Kentucky Derby Future Wager: Hansen moves to solid third choice following Gotham victory

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – After two days of wagering, the mutuel field remained the favorite over Union Rags in Pool 2 of the 2012 Kentucky Derby Future Wager, while the smashing victory in the Gotham Stakes by Hansen made him the solid third choice.

As of early Sunday, and with nearly $140,000 in the win pool, the field, the 24th or “all others” option, was the 5-2 favorite over Union Rags (4-1), with Hansen dropping from 12-1 to be next at 8-1. Next in line were El Padrino (16-1), Alpha (17-1), and Creative Cause (19-1). Exacta handle was $41,770, yielding a total two-day handle of $181,068.

Pool 2 closes Sunday at 6 p.m. Eastern.

Meanwhile, Pool 2 coincides with the only futures pool being offered this year on the Kentucky Oaks. With $26,143 in the win pool, the field was a lukewarm 5-1 choice in the Oaks pool after Saturday wagering, followed closely by Grace Hall (7-1), Princess Arabella (7-1), On Fire Baby (9-1), Eden’s Moon (13-1), and Zo Impressive (16-1). Exacta wagering was $9,671. The Oaks pool closes Sunday at 6:30.

Last year, combined handle on Derby Pool 2 was $376,699, while the Oaks handled $92,903.

The 138th Oaks and Derby will be run May 4 and 5, respectively. Derby Pool 3 is set for March 30 to April 1.

Real-time updates of win odds and exacta probables are available through a number of sources, including television monitors at tracks and wagering outlets and on kentuckyderby.com.