Kentucky Derby
- Date:Â Saturday, May 4th, 2024
- City:Â Kentucky, USA
- Location: Churchill Downs; Louisville.
- Pursue:US$5 million; 1st: $3.1 million
- Winner: Mystik Dan / B. Hernandez Jr. (Jockey)
Called “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” and “The Run for the Roses”, the Kentucky Derby is set for another exciting edition.
The Kentucky Derby is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world, and it has a rich history dating back to 1875. It is held annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky, USA. The race is the first leg of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing in the United States and is known as the “Run for the Roses” due to the blanket of roses draped over the winner’s back.
The Kentucky Derby is a 1 1/4 mile (2 km) race for three-year-old Thoroughbred horses, with a maximum of 20 horses allowed to compete each year. Many people attend the race sipping on mint juleps, the official drink of the Kentucky Derby.
The race has had a few controversies in its history, including issues related to commercial rights, advertising, and the race’s large purse since the mid-20th century. In spite of having gone through a rough few years with disqualifications and Bob Baffert’s suspension, the Kentucky Derby continues to shine a light on American thoroughbred racing. The Kentucky Derby remains one of the most popular and well-attended horse races in the world, with millions of viewers tuning in to watch the race on television. This feature race for 3-year-olds at Churchill Downs has us really excited.
Frances Genter became the oldest Derby-winning owner at the age of 92 with the colt Unbridled in 1990. The Kentucky Derby has seen many notable winners throughout its history, including Secretariat, who won the race in 1973 with a record-breaking time. The race has also had its share of upsets, with long-shot horses occasionally pulling off a surprise victory.
Kentucky Derby odds are available for most of the year, so place your bets for the big event!
Latest Horse Racing Betting News
2024 Kentucky Derby Betting Odds
It’s here again! The Kentucky Derby 2024 approaches and all eyes are on the famed Churchill Downs for the first leg of this year’s Triple Crown. Keep on reading for juicy info on this year’s status, odds and position for the favorites and the not-so-well-known contenders to become Triple Crown winners.
2024 Kentucky Derby Betting Odds Recommendations
This year, caution is recommended regarding Fierceness and his Kentucky Derby odds despite his favorite status for the Kentucky Derby 2024, suggesting that his past inconsistencies might be a sign of vulnerability in this race. The last favorite to win the Kentucky Derby was Justify in 2018, who started his career with a perfect streak, unlike Fierceness.
There is some unexpected enthusiasm about Forever Young, a Japanese contender with flawless records and a 10-1 shot. Trained by the legendary Yoshito Yahagi, Forever Young is coming off a win at the UAE Derby. Apparently, Forever Young’s performance metrics are closely aligned with the top North American three-year-olds, making him a solid contender for this Kentucky Derby 2024.
Kentucky Derby Post Position
The stage is set with the post positions already determined, where each contender will start. Notably, post number five, historically a lucky starting point with 10 previous winners, will host Saffie Joseph’s Catalytic, listed at 30-1 odds.
The spotlight, however, is heavily on Fierceness, the current favorite with odds of 5-2, who will break from the 16th post under the designation of No. 17. Despite a recent victory at the Florida Derby, where he displayed impressive speed figures, Fierceness has faced challenges in two of his five career races, including a disappointing seventh-place in one of them.
Interestingly, Fierceness has not competed at Churchill Downs before. See below for the post positions of the Kentucky Derby horses that are up for the championship.
