The 2009 Derby odds are stacked against three year old Advice for the 2009 Kentucky Derby. Advice’s best finish on dirt was fifth place in the Sunland Derby. The odds makers at online racebook BetUS.com have Advice listed as a +2800 long shot (Bet $100 to win $2800).
"When we looked at it from all angles, we decided the best way to go with Take the Points was the Preakness," stated four-time Eclipse winning trainer Todd Pletcher when questioned why he is running Advice over Take the Points. "That race gives him two extra weeks, a shorter distance to work with and a track where we think his tactical style will work to his best advantage. In the end, we just thought it was the right choice."
Jockey Rene Douglas will be riding Advice from the 4th post and is part of the reason why the 2009 Derby odds are so long. Douglas has won three riding titles at Calder Race Course and Hialeah Park Race Track in Florida and a record four in a row from 2001 through 2004 at Arlington Park but has not won a major race. He won seven races on a single card at Arlington Park on July 24, 2003 and has twice won six on a single card at Calder Race Course.
“Though he did pass the entire field to win the Lexington, there wasn't much in the race, save Square Eddie,” stated VegasInsider.com Horse Racing Odds Analyst Anthony Stabile when asked to comment on the 2009 Derby Odds on Advice. “His pedigree suggests he doesn't want to go this far and he'll be taking a huge step up in class in the Derby. I was impressed with him a bit immediately following the Lexington but not so much now.”
BetUS.com has posted 2009 Derby Odds on every contender:
West Side Bernie: +3000
Musket Man: +2000
Mr Hot Stuff: +2800
Advice: +2800
Hold Me Back: +1400
Friesan Fire: +500
Papa Clem: +2000
Mine That Bird: +5000
Join in the Dance: +4000
Regal Ransom: +2500
Chocolate Candy: +1500
General Quarters: +2000
I Want Revenge: +350
Atomic Rain: +5000
Dunkirk: +400
Pioneerof the Nile: +500
Summer Bird: +4000
Nowhere to Hide: +5000
Desert Party: +1500
Flying Private: +4000
