Early Derby Money on Tapit Trice, Angel of Empire

Pretty Mischievous, a homebred for Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin, bounded home the winner of yesterday’s Kentucky Oaks (G1). The bay filly by four-time leading sire Into Mischief, paid $22.74 after breaking from the outside 14 post. Outsider Gambling Girl finished second and Wet Paint, the favorite for the Oaks, finished fourth.

Winner of the Rachel Alexandra Stakes (G2) at Fair Grounds in mid-February, she was second to Oaks second choice Southlawn in the March 25 Fair Grounds Oaks (G2). She bounced back in a big way under Tyler Gaffalione. She joins a long list of fillies to win at Churchill Downs after wintering in New Orleans.

Churchill Downs reported record wagering of more than $74.9 million on the 13-race program. Expect similarly strong handle today, Kentucky Derby (G1) day. There was advance wagering on the Derby Day program, and the track reported more than $2 million was bet in the win pool for the Derby. At the close of business, Forte was listed as the 7-2 favorite, but has since been scratched from the race due to a foot bruise. Early in the day Tapit Trice and Angel of Empire were co-favorites at 9-2.

Last year, more than $75 million was in the win/place/show pools on the Derby.

Saturday morning’s odds:

1/Hit Show – 26-1

2/Verifying – 17-1

3/Two Phil’s – 7-1

4/Confidence Game – 16-1

5/Tapit Trice – 9-2

6/Kingsbarns – 10-1

7/Reincarnate – 13-1

8/Mage – 17-1

9/Skinner – Scratched

10/Practical Move – Scratched

11/Disarm – 24-1

12/Jace’s Road – 32-1

13/Sun Thunder – 30-1

14/Angel of Empire – 9-2

15/Forte – Scratched

16/Raise Cain – 30-1

17/Derma Sotogake – 7-1

18/Rocket Can – 27-1

19/Lord Miles – Scratched

20/Continuar – Scratched

21/Cyclone Mischief – 32-1

22/Mandarin Hero – 21-1

23/King Russell – 32-1

A telling angle for expected wagering on the Derby lies in the will pays for the Oaks/Derby double. In that pool, Angel of Empire is a strong favorite with Tapit Trice the second choice. 

Here are the $1 will pays for the Oaks/Derby double:

1/Hit Show – $374.13

2/Verifying – $155.02

3/Two Phil’s – $123.99

4/Confidence Game – $216.72

5/Tapit Trice – $71.25

6/Kingsbarns – $181.82

7/Reincarnate – $411.95

8/Mage – $209.80

9/Skinner – scratched

10/Practical Move – scratched

11/Disarm – $289.85

12/Jace’s Road – $895.52

13/Sun Thunder – $846.94

14/Angel of Empire – $53.88

15/Forte – scratched / refund

16/Raise Cain – $1,198.86

17/Derma Sotogake – $87.45

18/Rocket Can – $494.54

19/Lord Miles – scratched

20/Continuar – scratched

21/Cyclone Mischief – $657.11

22/Mandarin Hero – $170.17

23/King Russell – $988.59