Gallery: 8/8
No. 1 Always Dreaming
Odds: 5-1
Jockey: John Velazquez
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Outlook: According to OddsShark, the Florida Derby has produced the most winning horses of any prep race over the past 15 years with four Derby winners. Always Dreaming won the Florida Derby, and the race was not close. The horse was also victorious in March's AlwOC race. Trainer Todd Pletcher (pictured above) gets criticized for his lack of Kentucky Derby wins, but Pletcher has enjoyed some success at Churchill Downs. While Pletcher has only had one winning horse, he has the second most starts at the Kentucky Derby of any trainer in the history of the race. Always Dreaming also has the benefit of having a winning rider. Jockey John Velazquez won the Kentucky Derby in 2011 and has competed 14 times in the race. Always Dreaming is coming off his fastest race with a 97 Beyer Speed Figure and 102 Bris Speed Rating. It looks like he is peaking at the right time and is our pick to win the Kentucky Derby. (Getty)
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Kentucky Derby Contenders 2017: Predictions for Best Horses