Churchill Downs adds Kentucky Derby futures pool at end of November

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Churchill Downs officials announced late Friday that a future wager on the 2014 Kentucky Derby will be offered at the end of November, by far the earliest such parimutuel futures have been offered since first being made available in 1999.

The pool will be open for four days, from Wednesday, Nov. 27, through Saturday, Nov. 30, closing at post time of either the Remsen at Aqueduct or the Kentucky Jockey Club at Churchill, whichever is run first.

The three pools normally offered in the months preceding the Derby will be offered on this schedule: Feb. 6-8; Feb. 27-March 1; and March 27-29. The lone Kentucky Oaks futures pool will coincide with the second of those three.

The standard win and exacta formats remain, with 23 individually listed interests and a 24th “all others” option.

“We’re excited to promote this wager before a live audience at the tail-end of our fall meet,” said Churchill spokesman Darren Rogers, noting that all preceding futures have been offered during non-racing periods for Churchill.