Kentucky Derby 2017 Post Positions And Thursday Betting Odds

GettyImages-678528658 (1) — Sonneteer trains on the track for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 4, 2017 in Louisville, Kentucky. Getty

Betting odds shifted Thursday ahead of the 143rd running of the Kentucky Derby in Louisville. The post positions for Saturday's race at Churchill Downs have been drawn with Classic Empire (17/4) a slight favorite but followed close behind by Always Dreaming (9/2).

The two top contenders were both previously 4/1 favorites. Irish War Cry (6/1) and McCracken (6/1) remain in top contention, as well. On Monday, Irish War Cry was a 13/2 favorite, while McCracken was a 7/1 favorite.

In the last three days, six longshots have seen their odds improve: State of Honor, Hence, Irap, Battle of Midway, J Boys Echo and Patch. The odds have slipped for Lookin at Lee, Thunder Snow, Tapwrit, Gormley and Practical Joke.

If there is a scratch between now and post time, Royal Mo will go in first and Master Plan will go in second.

Post positions draw a great deal of scrutiny despite varied results. Last year, Nyquist came out of gate 13, American Pharoah came out of gate 16 and California Chrome came out of gate 5.

Rain is in the forecast for Saturday. According to the National Weather Service, there's a 40 percent chance of showers after 9 a.m. and in the evening there's a 30 percent chance of showers before 9 p.m.

Kentucky Derby Position, Horse, Jockey, Betting Odds (Bovada.lv)

1. Looking at Lee (C. Lanerie) 33/1

2. Thunder Snow (C. Soumillion) 18/1

3. Fast and Accurate (C. Hill) 66/1

4. Untrapped (C. Santana) 50/1

5. Always Dreaming (J. Velazquez) 9/2

6. State of Honor (J. Lezcano) 33/1

7. Girvin (M. Smith) 16/1

8. Hence (F. Geroux) 16/1

9. Irap (M. Gutierrez) 18/1

10. Gunnevera (J. Castellano) 12/1

11. Battle of Midway (F. Prat) 20/1