You can bet on the Kentucky Derby in several ways, both in-person at Churchill Downs or through online sportsbooks like TwinSpires and FanDuel, which offer a variety of betting options
Common Bet Types for the Kentucky Derby
- Win: Bet on the horse you think will finish first. This is the simplest and most popular bet, especially for beginners
- Place: Bet that your horse will finish first or second.
- Show: Bet that your horse will finish first, second, or third.
- Exacta: Predict the first two finishers in the exact order. You can also "box" an exacta to cover multiple combinations, increasing your chances but also the cost
- Trifecta: Predict the first three finishers in the exact order. This bet offers higher payouts but is more difficult to win
- Superfecta: Predict the first four finishers in the exact order. This is the hardest bet and typically yields the highest payouts
- Super High Five: Predict the first five finishers in the exact order
- Special bets: Include doubles (betting on winners of both the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby) and multi-race bets like Pick 3 or Pick 6
How to Place Your Bets
- Online: Use official partners like TwinSpires.com or sportsbooks such as FanDuel, which operate in multiple states and offer user-friendly apps for betting
- In-person: Visit Churchill Downs on Derby day to place bets at the track.
Betting Strategies
- Beginners are advised to start with simple Win, Place, or Show bets.
- More experienced bettors may try Exacta or Trifecta bets, often "keying" a favorite horse in the top position and combining with other contenders below to cover possible outcomes
- Consider betting on favorites like Journalism, who is often the early favorite, or explore longshots for bigger payouts
- Some bettors combine bets across multiple races (daily doubles, pick 3s) for additional excitement and potential returns
In summary, betting on the Kentucky Derby involves choosing from a range of bet types based on your risk tolerance and knowledge, placing bets either online or at the track, and considering strategies that balance favorites and longshots for the best chance at a payout
