California Chrome is the early 5-2 favourite for the Kentucky Derby after drawing barrier five for the famous race.

He is trained by 77-year-old Art Sherman who could become the oldest trainer to win the Derby, surpassing Charlie Whittingham who was 76 when Sunday Silence won in 1989.

California Chrome comes into the Derby having won his past four starts, including the Santa Anita Derby in which he beat Derby second favourite Hopportunity (6-1) who drew barrier 11.

Wicked Strong, named for the victims of last year's Boston Marathon bombings, is the 8-1 third choice and will break start from the outside gate in the 20-horse field.

California Chrome, Hopportunity and Wicked Strong were the only horses listed at single digits.

Danza is the 10-1 fourth choice and is one of four Todd Pletcher-trained horses in the race.

The others are Intense Holiday (12-1), Vinceremos (30-1) and We Miss Artie (50-1)

Rosie Napravnik will be aboard 30-1 chance Vicar's In Trouble trying to become the first female jockey to win the Derby. She was fifth last year on Mylute, the highest finish by a woman.

The 21st horse on the points list is Pablo Del Monte who needs a defection before Friday morning, when Derby wagering opens, to get into the $US2.2 million ($A2.38 million) race on Saturday (Sunday AEST).