Let’s face it, the sport of thoroughbred racing is in great trouble. Racetracks are closing and handles are down.

It seems that most facilities are begging for slot machines to boost their income before they become extinct.

Enter the “Great White Hope.”

Hansen, the most spectacular-looking horse since Secretariat, could carry the entire sport if he can make a serious run at the Triple Crown. While Hansen is a far cry from the runner that Big Red was, there will never be another more beautiful horse.

Pure white and certain to catch the casual racing fan’s fancy, Hansen will be the hope of NBC and the industry itself as he goes to the post on May 5 in the 138th Run for the Roses.

While he won’t be the top choice, Hansen does have a chance in the Kentucky Derby. He’s won four of six races lifetime.

Here is a look at the early favorites of the field of 20:

Odds have been updated as of Saturday May 5 at noon ET.

Bodemeister (+400):

The early Derby favorite will try to become the first horse in over a century to win the race without having a start as a 2-year-old. He’s topped 100 in the Beyer speed ratings three times, only three other horses in the race have even done it once. Bob Baffert trainee rolled to a dominant win in the Arkansas Derby last time out.

Union Rags (+450):

Lots of potential in this one and his connections believe he can get any distance. He’s won four of six lifetime starts but was a disappointing third in the Florida Derby as the prohibitive favorite. Certainly merits consideration and could be the most fit horse to win all legs of the Triple Crown.

Creative Cause (+1200):

Just missed as the favorite in the Santa Anita Derby last time out but beat Bodemeister the race before by ¾ of a length at the San Felipe. Has had some troubles drifting in the lane but has hit the board in all eight starts.

Gemologist (+600): 

Todd Pletcher trainee will go to the post undefeated in five starts. Gemologist seemed to toy with the field in the Wood, taking the lead and then when it looked like he was about to be passed in the stretch, he dug in again and pulled it out. Will take plenty of money at the windows and perhaps grab the early lead on Saturday.

Hansen (+1000):

Some say Hansen will be merely a sideshow because of his beauty but this colt beat many of these in the Breeder’s Cup Juvenile on this surface going off at 7-1. The distance could be the problem as Hansen faded to second in his last start, the longest of his career (9 furlongs).