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Kentucky Derby bet types explained
If you’re placing a bet on the Kentucky Derby, you have the option to just pick the winner and watch the race. But, there are also numerous other betting options available for you to explore. To begin, let’s delve into the fundamentals.
- To win: This wager is placed on a horse to be the victor of the race.
- Bet: Predict that a horse will come in second place or achieve a higher ranking.
- Exhibition: Place a bet on a horse to come in third place or higher.
These bets are the easiest to comprehend. You can wager as little as $1 at certain tracks, while others have a minimum requirement of $2. If your chosen selection turns out to be correct, your ticket will be deemed a winning bet.
The payouts will be different depending on the odds of the winning horse and the total amount of money wagered. Online platforms like FanDuel allow you to see the amount of money placed on each horse for win, place, and show bets before the race starts.
Additionally, you have the option to consolidate these bets into one slip, allowing you to choose a horse for win/place/show or place/show. By doing so, the bet amount will increase depending on your selection. This is a great choice if you are confident in a particular horse and want to maximize your potential winnings.
Now, we will examine a category of bets referred to as exotics.
- You can place a bet on the first and second place finishers, either through an exacta or quinella.
- Trifecta: Placing a bet on the first three runners in a race.
- Superfecta: Select the first four horses to cross the finish line in the race.
- Superb high five: Select the consecutive top five performers.
Although exotic bets may be challenging to win, they offer significant potential returns on investment. Consequently, they have gained popularity among bettors. These bets can be placed at low costs for straightforward selections, but if you choose to box your options, the ticket price increases accordingly.
Here is an example of the returns from some of these bets at the 2019 Kentucky Derby, showcasing their potential.
- $2 Exacta: $3,009.60
- $1 Trifecta: $11,745.30
- $1 Superfecta: $51,400.10
The returns on this are truly remarkable, although it’s crucial to remember two key factors. Firstly, the underdog Country House emerged as the winner of the race. Secondly, the Kentucky Derby garners an immense amount of betting activity, resulting in significantly larger prize pools compared to an ordinary race.
Lastly, it is important to keep in mind that Derby Day offers more than just the main event. Numerous other races will take place, allowing you to broaden your horizons and utilize all the aforementioned betting options for these races as well.
Furthermore, you have the opportunity to place bets on consecutive race winners, with options ranging from the Pick 3 to the Pick 6. Although challenging to win, these bets offer remarkable returns even with minimal wager amounts.
Odds for the 2025 Kentucky Derby
On Monday afternoon, the Kentucky Derby conducted the post-position draw. Subsequently, four horses have withdrawn from the competition. The following are the latest results and 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 |
Record-setting wins at the Kentucky Derby
Every edition of the Kentucky Derby creates history, but certain races hold a greater significance than others. Throughout the years, we have witnessed numerous remarkable performances, with some even breaking records.
- The speed record for the current length was achieved by Secretariat in 1973, with a time of 1 minute and 59.40 seconds.
- The biggest margin of victory ever recorded was eight lengths, achieved four times, with the most recent occurrence being by Assault in 1946.
- One of the greatest underdogs in history: Donerail, with odds of 91-1 in 1913.
- Calumet Farm holds the record for the highest number of wins by an owner, with a total of eight victories. Their most recent win occurred in 1968.
- The trainers with the highest number of victories are Ben Jones and Bob Baffert, both with six wins each. Ben Jones last achieved this feat in 1952, while Bob Baffert’s most recent victory was in 2020.
- Eddie Arcaro and Bill Hartack are tied with the most wins as jockeys, each having achieved a remarkable five victories.
Only 13 horses have successfully won all three legs of the Triple Crown, starting with the Kentucky Derby. The Triple Crown also includes the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes. Below is a record of the winners along with their winning times at the Derby.
