Horse racing captures the attention of everyone on Saturdays.
Regardless of your level of familiarity with the sport, whether you’re a novice sipping on a refreshing mint julep with friends or a seasoned expert well-versed in Forte’s recent performances, it’s highly likely that your television will be set to NBC for the Kentucky Derby.
This race is widely recognized as the most prestigious event of the year, marking the beginning of the Triple Crown. It also serves as an introduction to horse race betting for many Michigan residents.
Whether or not you have a fancy hat, we have a simple guide on how to begin, assuming that’s what you’re looking for.
No Sweat $20 Kentucky Derby bet at FanDuel Racing
Michigan sports bettors now have the opportunity to place their bets on the Kentucky Derby through FanDuel Racing, a new option available this year.
You can access FanDuel’s race betting app through your regular FanDuel Sportsbook app, allowing you to use the same login details and share your wallet.
Starting on the morning of Friday, May 5, you can place your bets on the Derby at FanDuel.
By waiting to place your first FanDuel Racing bet, you have the opportunity to receive a stress-free bet of up to $20. Simply wager up to $20 on a single horse to win the Kentucky Derby, and if your chosen horse doesn’t win, you’ll receive your bet back as Racing Bonus Bets.
Your account will be credited with the bonus within 24 hours. Please note that the bonus is non-refundable and will expire on June 12th.
On Monday afternoon, the Kentucky Derby conducted the post-position draw. However, since then, four horses have withdrawn from the race. Now, let’s take a look at the results and the current Derby odds as of Friday afternoon.
Post Position
Horse
Odds (as of Friday afternoon)
1
Hit Show
34-1
2
Verifying
22-1
3
Two Phil’s
8-1
4
Confidence Game
17-1
5
Tapit Trice
5-1
6
Kingsbarns
12-1
7
Reincarnate
15-1
8
Mage
18-1
9
Skinner
Scratched
10
Practical Move
Scratched
11
Disarm
31-1
12
Jace’s Road
37-1
13
Sun Thunder
32-1
14
Angel of Empire
5-1
15
Forte
9-2
16
Raise Cain
36-1
17
Derma Sotogake
8-1
18
Rocket Can
34-1
19
Lord Miles
Scratched
20
Continuar
Scratched
21
Cyclone Mischief
45-1
22
Mandarin Hero
29-1
23
King Russell
44-1
How to watch the Kentucky Derby
The event in question is the 149th edition of the Kentucky Derby.
Location: Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
Saturday, May 6th, at 6:57 p.m.
TV: NBC
Coverage for Peacock streaming will commence at noon.
How to bet on the Kentucky Derby in Michigan
If you’re not planning to go to Northville Downs, you’ll be placing your bets on the Kentucky Derby using your phone or computer.
In Michigan, there are a few apps specifically designed for horse race betting, which differ from the typical online sportsbooks in the state. One notable example is FanDuel Racing, which can be conveniently accessed through the regular FanDuel app and allows for a shared wallet. Additionally, other online betting platforms catering to horse racing enthusiasts in Michigan include TVG, NYRA Bets, TwinSpires, and Xpress Bet.
Michigan does not currently offer DraftKings Racing, despite its availability in other states.
One more significant distinction is that horse racing incorporates parimutuel betting, which implies that it does not involve fixed odds. Thus, the numbers displayed in the aforementioned table are unlikely to represent the actual odds when the Derby horses commence racing.
The odds are subject to change depending on the received bets.
Who is favored to win the 2025 Kentucky Derby?
Forte, trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., is the morning line favorite for the Kentucky Derby. With opening odds of 3-1 and a remarkable winning streak of five races, this talented colt holds high expectations.
Just a step behind, there is another horse trained by Pletcher, Tapit Trice, with odds of 5-1. The colt, who has triumphed in its last four races, will be ridden by Luis Saez in the Derby.
Angel of Empire, another horse in the race, entered with initial odds of less than 10-1 but settled at 8-1. The trainer of this horse is Brad H. Cox, and the jockey assigned to ride it is Flavien Prat.
There are six horses listed at odds of 50-1 if you’re seeking a longshot. These horses are Reincarnate, Jace’s Road, Sun Thunder, Raise Cain, Continuar, and King Russell.