The Kentucky Derby season officially kicks off today. (Getty)
The first race on the Road to the Kentucky Derby takes place today in New Orleans. There are a total of 85 points at stake in today’s race with 50 points going to first place, 20 points to second place, 10 points to third place and 5 points to fourth place as horses begin the qualifying process for the Kentucky Derby.
Mo Town enters the 1 1/16 mile race as the favorite. According to Blood Horse, Mo Town is owned by Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Derrick Smith. He is the son of Uncle Mo. There is a $400,000 pot in today’s race at the Fair Grounds.
Trainer Tony Dutrow was able to get Mo Town for a bit of a bargain in 2015. Dutrow spoke to Racing Daily Form about the process.
“I never could have bought him this past year for $200,000 [cost of Mo Town]. He’s an Uncle Mo, and he’s athletic. They cost $400,000 or $500,000. They’re talented, strong, and sound. There’s a lot of good stuff going on,” Dutrow told Daily Racing Form.
Mo Town has started three races, but today’s race marks the first time the horse has run outside of New York. The horse has been training at Payson Park in Florida.
Here’s a look at the race odds courtesy of the Kentucky Derby.
| POST POS. | HORSE | ODDS |
| 1 | Girvin | 6-1 |
| 2 | Untrapped | 10-1 |
| 3 | Local Hero | 4-1 |
| 4 | Arklow | 15-1 |
| 5 | Shareholder Value | 15-1 |
| 6 | Guest Suite | 6-1 |
| 7 | U.S. Officer | 20-1 |
| 8 | Cool Arrow | 15-1 |
| 9 | Mo Town | 7-2 |
| 10 | Takeoff | 10-1 |
| 11 | Sorry Erik | 30-1 |
| 12 | Horse Fly | 30-1 |
| 13 | It’s Your Nickel | 30-1 |
| 14 | So Conflated | 10-1 |
Heavy’s Pick: 1. Mo Town 2. Guest Suite 3. Local Hero