Kentucky Derby: Algorithms part of field for Pool 2 of Kentucky Derby Future Wager

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Algorithms will not be one of the 23 separately listed 3-year-olds in Pool 2 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager, even though the colt has not been definitively ruled out of contention for the 138th Derby on May 5. Pool 2 opens Friday at tracks and wagering outlets throughout North America for the usual three-day run.

Algorithms was diagnosed with a minor splint injury over the weekend and had to scratch from the Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park. That setback has led the three-person crew that decides on the futures to leave him out of the 23-horse lineup, which was scheduled for release Wednesday. It has not yet been determined if the injury is enough to keep Algorithms from the Derby. Futures wagers are non-refundable.

“This is such a buyer-beware kind of bet, we just thought it prudent to leave Algorithms out of Pool 2,” said Churchill Downs vice president John Asher, who decides on the futures lineups with Brad Free and Mike Watchmaker of Daily Racing Form . “If in time it’s determined he’s still in the race, well, people can come back and bet on him in Pool 3, if he’s in there.”

Pool 2, which opens at noon Eastern Friday and closes 6 p.m. Sunday, also will coincide with the lone Kentucky Oaks futures pool of this year. The Oaks pool closes at 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

Pool 1, which ran Feb. 10-12, drew a combined win and exacta handle of $631,304, the largest handle for any pool since Churchill Downs first began offering parimutuel futures in 1999. The mutuel field, the 24th or “all others” option, closed as the 3-2 favorite in Pool 1. Asher said the field will be a slight morning-line favorite in Pool 2 over Union Rags, the Fountain of Youth winner.

Pool 3 is set for March 30 to April 1.