Kentucky Derby: Tacitus, Improbable, Maximum Security early favorites at 5-1

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – If you don't like the favorite for the Kentucky Derby, wait a minute, it's likely to change.

With morning-line favorite Omaha Beach scratched on Thursday, the wide-open nature of Saturday’s Kentucky Derby is reflected in the early wagering. As of 6:15 p.m. Eastern, and with $749,690 in the win pool, Wood Memorial winner Tacitus ($101,102) was favored by $4 over Arkansas Derby runner-up Improbable ($101,098). Florida Derby winner Maximum Security ($99,983) is the "third" choice. All three horses are 5-1.

Game Winner, the 2-year-old male champion of 2018, is the fourth choice, followed by Santa Anita Derby winner Roadster (9-1).

Trainer Bob Baffert, seeking his sixth Kentucky Derby victory, trains Improbable, Game Winner, and Roadster.

In addition to Omaha Beach, Haikal, the Gotham winner, was scratched on Friday. Thus, there will be 19 horses in the Derby.

Here are the complete odds:
1. War of Will, 18-1
2. Tax, 40-1
3. By My Standards, 14-1
4. Gray Magician, 29-1
5. Improbable, 5-1
6. Vekoma, 22-1
7. Maximum Security, 5-1
8. Tacitus, 5-1*
9. Plus Que Parfait, 50-1
10. Cutting Humor, 22-1
11. SCR
12. SCR
13. Code of Honor, 13-1
14. Win Win Win, 14-1
15. Master Fencer, 50-1
16. Game Winner, 6-1
17. Roadster, 9-1
18. Long Range Toddy, 44-1
19. Spinoff, 54-1
20. Country House, 72-1
21. Bodexpress, 99-1