Kentucky Derby 2021 Odds: Contenders, Favorite For Triple Crown Horse Race

The field for the 2021 Kentucky Derby is being narrowed down with horse racing’s biggest event just 10 days away. A handful of contenders stand out as the most likely winners of the first leg of the Triple Crown.

Essential Quality is the early betting favorite with 5-2 odds at Churchill Downs. The horse has amassed the most points (140) in the Road to Kentucky Derby, a series of races ahead of the run for the roses.

“I’m not taking a deep breath yet but we’re very pleased with where we are at today two weeks from the Derby,” Essential Quality trainer Brad Cox said, via Louisville’s Spectrum News 1. “He really had to work for that win in the Blue Grass and we were very pleased how well he ended up bouncing out of it.”

Ranking second with 110 points, Hot Rod Charlie is the second favorite with 6-1 odds. Medina Spirit (8-1) and Rock Your World (8-1) are the only other contenders that have better than 10-1 odds ahead of the 2021 Derby.

Once one of the leading candidates to win this year’s Kentucky Derby, Concert Tour has been pulled from the field. Bob Baffert's horse will focus on getting ready for the Preakness Stakes.

Helium, Hidden Stash, Like the King and Sainthood are all tied as the biggest long shots with 50-1 odds.

Authentic won the 2020 Kentucky Derby, entering the race with 8-1 odds. Odds-on favorite Tiz the Law finished in second place.

Here’s a look at early betting odds for the 147th Kentucky Derby on May 1.

Essential Quality 5-2

Hot Rod Charlie 6-1

Medina Spirit 8-1

Rock Your World 8-1

Known Agenda 12-1

Highly Motivated 15-1

Mandaloun 15-1

Midnight Bourbon 15-1

Super Stock 20-1