Early pool added to Kentucky Derby Future Wager

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Louisville, KY (SportsNetwork.com) - An early pool allowing bettors to wager on horses before they become 3-year-olds has been added to the Kentucky Derby Future Wager for the 140th Run for the Roses.

The special four-day pool will open Wednesday, Nov. 27 at noon (ET) and close Saturday, Nov. 30 prior to post-time of either the $400,000 Remsen at Aqueduct or $175,000 Kentucky Jockey Club at Churchill Downs, which ever race goes off first.

The other three pools to be offered are: Pool 2, Thursday, Feb. 6-Saturday, Feb. 8; Pool 3, Thursday, Feb. 27-Saturday, March 1 and Pool 4, Thursday, March 27-Saturday, March 29, all three days each.

"Our intent is to present pools that are more true to the future wager concept," said John Asher, Churchill Downs' Vice President of Racing Communications. "Two years ago, we made adjustments to our schedule. Rather than offer pools concurrent with major prep races, we moved them to a week or two in advance of those races and we saw increases in betting. Horseplayers are looking for optimum value, and we feel that closing the pools just before a major race is run is worth exploring. Those bettors with the 'right horse' in advance of the race could potentially receive the most advantageous odds."

Individual horses included in Pool 1 will be announced on Monday, Nov. 25.

The 2014 $2 million Kentucky Derby will be run at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 3.