The horse racing experts are starting to roll in with their picks and predictions for the 2011 Kentucky Derby. The 137th running of the famous race is set to start on Saturday afternoon. With news Friday that one of the favorites, Uncle Mo, is a scratch, the field of contenders already took a hit.
Of the three experts we looked at, all agree that Archarcharch is a horse to be reckoned with Dialed In and Nehro getting plenty of love as well. There was some disagreement over Brilliant Speed and Stay Thirsty is one expert's pick to finish in the top three.
Brian Polking of a horse betting web site from Las Vegas sees Dialed In as the favorite now that Uncle Mo is out. He also taps Toby's Corner, The Factor and Archarcharch as potential sleepers. A horse he says to stay away from, Brilliant Speed, is one another expert feels is coming on strong in the final days leading up to 2011 Kentucky Derby.
Claire Novak of ESPN has been at Churchhill Downs all week and after watching the horses work out, she's most impressed with Archarcharch, Shackleford and Brilliant Speed. She says:
"they've been three of the best lookers in the bunch this week...That these three runners are hitting their best stride at just the right time is obvious to the expert eye."
Meanwhile, Mike Battaglia, who has been "setting the early odds for the Kentucky Derby since 1974" gives us his picks in clear cut terms. His favorites are also Dialed In, Nehro and Archarcharch but he throws Stay Thirsty in the mix too based on the No. 4 post position he drew. Battaglia has Nehro winning with Stay Thirsty to Place and Dialed In to Show.
LOUISVILLE, KY - MAY 05: A horse trains on the track at Churchill Downs on May 5, 2011 in Louisville, Kentucky. The 137th Kentucky Derby will be held on Saturday May 7. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)