- 2018: Justify, 2:04:20
- 2015: American Pharoah, 2:03:02
- 1978: Affirmed, 2:01:12
- 1977: Seattle Slew, 2:02:20
- 1973: Secretariat, 1:59:40
- 1948: Citation, 2:05:40
- 1946: Assault, 2:06:60
- 1943: Count Fleet, 2:04:00
- 1941: Whirlaway, 2:01:40
- 1937: War Admiral, 2:03:20
- 1935: Omaha, 2:05:00
- 1930: Gallant Fox, 2:07:60
- 1919: Sir Barton, 2:09:80
Over the past years, a multitude of fascinating advancements have taken place. Among those noteworthy occurrences is Justify’s triumphant victory in 2018. What makes this particular feat even more remarkable is that Justify never participated in any races as a 2-year-old, adding to the historical significance of his Triple Crown season.
The subsequent year also made its mark in history, albeit for completely different reasons. We will delve into the details of what transpired at a later time.
How do horses qualify for the Kentucky Derby?
The horses participating in the Kentucky Derby are top-notch contenders for the racing season. They represent the finest 2- and 3-year-olds in the country, having demonstrated their skills on the renowned Road to the Kentucky Derby.
The qualifier consists of two phases, wherein points are earned by horses based on their performance. The top four finishers receive points on a sliding scale, with the amounts progressively increasing as the process advances.
For instance, the highest performer in the initial set of races will be awarded 10 points, which will progressively increase to 50 for a first-place achievement in subsequent events. As we reach the Kentucky Derby Championship Series, the points will double in quantity.
The Super Six, as it is commonly referred to, consists of a collection of races where the victor receives an impressive 100 points to contribute to their overall score. Horse racing enthusiasts eagerly anticipate these remarkable events, considering them to be among the finest occasions of the year.
Below, you will find information on the six most significant qualifying events that lead to the Kentucky Derby. Each event includes details about the respective track where it takes place and the purse amount associated with it:
| Race |
Track |
Purse |
| Arkansas Derby |
Oaklawn Park |
$1 million |
| Blue Grass Stakes |
Keeneland |
$1 million |
| Florida Derby |
Gulfstream Park |
$1 million |
| Louisiana Derby |
Fair Grounds |
$1 million |
| Santa Anita Derby |
Santa Anita Park |
$400,000 |
| Wood Memorial Stakes |
Aqueduct |
$750,000 |
Naturally, the horses that excel in these races go on to become frontrunners for the Kentucky Derby and the entire Triple Crown season. When analyzing this year’s Derby contenders, it is crucial to evaluate their performance in prior races, particularly the significant ones.
What is the Kentucky Oaks?
As previously stated, Derby Day offers more than just the main race, and the same can be said for the entire weekend at Churchill Downs. Attending this event in person is truly a remarkable experience, making it a must-have on any sports enthusiast’s bucket list.
The Kentucky Oaks, held on the Friday before the Derby, steals the spotlight as the most significant event during a jam-packed day of racing. With a purse of $1.25 million and an astounding first-place prize of $750,000, this Grade 1 stakes race stands out as a major attraction.
The race covers a distance of 1-1/8 miles and features a field of 3-year-old fillies. Among fillies, this race holds significant importance in the season and garners a lot of attention from bettors as well.
Looking back at the past ten years, the Oaks has proven to be a valuable opportunity for last-minute preparation before the Derby. It provides an additional chance to analyze a race with significant stakes. Let’s take a closer look at the winners of the past decade and their recorded winning times.
- 2022: Secret Oath, 1:49.44
- 2021: Malathaat, 1:48:99
- 2020: Shedaresthedevil, 1:48.28
- 2019: Serengeti Express, 1:50:17
- 2018: Monomoy Girl, 1:49:13
- 2017: Abel Tasman, 1:51:62
- 2016: Cathryn Sophia, 1:50:53
- 2015: Lovely Maria, 1:50:45
- 2014: Untapable, 1:48:68
- In 2013, Princess of Sylmar crossed the finish line in 1 hour, 49 minutes, and 17 seconds.
Here is a breakdown of the payouts for the top three finishers and various exotic bets in the 2020 edition of the race.
- Shedaresthedevil won the race with odds of $32.20 to win, $8.40 to place, and $3.80 to show.
- Swiss Skydiver is listed at $3.80 for P (place) and $2.60 for S (show).
- Gamine is number 3 and has a price of $2.40.
