Nyquist Solid Favorite in Early Wagering

Based on early Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) wagering, undefeated Nyquist will be a solid favorite in the 1 1/4-mile classic May 7 at Churchill Downs.

Reddam Racing's Nyquist is the 2-1 favorite in early on-track wagering conducted at Churchill Friday, May 6. Perhaps more telling because it includes wagering from throughout the country, Nyquist also is a solid favorite in the will-pays for the Kentucky Oaks-Kentucky Derby double. A $1 double of Oaks winner Cathryn Sophia to Nyquist would return $29.40 if the son of Uncle Mo   wins the Derby.

In the on-track advance Derby wagers Friday, Nyquist is the 2-1 favorite, Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) winner Exaggerator is 5-1, and Louisiana Derby (gr. II) winner Gun Runner is 9-1. All other Derby horses are 10-1 or higher.

The Oaks-Derby double handled $224,929 this year while the Oaks-Woodford Reserve Turf Classic-Derby Pick 3 handled $70,318.

Derby win odds based on on-track wagers at Churchill Downs follow: Trojan Nation, 43-1; Suddenbreakingnews, 25-1; Creator, 16-1; Mo Tom, 18-1; Gun Runner, 9-1; My Man Sam, 18-1; Oscar Nominated, 38-1; Lani, 27-1; Destin, 19-1; Whitmore, 34-1; Exaggerator, 5-1; Tom's Ready, 42-1; Nyquist, 2-1; Mohaymen, 12-1; Outwork, 27-1; Shagaf, 74-1; Mor Spirit, 12-1; Majesto, 66-1; Brody's Cause, 22-1, and Danzing Candy, 31-1.

Based on the double will-pays from throughout the country, Nyquist is the top choice, Exaggerator the second-choice, and Mohaymen is third-choice.

Will-pays for $1 doubles of Cathryn Sophia to the Derby horses follow (rounded down to nearest dollar): Trojan Nation, $817; Suddenbreakingnews, $157; Creator, $113; Mo Tom, $166; Gun Runner, $99; My Man Sam, $182; Oscar Nominated, $752; Lani, $305; Destin, $132; Whitmore, $353; Exaggerator, $50; Tom's Ready, $530; Nyquist, $29; Mohaymen, $68; Outwork, $176; Shagaf, $384;  Mor Spirit, $108; Majesto, $625; Brody's Cause, $147; and Danzing Candy, $217.