Little more than bragging rights go along
with the honor of being the Las Vegas favorite on New Year’s Day to win four (or
more) months later in the Derby.
Churchill Downs maintains such a list of what
it still calls winter-book favorites. It goes back to 1979, when Spectacular
Bid had the honor and won the roses. In the 41 runnings since, only Street
Sense in 2007 has held that distinction and still cashed in May.
Unless something drastic happens by the end
of the week, Essential Quality will be the Jan. 1 favorite at William Hill Nevada,
carrying odds of 8-1. Life Is Good will be shortest priced at Circa Sports,