Kentucky Derby Contenders 2006

With only a week and a bit to go, there's a lot of talk about the contenders for the 2006 Kentucky Derby. While you can't look a (gift) horse in the mouth online, there's a lot of information available on this year's field, so if even if you left your crystal ball at home, you can at least make a confident bet on the winner of the Kentucky Derby.

Looking at the third choice first, we've got the illustrious Lawyer Ron weighing in at 5/1. Can this cool winner of the Arkansas Derby mix up the field at the Kentucky Derby. Time (as in the time between now and May 6, 2006) will tell.

Next at the post is the much-talked-about Barbaro. 5 starts, 5 victories. That in itself is enough to have the wagering at 4/1. But will his long pause between races make him a little weak in the knees...?

Then there's the number one choice for most horse racing fans, Brother Derek. This fabulous horse made winning the Santa Anita Derby look easy. Will he win the Kentucky Derby? Looks good, but I don't even own a crystal ball.

In the world of long shot (or at least longer-shot) wagers we've got Bob and John (8/1, winner of the Wood Memorial), Point Determined (12/1, with a good showing at the Santa Anita Derby), and Sweetnorthernsaint (7/1, winner of the Illinois Derby). If you're looking for an even longer shot consider Steppenwolfer (25/1, more than 200K in graded earnings).

Whoever you're considering in this year's Derby, take a 'mo to review some of the handicapping articles starting to pop up.

• Beating the Kentucky Derby Odds
• 2006 Kentucky Derby Contenders (the latest article in the Triple Crown Betting Guide)

Whatever your horse racing picks, at Churchill Downs or your local horse racing track -- good luck!

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