Kentucky Derby Future Wager dates set

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Louisville, KY (Sports Network) - The dates for the 2013 Kentucky Derby Future Wager pools have been released. The three pools lead up to the 139th Run for the Roses on Saturday, May 4 at Churchill Downs.

"We were very encouraged by the strength of our Kentucky Derby Future Wager pools in 2012," said Churchill Downs President Kevin Flanery.

The first Future Wager will be held 12 weeks ahead of the Derby from Feb. 8-10. Three weeks later, March 1-3, the second pool will be conducted and the final pool, March 22-24, will be held six weeks in advance of the Run for the Roses. All pools extend from Friday through Sunday with a Kentucky Oaks Future Wager taking place the same dates as the middle Derby Future Wager.

"We think and hope that there will be continued growth in interest in both races," Flanery said, "as racing fans of all types and skill levels follow the new point systems for the 'Road to the Kentucky Derby' and 'Road to the Kentucky Oaks' that will for the first time determine which horses will compete in those races. We believe that the curiosity about the new Derby and Oaks eligibility systems could shine a brighter-than-usual spotlight on the preps leading up to both races and both Future Wagers could benefit from growing fan interest and expanded media coverage."

I'll Have Another won the 2012 Kentucky Derby at odds of 15-1, but was 29-1, 22-1 and 21-1 for the three respective Future Wager pools.