Kentucky Derby 148: Post Positions, Morning Line Odds

The field is set for Kentucky Derby 148.

In a bit of a surprise from longtime handicapper Mike Battaglia, Zandon is the 3-1 morning line favorite. Trained by Chad Brown, the Kentucky bred horse is fresh off a brilliant come from behind victory in the Keeneland Blue Grass Stakes.

Epicenter, trained by Steve Asmussen and ridden by Joel Rosario, is the second choice with 7-2 odds from post position No. 3. Asmussen is the North American leader in race victories but has never won a Kentucky Derby, finishing second twice. Epicenter is just inside a couple of speed horses, Summer is Tomorrow and Smile Happy, potentially creating a hot pace at the start of the race.

Messier, previously trained by Bob Baffert, is the third choice with 8-1 odds. Now under former Baffert assistant Tim Yakteen, Messier will run from post position No. 6. Wood Memorial winner Mo Donegal and Florida Derby winner White Abarrio are the next up at 10-1.

After a couple of scratches over the weekend, Ethereal Road is the 20th entry at post position No. 20. The colt is D Wayne Lukas’ 50th derby entry.

The most famous horse race in the world, the fastest three-year-old at 1 1/4 miles will rake in a $3 million purse and the garland of roses. The 12th of 14 races on Saturday, post time is 6:57 pm ET and can be watched on NBC.

Kentucky Derby 148 Post Positions