FAQs – How To Bet On The Kentucky Derby
Those new to betting on the most exciting two minutes in sports often have additional questions on how to bet on the Kentucky Derby. There are general race aspects that you may be unfamiliar with, or you may have specific questions about wagering on the race. While detailed explanations on the legality of Kentucky Derby betting, horse bet types, and how to make deposits can be found throughout the site, becoming familiar with certain terms and concepts is also beneficial. That is why we have put together a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions about Kentucky Derby betting. You can read through our list of legal Kentucky Derby betting FAQs to fill in any blanks you have about wagering on the Run For the Roses:
How Are The Odds On The Kentucky Derby Determined?
The odds for the Kentucky Derby fluctuate throughout the day, as is standard with the pari-mutuel wagering system. A track handicapper at Churchill Downs will set the morning line, which is a prediction of where the odds will be for the horses in the race. Once enthusiasts start betting on the Kentucky Derby, the actual odds will shift depending on where the public puts their money.
The bet minimums for the Kentucky Derby are similar across all tracks and racebooks. The minimum bet requirements will depend upon the type of horse bet that you make. Being that the Kentucky Derby is the biggest horse racing event of the year, the minimums may also be different than they would be for any other race. While you should verify the minimum bet amount at the specific track or horse betting site, here are the Kentucky Derby minimums at Churchill Downs:
- W/P/S - $2
- Exacta - $2
- Trifecta - $0.50
- Superfecta - $1
- Daily Double - $1
- Quinella - $1
- Pick 3 - $1
- Pick 4 - $0.50
- Pick 5 - $0.50
- Pick 6 - $2
You will need a few key pieces of information to place a bet on the Kentucky Derby. Whether you are at Churchill Downs or at the betting facility down the street, make sure to have the following details when you go to place your wager: Track name (Churchill Downs), race number, bet amount, bet type, horse(s) number(s).
There are instances where a horse will no longer be able to run in the Kentucky Derby. This could be due to illness, injury, or weather conditions on the day of the race. In this case, your horse would be listed as a scratch and your bet will either be refunded or you will receive a consolation payoff. Scratch information is constantly updated by racetracks and online racebooks.
There are instances where a horse will no longer be able to run in the Kentucky Derby. This could be due to illness, injury, or weather conditions on the day of the race. In this case, your horse would be listed as a scratch and your bet will either be refunded or you will receive a consolation payoff. Scratch information is constantly updated by racetracks and online racebooks.
When you are at a physical track or off-track betting location, you can view official results on the tote board. Online racebooks also make it simple to view Kentucky Derby results. You can look at the ‘Results’ page of the horse betting site, or visit Equibase.com to verify the official results.
A ‘mudder’ is simply a horse that is able to run in wet weather conditions. When it rains at Churchill Downs and you know that the track will be sloppy, it’s a good idea to research which horses historically run well in less than ideal conditions. Sometimes this can be traced back to lineage as well.
The Kentucky Derby features a field of 20 three-year-old Thoroughbreds. Since 2013, there has been a point system in place for horses to qualify for the Run for the Roses. Horses have to participate in multiple graded stakes races on what is called the “Road to the Kentucky Derby”. The horses with the most points earn a spot in the race come Derby Day.
Online racebooks and tracks allow bettors to place wagers on the Kentucky Derby right up until post time. Once the horses enter the starting gate, no additional bets will be accepted. If you are somehow able to submit a bet after post time at an online racebook due to a connectivity error, your bet will be voided and a refund issued.
When betting on horses you will hear the term “furlong” quite frequently. A furlong is a unit of measurement that is equal to 1/8th mile, 220 yards, or 660 feet. You may already know that horses must run 1-1⁄4 miles in the Kentucky Derby, and this is equal to 10 furlongs.
A “length” is a measurement of the distance between horses in a race. The unit measures from nose to tail, with a length equaling approximately 8 feet. Old Rosebud (1914), Johnstown (1939), Whirlaway (1941), and Assault (1946) have all won the Kentucky Derby by a record 8 lengths, approx. 64 feet. Whirlaway and Assault went on to win the Triple Crown.
Kentucky Derby futures odds give horse enthusiasts the chance to get in on the action early. Some sites will have odds on the winner of the Kentucky Derby posted before the field has been narrowed down to 20 Thoroughbreds. This gives more value, as the odds for a horse will shift as they become favored. You can take advantage of horse bet futures to maximize your profits.
Using an online racebook for legal Kentucky Derby betting is different than on-track betting because you can take your bets anywhere. You can conveniently bet from the comfort of your own home, rather than visiting a track or OTB location. Another difference is that rebates and bonuses are offered online. Otherwise, both ways of betting on the Kentucky Derby are similar. The same horse bet types will be available, and the online racebook will post the same morning line as Churchill Downs.
To make a deposit on the Kentucky Derby, you can visit the ‘Deposits’ page from the dashboard of your racebook account. The online cashier will present all of your available options, allowing you to choose whichever is most convenient. You can read our real money racebook deposits page to see common horse betting deposit methods and the best legal Kentucky Derby betting sites to use.
Horse racing tips and free picks are relatively easy to find at online racebooks. For example, when you visit SportsBetting.ag Racebook you can read the latest horse racing news and check out articles with free horse racing picks for the Kentucky Derby. Even the official race website features expert Kentucky Derby picks. You can learn more about Kentucky Derby favorites and underdogs, along with a brief profile of the horse depending on the site.