- $2 Exacta — $118.80
- $1 Trifecta — $116.80
- $1 Superfecta — $297.30
Kentucky Derby betting history
The Kentucky Derby has a rich history dating back to 1875 when Aristides, a horse, emerged victorious in the very first race. This inaugural event spanned a distance of 1-1/2 miles and Aristides completed it in an impressive time of 2:37:75. In 1896, after several years, the Derby transitioned to its current length of 1-1/4 miles.
To this day, the length of time remains a subject of contention. In his remarkable campaign of 1973, the legendary Secretariat established a speed record by completing the race in an astonishing 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 40 seconds.
To gain insight into the progression of Kentucky Derby betting, let’s take a look at the betting handle for the entire Derby day in 1985, amounting to $26.8 million. By 1998, it had increased significantly to $88.9 million. Astonishingly, in 2019, the all-sources handle skyrocketed to an incredible $250.9 million.
A whopping $165.5 million was wagered on the Derby race, surpassing the previous year’s record by 10%. The Kentucky Derby is not only a unique sporting event but also a major attraction for enthusiastic bettors.
Kentucky Derby betting: A case study
In 2019, the Kentucky Derby betting numbers underwent significant changes as the money began to pour in. Let’s take a retrospective glance at how the field and odds unfolded during that year.
| Post # |
Horse |
Morning Line |
Final Odds |
Finish |
| 1 |
War of Will |
20-1 |
16-1 |
7 |
| 2 |
Tax |
20-1 |
35-1 |
14 |
| 3 |
By My Standards |
20-1 |
18-1 |
11 |
| 4 |
Gray Magician |
50-1 |
33-1 |
19 |
| 5 |
Improbable |
6-1 |
3-1 |
4 |
| 6 |
Vekoma |
20-1 |
16-1 |
12 |
| 7 |
Maximum Security |
10-1 |
3-1 |
17-DQ |
| 8 |
Tacitus |
10-1 |
5-1 |
3 |
| 9 |
Plus Que Parfait |
30-1 |
56-1 |
8 |
| 10 |
Cutting Humor |
30-1 |
23-1 |
10 |
| 11 |
Haikal |
30-1 |
NA |
Scratched |
| 12 |
Omaha Beach |
4-1 |
NA |
Scratched |
| 13 |
Code of Honor |
15-1 |
13-1 |
2 |
| 14 |
Win Win Win |
15-1 |
16-1 |
9 |
| 15 |
Master Fencer |
50-1 |
58-1 |
6 |
| 16 |
Game Winner |
5-1 |
6-1 |
5 |
| 17 |
Roadster |
6-1 |
11-1 |
15 |
| 18 |
Long Range Toddy |
30-1 |
54-1 |
16 |
| 19 |
Spinoff |
30-1 |
51-1 |
18 |
| 20 |
Country House |
30-1 |
64-1 |
1 |
| 21 |
Bodexpress |
30-1 |
70-1 |
13 |
The top contenders at the start of the race were Improbable, Maximum Security, Tacitus, and Game Winner. However, an unexpected turn of events led to Country House emerging as the winner. Here are the payouts for the top three finishers.
| Horse |
Win payout |
Place payout |
Show payout |
| Country House |
$132..40 |
$56.60 |
$24.60 |
| Code of Honor |
– |
$15.20 |
$9.80 |
| Tacitus |
– |
– |
$5.60 |
Immediately after the race concluded, Maximum Security appeared to have emerged victorious in a captivating race, captivating an audience of over 150,000 enthusiastic spectators. Nevertheless, jockeys for two competing horses swiftly lodged objections.
In a surprising turn of events, Maximum Security was disqualified despite a highly unusual and extensive review. The horse was found to have made contact with another contender and interfered with two additional horses before reaching the final stretch.
According to the rulebook, if a horse deviates from its intended course in a manner that impacts another competitor, it can result in disqualification. The Maximum Security team, along with almost everyone else, was shocked by this unprecedented disqualification, as it marked the first time in the history of the Derby that such an infraction affected the leading position.
After the dust had settled, Country House emerged as the victor, with Code of Honor and Tacitus following closely behind. The 2019 edition of the Derby proved to be a remarkable event, leaving a lasting mark in history.
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