Epicenter Favored in Early Kentucky Derby Wagering

In early wagering for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) May 6, Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby (G2) winner Epicenter  was a slight 5-1 favorite over Runhappy Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner Taiba , also 5-1, as of about 7:30 p.m.

According to will-pays, Epicenter also is favored in the Oaks/Derby double.

Messier  and Mo Donegal  both were 7-1, and morning-line favorite Zandon  was 8-1. All others were 10-1 or more. Rich Strike , who made it in the race off the also-eligible list, was at 129-1, according to a Churchill Downs release.

TwinSpires.com showed $876,367 in the win pool, $291,166 in the place pool, and $268,791 in the show pool, for a collective total of almost $1.44 million. That's a small percentage of the money that will ultimately be in each of those pools.

The $1 Oaks/Derby double will-pays with Oaks winner Secret Oath (No. 1) are:

1. Mo Donegal , $51.80

2. Happy Jack , $622.50

3. Epicenter, $25.10

4. Summer Is Tomorrow , $511.70

5. Smile Happy , $97.60

6. Messier , $40.90

7. Crown Pride , $96.20

8. Charge It , $67.50

9. Tiz the Bomb , $238.10

10. Zandon, $36.40

11. Pioneer of Medina , $534.80

12. Taiba, $32.40

13. Simplification , $201.30

14. Barber Road , $329.60

15. White Abarrio , $79.70

16. Cyberknife , $91.20

17. Classic Causeway , $550.00

18. Tawny Port , $651.40

19. Zozos , $309.00

20. Ethereal Road , scratched

21. Rich Strike, $973.20

22. Rattle N Roll , scratched