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Fifty years ago Secretariat set the track record in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Running a 1:59.40 time over 1 ¼ miles it is a record that still stands today.

Horse racing is perhaps the best sport where you can place a bet on a long shot and actually cash the ticket. That said, the field today sits at 18 horses barring any late scratches. Meaning it’s an open field when there is no true favorite. With the odds on favorite, Forte pulled from the race earlier today, the new favorite Tapit Trice is currently tied with Angel Empire at 6-1 (meaning for every $1 bet you win an additional $6). Recent history shows that most any horse has a puncher’s chance at enjoying a victory mint julep in the winner’s circle. If you get a chance to place a wager or happen to watch the 149^th running of the Derby, here are my picks:

1^st) Derma Sotogake (JPN) (8-1)

2^nd) Tapit Trice (6-1)

3^rd) Angel of Empire (6-1)

4^th) Kingsbarns (12-1)

While I’m no expert, Japanese horses have been winning big on the global stage and it’s due to their training. From what I understand the culture in Japanese racing is to spare no expense on bringing the horse up the right way and allowing them time to develop as opposed to the American style of putting the best horses in the toughest races as soon as they are ready. I’ll side with whatever the Japanese have been doing and pick a gray horse (Tapit Trice) to place (come in second). Angel of Empire doesn’t need a perfect ride like Tapit Trice to make his move on the final stretch of the race but I’ll have him to show (come in third). Kingsbarns is a talented horse that hasn’t been in many races and has a chance to make his mark at a good price. I’m thinking you can’t miss having any of these horses if you happen to pick one in a pool. The race should go off around 6:45pm EST and only lasts a very exciting 2 minutes so you might as well tune in.