Hold Me Back is coming off a second-place finish to General Quarters in the Blue Grass Stakes heading into the Kentucky Derby 2009. Sportsbook.com has their Derby Odds on Hold Me Back set at +1500 odds (Bet $100 to win $1500). Daily Racing Form caught Hold Me Back going five furlongs in 1:01.15 under his Derby jockey, Kent Desormeaux this past week in his last practice session before heading to Churchill Downs.
“Has added 20 points onto his Beyer figures from last year but still hasn't broken 100,” stated VegasInsider.com Horse Racing Odds Analyst Anthony Stabile when asked to comment on Hold Me Back’s 2009 Kentucky Derby Odds. “I'm worried that he'll find a ton of trouble heading into the first turn unless he finds some speed, which I doubt will happen. Another who might grab a share if everything goes perfectly and may actually be able to pull off a mild shocker should he handle the dirt and the race falls apart late.”
Ron Rippey has been The Star-Ledger horse racing handicapper for the past 29 years since joining the sports department's staff in 1978.
“HOLD ME BACK closed well for second behind General Quarters that last race after winning his prior test from far back in the Lanes End,” stated Expert Horse Racing Handicapper Ron Rippey when commenting on Hold Me Back in his Kentucky Derby 2009 Picks Preview article on NJ.com. However, all three of his victories have come on Polytrack, but rider Kent Desormeaux (who has won the Kentucky Derby three times) and trainer Bill Mott make him a late-closing threat.”
Sportsbook.com has posted horse racing betting for the 2009 Kentucky Derby:
Advice: +2000
Atomic Rain: +5000
Chocolate Candy: +2000
Desert Party: +1500
Dunkirk: +400
Flying Private: +4000
Friesan Fire: +500
General Quarters: +2000
Hold Me Back: +1500
I Want Revenge: +250
Join In The Dance: +5000
Mine That Bird: +5000
Mr Hot Stuff: +3000
Musket Man: +2000
Nowhere To Hide: +5000
Papa Clem: +2000
Pionnerof the Nile: +400
Regal Ransom: +3000
Summer Bird: +5000
West Side Bernie: +3000
