The 2019 Kentucky Derby is just over one month away. After winning three consecutive races, Mark Casse trained three-year-old War of Will was considered one of the top favorites to win the 145th Kentucky Derby. Also, was ranked third in the Derby media poll. The horse betting sites have spoken! Updated Kentucky Derby odds below.
Therefore, during last weekend’s Louisiana Derby, the three-year-old buckled soon after leaving the gate and would go on to finish ninth in the race. Current Kentucky Derby online betting odds posted below.
Furthermore, the prep races have become more telling. Fortunately for Casse, the injury, which has been diagnosed as a strain of the patellar ligament in War of Will’s left-hind leg, it is not considered to be serious and he is expected to make it back in time for the Kentucky Derby.
“We’re fairly confident that with some treatment and exercise, he’ll be back 100 percent,” Casse said.
War of Will is expected to be shipped from his winter home in Louisiana to Kentucky on Tuesday or Wednesday.
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The Gary Barber-owned colt has earned enough points to qualify for the Kentucky Derby. This, thanks his wins at Fair Grounds’ Lecomte and Risen Star stakes. With the horse expected to be out for a few weeks, Casse is happy he entered him in earlier prep races, which allowed him to earn enough points to qualify for the Derby before participating in the Louisiana Derby.
“I’m glad we have the six weeks,” Casse said. “He’s just a super horse to be around, and it helps that you can kind of train him whichever way you need to train him. If all goes well, you’ll see him have a pretty aggressive training program.”
In conclusion, Casse’s best finish at the Derby was a fourth place finish. This was with Classic Empire in 2007. He is hoping to break through an pick up his first Derby win this year. However, he will need War of Will to fully recover to have a chance to win this year’s Derby.