Field at 3-5 early in future wager

At least one sizable bet placed just minutes after wagering opened helped to make the mutuel field a heavy early favorite in Pool 1 of the 2010 Kentucky Derby Future Wager, which opened Friday at noon Eastern at tracks and wagering outlets throughout North America.

As of 3 p.m. Eastern, and after $40,568 in handle, the win odds were 3-5 on the mutuel field, the No. 24 or "all others" option. Juvenile champion Lookin At Lucky led the 23 separately listed interests at 6-1, followed by Buddy's Saint at 9-1. Then there was a big jump to Drosselmeyer (35-1), Tiz Chrome (35-1), and Super Saver (36-1). The pool closes Sunday at 6 p.m. Eastern.

Churchill Downs spokesman John Asher said a $5,000 wager to win on the field was placed early Friday through the track's wagering website, twinspires.com.

The field has closed as the favorite in every Pool 1 since Churchill began offering parimutuel futures in 1999. Five of the Pool 1 field horses in those 11 years ultimately won the Derby, including Mine That Bird last year. Typically, the Pool 1 field takes strong early money before rising gradually in odds and closing in the 2-1 to 3-1 range. Handle on Pool 1 last year was $478,721.

Early handle on the Pool 1 exacta, which is being offered during all three pools this year, was $5,319, with the lowest $2 will-pay being $58.60 on either combination of the field and Buddy's Saint (a 3-24 box).

Pool 2 is set for March 5-7 and Pool 3 for March 26-28. The lone Kentucky Oaks futures offered this year will coincide with Derby Pool 2.

The 136th Derby will be run May 1.