Saturday’s race, as this could help you secure winning picks at the end of the day.

Where to Bet On Horses with Crypto

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Feel free to browse sports betting guides. While you are at it, go ahead and check out all the latest horse racing odds and more in our online crypto racebook.

*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.