| Post Position | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dornoch | Luis Saez | Danny Gargan | (20-1) |
| 2 | Sierra Leone | Tyler Gaffalione | Chad Brown | (3-1) |
| 3 | Mystik Dan | Brian Hernandez Jr. | Kenny McPeek | (20-1) |
| 4 | Confidence Game | James Graham | Keith Desormeaux | (8-1) |
| 5 | Catalytic | Flavien Prat | Brad Cox | (30-1) |
| 6 | Just Steel | Keith Asmussen | D. Wayne Lukas | (20-1) |
| 7 | Honor Marie | Ben Curtis | Whit Beckman | (20-1) |
| 8 | Just a Touch | Florent Geroux | Brad Cox | (10-1) |
| 9 | Encino | Axel Concepcion | Brad Cox | SCRATCHED |
| 10 | T O Password | Kazushi Kimura | Daisuke Takayanagi | (30-1) |
| 11 | Forever Young | Ryusei Sakai | Yoshito Yahagi | (10-1) |
| 12 | Track Phantom | Joel Rosario | Steve Asmussen | (20-1) |
| 13 | West Saratoga | Jesus Castanon | Larry Demeritte | (50-1) |
| 14 | Endlessly | Umberto Rispoli | Michael McCarthy | (30-1) |
| 15 | Domestic Product | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Chad Brown | (30-1) |
| 16 | Grand Mo the First | Emisael Jaramillo | Victor Barboza Jr. | (50-1) |
| 17 | Fierceness | John Velazquez | Todd Pletcher | (5-2) |
| 18 | Stronghold | Antonio Fresu | Phil D’Amato | (20-1) |
| 19 | Resilience | Junior Alvarado | Bill Mott | (20-1) |
| 20 | Society Man | Frankie Dettori | Danny Gargan | (30-1) |
| 21 | Epic Ride | Adam Beschizza | John Ennis | (30-1) |
Learn More About Post Position
In horse racing, the position of a stall refers to the starting point of a horse in a race. Each horse is assigned a specific stall number, which corresponds to a particular position on the starting gate.
The position of the stall can have an impact on the race. Horses on the inside of the gate (closer to the rail) have a shorter distance to run to the first turn, which can be an advantage. However, they may also be more likely to get trapped behind other horses, especially in the early stages of the race.
Horses on the outside of the gate have a longer distance to run to the first turn, but they may have more room to maneuver and avoid traffic. The jockey’s strategy and the horse’s running style can also play a role in determining the best position in the gate.
Ultimately, the position of the stall is just one factor in a horse’s performance in a race, and many other factors such as the horse’s form, the track conditions, and the competition, can also impact the outcome.
How to Bet on Kentucky Derby?
Betting on the Kentucky Derby can be an exciting and potentially lucrative experience, whether you’re doing it in person or online. However, there are some key differences between betting directly at the event and using an online horse betting platform.
One difference is the horse racing betting options available. When betting in person at the Kentucky Derby, you’ll typically be limited to traditional betting options like win, place, and show bets. However, online horse betting platforms often offer a wider range of betting options, including exotic bets like exactas, trifectas, and superfectas.
Also, there’s the issue of security and reliability. When betting in person at the Kentucky Derby event, you’ll be dealing with physical cash and tickets, which can be lost or stolen. Online horse betting platforms, on the other hand, typically offer secure and reliable payment options like credit cards and e-wallets, as well as advanced security measures to protect your personal and financial information.Â
Bettors can bet on a horse to win or place. It’s the most common Kentucky Derby bet type and bettors have an each-way option, which doubles the bet amount but gives the win and place option in one wager.
To make a win bet, simply tell the teller the race number, the amount you wish to bet, and the horse’s program number (which is usually displayed on the tote board).
For example, “Race 12, $10 to win on horse #5.” If your chosen horse crosses the finish line first, you win!
Exotic bets are popular, including quinella, exacta, trifecta and first-four bets.
The most popular betting pool for the Kentucky Derby is the “exacta,” which requires you to pick the first two horses to finish in the correct order. You can also bet on the “trifecta,” which requires you to pick the first three horses to finish in the correct order, or the “superfecta,” which requires you to pick the first four horses to finish in the correct order.
To participate in a betting pool, you will need to select the number of horses you want to include in your bet, and the order in which you think they will finish. You can also box your bets, which means you are betting on all possible combinations of your chosen horses.
For example, a $2 exacta box with horses #5 and #7 would cost $4 and cover both combinations (#5-#7 and #7-#5).
With Kentucky Derby betting pools hitting astronomical levels, the payouts are higher. The bigger the pool, the bigger the potential payouts, especially for exotic bets.
Finally, you can also bet on the favorites in the race. The favorites are the horses with the lowest odds of winning, based on the public’s betting patterns.
While betting on the favorite can be a safe choice, it often pays out less than betting on an underdog or a long shot. It’s all about identifying the runner with the best Derby credentials and that changes year-to-year.
