Field 4-5 early in Derby Future

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - As of 6:15 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, the mutuel field was the 4-5 favorite in early betting on Pool 1 of the 2003 Kentucky Derby Future Wager.

Having opened at noon, the win-only future wager had attracted $39,053 in handle during its first six-plus hours.

The four-day wager is scheduled to continue through Sunday at 6:30 p.m. Eastern. It is available in 34 states and through the Television Games Network online wagering service

The mutuel field consists of all 3-year-olds except the 23 horses listed as separate betting interests. After the field, next in line was Indy Dancer at 12-1, followed by Kafwain (14-1), Sky Mesa (15-1), Empire Maker (17-1), and Toccet (24-1).

Pool 2 of the Future Wager is set for March 13-16 and Pool 3 for April 3-6. The 129th Derby will be run May 3 at Churchill Downs.