2014 Kentucky Derby Odds, Free Picks and Predictions: Early Contenders

2014 Kentucky Derby Odds, Free Picks and Predictions – Early Contenders: The 2014 Kentucky Derby is just a couple of weeks away, and while the field at Churchill Downs has yet to be confirmed, the prep races have already revealed several possible horses that could contend for the win. Of course, the picture will become a lot clearer after the field is officially set in stone and the draw for post position is held, but in the meantime, here is a closer look at five horses that have stood out so far during derby prep season and should be serious contenders in the 2014 Kentucky Derby.

1. California Chrome: The horse is quickly becoming the early frontrunner for the 2014 Kentucky Derby, and it’s not hard to see why. He closed out 2013 with a victory, and he has won all three of his starts in 2014.California Chrome’s two most-recent victories have in the San Felipe and the Santa Anita Derby, giving him big wins over big time competition. At the end of the day, California Chrome has amassed a resume that no horse in this year’s Kentucky Derby field will be able to match.

2. Wildcat Red: His runner-up effort in the Florida Derby was the latest strong performance from a horse that has done nothing but contend for wins throughout his career. In seven races, Wildcat Red has four wins and three second-place finishes, and two of those victories have come in his last three races, including a win in the Fountain of Youth. This horse appears to have a nose for the front, and Wildcat Red has proven he can seal the deal against solid competition.

3. Wicked Strong: The horse has been a bit inconsistent so far in his career, but by winning the Wood Memorial, Wicked Strong showed that his best effort can stack up with any horse around. Granted, the win came after lackluster finishes of ninth and fourth in his first two starts in 2014 so there is a chance that Wicked Strong could lay an egg at Churchill Downs. However, there is also a chance the horse will deliver another strong performance and back up his win in the Wood Memorial with a Kentucky Derby win. Don’t forget about Wicked Strong.

4. Tapiture: It would have been nice to see him perform a little better than fourth in the Arkansas Derby a couple of weeks ago, but overall, Tapiture has been one of the more consistent horses that is slated to be in the field at Churchill Downs. Tapiture has finished third or better in six of his seven starts, picking up a win and two second-place runs in his last four races. At the very least, Tapiture looks like one of those horses you will want to work into your trifecta bets, and if some of the other frontrunners don’t have great runs, this horse could be lurking to steal away the win.

5. Vicar’s in Trouble: He has only made five starts, but after winning the Louisiana Derby, Vicar’s in Trouble not only looks ready to run in the Kentucky Derby, but he also looks ready to contend at Churchill Downs. The horse’s acceleration is getting plenty of hype, and if he can hang within striking distance of the frontrunners at Churchill Downs, Vicar’s in Trouble could deliver a closing push that nets him a Kentucky Derby win.