Tiz the Law Favored in Derby Win, Exotics Wagering

In early betting for the Sept. 5 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) that opened Sept. 4, Tiz the Law is the clear favorite, though not as short as predicted on the track morning line.

As of 7:30 p.m. ET Friday, the day of the Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill Downs, Tiz the Law was even money against 15 rivals following the scratches of Finnick the Fierce and King Guillermo. Days earlier at the draw, he was pegged by morning-line oddsmaker Mike Battaglia as the 3-5 favorite.

Should he drop below even money, he would be the first odds-on horse in the Derby since Arazi went postward at 9-10 odds in 1992. He finished eighth.

Tiz the Law, winner of the Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets (G1) in the first leg of the Triple Crown in this COVID-19-altered year, is trained by Barclay Tagg for Sackatoga Stable. Both Tagg and Sackatoga won the Derby previously with Funny Cide in 2003.

A Constitution  colt, Tiz the Law will be ridden by Manny Franco.

Honor A. P. was the second choice at 8-1 in early wagering by 7:30 p.m ET, followed closely by Thousand Words at 9-1. All of the other horses are double-digit odds, with the shortest of that group being Authentic at 10-1 and the largest on Mr. Big News at 42-1.

Bettors can expect odds fluctuations between now and the Saturday race, scheduled for a post time of 7:01 p.m ET. Though more than $474,000 was placed in win wagers by 7:30 p.m Friday, largely through advance-deposit wagering outlets throughout the country, that is a tiny fraction of the eventual handle that will come in the win pool and in other wagers. Last year a record $165.5 million was bet on the 1 1/4-mile classic.

Below are the win odds and $1 Oaks/Derby Double payoffs for a wager pairing Derby runners with Oaks upsetter Shedaresthedevil, who paid $32.20 to win in the Oaks. These potential payoffs further suggest Tiz the Law will be a short-priced favorite.