With no clear-cut favorites this year, the Kentucky Derby media poll has gone through a lot of changes since the first poll was released six weeks ago. This week, eight horses received first place votes, which is the highest number of horses to do so this late in the Kentucky Derby prep season. Next, we review recent changes to Kentucky Derby. Also, updates to the latest 2019 media poll.
“So this is the way it’s gonna be — the way it used to be on the Derby trail?” asked the Daily Racing Form’s Marty McGee. “With unpredictability at every turn? Fun, fun.”
“There are still a lot of questions because of the way March’s prep races played out,” said Steve Bittenbender, reporter for Casino.org. “Hopefully, we’ll get some clarity this week, but haven’t we been saying that for a few weeks now?”
This week, Florida Derby winner Maximum Security vaulted into the top five after being unranked in the previous five weeks. U.S.-based Plus Que Parfait, who won the UAB Derby, also made his debut in this week’s poll.
2019 Media Poll
Kentucky Derby Media Poll (Week 6)
Horse (1st-place votes) Points Previous
1. Game Winner (11) 533 1
2. Improbable (6) 510 2
3. Omaha Beach (5) 500 3
4. Long Range Toddy (1) 391 6
5. Maximum Security (2) 342 NR
6. Tacitus (1) 337 8
7. Code of Honor 336 4
8. By My Standards 298 10
9. Roadster 285 9
10. Bourbon War 252 5
11. Spinoff 238 11
12. Cutting Humor 217 13
13. Haikal 214 12
14. War of Will 198 15
15. Anothertwistafate (1)183 16
16. Instagrand (1) 180 17
17. Vekoma 168 14
18. Galilean 106 18
19. Plus Que Parfait 105 NR
20. Tax 74 20
Next 10 receiving votes: Win Win Win, Signalman, Mucho Gusto, Bodexpress, Country House, Outshine, Alwaysmining, Nolo Contesto, Gray Magician, Sueno.
In conclusion these recent changes to Kentucky Derby will impact wagering.