{"id":16675,"date":"2024-05-02T12:26:17","date_gmt":"2024-05-02T12:26:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kentuckyderbybettingsites.net\/?p=16675"},"modified":"2024-05-02T13:10:07","modified_gmt":"2024-05-02T13:10:07","slug":"eddie-olczyk-derby-picks-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kentuckyderbybettingsites.net\/features\/eddie-olczyk-derby-picks-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"Eddie Olczyk Derby Picks 2024: Which Kentucky Horses Are A ‘Must Use’ For The NBC Handicapper?"},"content":{"rendered":"\"eddie\n

The Eddie Olczyk Derby picks ahead of the big race in Kentucky this Saturday are taking shape as the popular former NHL player and now respected NBC handicapper highlights his ‘Must Use’ selections. Plus also has one Kentucky Derby horse earmarked as his best longshot. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Who Is Eddie Olczyk – The NBC Horse Racing Handicapper?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Many horse racing fans will, of course, have their own opinions on Saturday’s 150th running of the Kentucky Derby <\/strong>– as the latest batch of 3 year-old start their journey in trying to become the next Triple Crown winner<\/a> in the USA.<\/p>\n

However, whether they are experienced punters or not, a lot will also have one ear to the ground when it comes to listening to the best horse racing handicappers and experts. Including NBC’s Eddie Olczyk<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Olczyk is a former NHL star that played in the National League for 16 seasons with six sides that included the Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs and Pittsburgh Penguins, of which he was also became head coach for in 2003.<\/p>\n

Since hanging up his skates, Eddie Olczyk began a career in the media commentating on NHL for NBC. And through that came an avenue to also showcase his interest in horse racing with the same channel snapping him up as an analyst and handicapper.<\/p>\n

This has led to Olczyk covering all the big US horse races through the season – including the Kentucky Derby – Belmont Stakes, Breeders’ Cup and Preakness Stakes for the NBC network.<\/p>\n

Eddie Olczyk Derby Picks 2024: “Catching Freedom Top-Listed”<\/em>
\n<\/strong><\/h2>\n\"catching\n

Eddie Olczyk Derby Picks 2024: Top Listed Quartet
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See below Olczyk’s ‘top listed’<\/strong> four with Catching Freedom<\/strong> a horse he likes a lot, plus hot Kentucky Derby favorites<\/a> Sierra Leona and Fierceness also respected, along with Resilience. With these three in no particular order.<\/p>\n

You can also WATCH below why Eddie Olczyk is making a case for these four Kentucky Derby horses<\/a> ahead of the 150th running of the Run For The Roses<\/em>. Plus also gives out his ‘longshot’<\/strong> of the race.<\/p>\n

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  • <\/svg> CATCHING FREEDOM
    \n<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • <\/svg> Sierra Leone
    \n<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • <\/svg> Resilience
    \n<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • <\/svg> Fierceness
    \n<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

    CATCHING FREEDOM: “Very Impressive In Louisiana Derby”<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Watch below as Eddie Olczyk chats to Jeremy Plonk about the chances of Catching Freedom.<\/p>\n

    The Brad Cox team landed the Kentucky Derby in 2021 with Mandaloun. Who was awarded the race after Medina Spirit was disqualified after a failed drug test.<\/p>\n

    However, Eddie Olczyk thinks the barn can go close to winning the race in their own right with CATCHING FREEDOM.\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

    Olczyk goes onto say that he feels the Constitution 3 year-old was very impressive in winning the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds in March. With his closing style being well-suited to a fast-run Kentucky Derby.<\/p>\n

    Yes, he adds, the horse will need a lot of luck in-running coming from off the pace. But his proven experience of running at Churchill Downs (twice) is another big plus, including winning at the Kentucky venue.<\/p>\n

    With the Cox team also having Just A Touch in the race, Olczyk goes onto say this horse could set up the pace nicely for the Flavien Prat-ridden Catching Freedom.<\/p>\n