To bet on the Kentucky Derby, here are the key steps and types of bets you can place:
Basic Bet Types
- Win : Bet on a horse to finish first.
- Place : Bet on a horse to finish first or second.
- Show : Bet on a horse to finish first, second, or third.
Combination Bets
- Across the Board : A combination of Win, Place, and Show bets on one horse. Costs three times the base bet.
- Win/Place or Place/Show : Combination bets covering two outcomes, costing twice the base bet.
Exotic Bets
- Exacta : Pick the first and second place horses in exact order.
- Trifecta : Pick the first three finishers in exact order.
- Superfecta : Pick the first four finishers in exact order. This bet is harder but offers the highest payouts.
Tips for Betting
- Betting on the favorite horse is often a safer bet; favorites have won several recent Derbies.
- Consider horse racing styles like speed/pacesetter, presser, stalker, and closer to inform your picks.
- You can bet on a budget by spreading your wagers across exactas, trifectas, and superfectas with smaller amounts.
Betting on a Budget Example
- With $30, you might place multiple exacta bets covering different horses.
- With $60 or $125, you can diversify into trifectas and superfectas to increase potential payouts while managing risk.
Futures Betting
- You can place futures bets months in advance to get better odds on horses expected to run in the Derby.
How to Start
- Review the horses and odds (e.g., Tiz the Law was a favorite in 2020 at 4-5 odds).
- Decide your budget and bet types.
- Place your bets through a legal betting platform or at the track.
- Watch the race and collect winnings if your picks finish as predicted.
This approach balances risk and reward and allows both beginners and experienced bettors to enjoy the Kentucky Derby betting experience
