Kentucky Derby, Oaks futures pools set

Churchill Downs officials announced Friday that the dates for the Kentucky Derby and Oaks future wagers have been set for 2008.

As usual, there will be three wagering periods of four days each for the wagers. Pool 1 will be held Feb. 7-10, Pool 2 from March 6-9, and Pool 3 from April 3-6.

All pools will open at noon Eastern on a Thursday, with the Derby pools closing at 6 p.m. on a Sunday and the Oaks pools closing a half-hour later.

Results are based on the results of the 134th Derby, which is set for May 3, and the 134th Oaks, which will be run the previous day. The parimutuel wagers are win-only, with no refunds, although Churchill scratches horses known to be eliminated from contention. There are 23 individual betting interests in each pool and a 24th interest comprising the field, or all others.

This will be the 10th year for the Derby Future Wager, and the fifth year for three pools in the Oaks Future Wager. A single Oaks pool was first used in 2003.