U. S. S. Valor Tops Individual Choice in Derby Future

Team Valor International's dominant Champagne Stakes (G1) winner U. S. S. Valor (8-1) headlines the first of six opportunities to bet on 2027 Kentucky Derby (G1) contenders in advance of the May 1 classic when Pool 1 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager opens Oct. 28. With the 1 1/4-mile race more than 26 weeks away, it is no surprise that the "All Other Colts and Geldings Foaled in 2024" betting option among 40 wagering interests is the 6-5 morning-line favorite. Wagering for Pool 1 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager opens at noon ET Wednesday and will close at about 4 p.m. Friday—ahead of the $2 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) at Keeneland, which has a 4:55 p.m. post time. Trained by Shug McGaughey, U. S. S. Valor stamped himself as one of the early contenders for Kentucky Derby 153 with a commanding 6 1/2-length victory in the Oct. 3 Champagne at Belmont Park. The son of War of Will, who previously broke his maiden by 13 1/4 lengths at Saratoga Race Course, will bypass Friday's Breeders' Cup Juvenile after his connections elected to give him additional time with a potential run in next year's Kentucky Derby as the ultimate goal. Other leading individual interests in Pool 1 include undefeated two-time grade 1 winner Hughes (10-1), the likely favorite for Friday's Breeders' Cup Juvenile; Breeders' Futurity (G1) winner American History (20-1) and runner-up Coach Pope (15-1), and unbeaten Iroquois Stakes (G3) winner Salahudin (25-1). Pool 1 offers $2 win and exacta wagering. Fans can place wagers at simulcast outlets across the country and at ADWs such as TwinSpires.com, the official wagering platform of Churchill Downs Inc. and the Kentucky Derby. All told, there will be six Future Wager pools for Kentucky Derby 153. Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 2 and the Sire Future Wager will run Thursday, Nov. 26-Sunday, Nov. 29. Following the New Year, the final four pools will take place: Pool 3 (Jan. 15-17); Pool 4 (Feb. 12-14); Pool 5 (March 12-14); and Pool 6 (April 1-3). For the first time, the Kentucky Oaks (G1) Future Wager will be offered twice, running concurrently with Pools 5 and 6. More information, Brisnet.com past performances, and real-time odds on the Kentucky Derby Future Wager will be available before the pool opens Wednesday at KentuckyDerby.com.