Kentucky Derby Odds: Mendelssohn Surges Ahead

There’s a new favorite on the 2018 Kentucky Derby futures odds. Mendelssohn, the winner of last year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf, took the lead at 5/1 after a magnificent display at Saturday’s Grade 2 UAE Derby. Bolt d’Oro, who won the G2 San Felipe Stakes last month, is holding firm at 7/1.


Mendelssohn is on a three-race winning streak for trainer Aidan O’Brien, who took the Kentucky-bred bay off the European Road with one race left and opted for the UAE Derby instead. That move paid off when Mendelssohn beat the track record and won by 18-1/2 lengths, also a record. However, jockey Ryan Moore might choose to ride Saxon Warrior at the 2,000 Guineas on May 5, rather than make the trip to Churchill Downs.

After Audible at third (13/2), there’s a tie for fourth place at 8/1, with McKinzie and Justify – although McKinzie might have to bow out after developing an issue with his hind leg. Audible is in fine form after taking down the G1 Florida Derby over the weekend; Justify is expected to face Bolt d’Oro this Saturday at the G1 Santa Anita Derby, in their last prep race before the Kentucky Derby.

Kentucky Derby Odds: Mendelssohn Looking Good

After taking down the Grade 2 UAE Derby by 18 1/2 lengths, Mendelssohn has surged to the front of the 2018 Kentucky Derby odds list at 5/1. The Aidan O’Brien-trained bay broke the track record at Meydan to lock down a spot in the 20-horse field at Churchill Downs.


Bolt d’Oro remains at 7/1 with his final prep race coming up this Saturday at the G1 Santa Anita Derby. Audible is third at 13/2, and McKinzie and Justify are tied for fourth at 8/1, although McKinzie might be taken off the Triple Crown trail with a hind leg ailment.