Early in the day the weather forecast a 50 percent chance of rain at post time for the 2011 Kentucky Derby. As the day progresses the skies have cleared and the rain looks all but certain to hold off until late in the evening. That means a fast and firm track for the 137th Run for the Roses and with that news the late betting lines have shifted to the faster horses.
The biggest mover from the morning odds to just under an hour before race time is Pants on Fire. This is a horse that likes to get out early and run fast. In the mud and muck he likely would have struggled, but with his good post position draw (seventh) his odds to run well have clearly improved. He was 20/1 this morning but has improved to 7/1.
Heading the other direction is Shackleford who went from a morning line of 12/1 up to 24/1 closer to start. This speed horse perhaps had an edge in a slower race but the fast track seems to have lessened his chances.
Odds from Bodog have Archarcharch dropping from 10/1 to 13/1 and favorite Dialed In going from 4/1 to 5/1 as race day worse on.
LOUISVILLE, KY - MAY 07: Fans gather and party in the infield during the 137th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 7, 2011 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)