One of the current favorites in the Kentucky Derby betting futures market, Vineyard Haven, begins the road to Churchill Downs in another continent on Thursday (Feb 12, 2009). He runs in the United Arab Emirates 2000 Guineas at Nad Al Sheba racetrack in Dubai.

New Yorkers will remember Vineyard Haven winning a couple of Grade 1 dirt races. The highlight was his facile success in Belmont's Champagne Stakes, the best juvenile event outside of the Breeders Cup.

His previous trainer Bobby Frankel skipped the Breeders Cup with Vineyard Haven and that may pay dividends for the new Arab connections, the Godolphin operation, who are targeting the Kentucky Derby.

Vineyard Haven is currently trading at around 14/1 in the Kentucky Derby betting. Thursday's race, an effective trial for Churchill Downs, will decide if that is generous betting odds or very skinny.