Kentucky Derby Betting Trends & Tips
There has been only one winner off the inside three barriers, making them 1-103. It’s a dismal record, so bettors should stay away from the runners with post one, two, and three.
Backing the favorites is a good way to make money when betting on the Kentucky Derby. They have an excellent recent record and it’s a race where good horses typically win and kick on with their career.
Avoid horses by Tapit, Curlin and Candy Ride. These stallions struggle to provide Kentucky Derby winners despite being some of the biggest names in the breeding world.
Pay Attention To The Horses
Study the past performance of the horses in the race, as well as their breeding, jockey, and trainer. Look for horses with a strong track record and a winning pedigree.
Consider The Track Conditions
The weather can have a significant impact on the outcome of the race, so be sure to check the forecast and consider how the track conditions may affect the horses' performance.
Be Mindful Of The Post Position
The post position can play a role in the outcome of the race, as horses on the outside may have to run a longer distance than those on the inside. However, it's important to remember that a good horse can overcome a bad post position.
Look at The Odds:
The Kentucky Derby is one of the most heavily bet horse races in the world, which means that the odds can shift dramatically in the days leading up to the race. Keep an eye on the latest odds and adjust your bets accordingly.
Kentucky Derby History
The Kentucky Derby is one of the oldest and most prestigious horse races in the world, with a rich history dating back to its first running in 1875. The race takes place annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, and is known as the “most exciting two minutes in sports”.
Over the years, the Kentucky Derby has produced many memorable moments, from Secretariat’s record-breaking win in 1973 to the upset victory of Mine That Bird in 2009. The race has also been the site of some of the biggest upsets in horse racing history, with long shots like Donerail (1913) and Giacomo (2005) pulling off improbable victories.
The Kentucky Derby odds history is full of surprises, with many long shots and underdogs defying the horse racing odds to win the race. In fact, some of the biggest payouts in Kentucky Derby history have come from unlikely winners, such as Mine That Bird (2009), who won at 50-1 odds, and Country House (2019), who won at 65-1 odds after Maximum Security was disqualified for interference.
Despite the unpredictable nature of the Kentucky Derby, the race continues to draw large crowds and generate excitement among horse racing fans and casual observers alike. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a casual observer, the Kentucky Derby offers a unique and exciting experience that is not to be missed.
| Date | WINNERS |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Rich Strike – Sonny Leon – Erin R. Reed. |
| 2021 | Mandaloun – Florent Geroux – Brad H. Cox |
| 2020 | Authentic – John R. Velazquez –Â Bob Baffert |
| 2019 | Country House (via DQ) – Flavien Prat – William I. Mott |
| 2018 | Justify* – Mike E. Smith – Bob Baffert |
| 2017 | Always Dreaming – John R. Velazquez –Â Todd Pletcher |
| 2016 | Nyquist – Mario Gutierrez – Doug F. O’Neill |
| 2015 | American Pharoah * – Victor Espinoza – Bob Baffert |
| 2014 | California Chrome – Victor Espinoza – Art Sherman |
| 2013 | Orb – Joel Rosario – Claude R. “Shug” McGaughey III |
*Triple Crown Winner
2023 Kentucky Derby Odds Recap
Kentucky Derby odds are based on a variety of factors, including form, history, trainer, and jockey.
Runners from the big stables are often well-favored in betting markets, such as the Baffert or Asmussen stable; however, it largely depends on the form of the runner and how much has been bet in early Kentucky Derby betting markets.
The Kentucky Derby is one of the biggest horse racing events of the year, and the 2023 edition is quickly approaching. According to many lines, Forte is indeed the favorite with 5-1 odds, followed closely by Tapit Trice and Practical Move.Â
Of course, as the race gets closer and more information becomes available, the odds can and will shift. There are still a few weeks before the race, and trainers may make changes to their horses’ schedules or even withdraw them from the race altogether.Â
It’s worth noting that past performance is not always a guarantee of future success, and upsets can and do happen in horse racing. While Forte has been dominant in his recent races, Two Phil’s and other longshots could surprise everyone on race day. That’s part of what makes the Kentucky Derby such an exciting event to watch and bet on. There are still several weeks before the race, and anything can happen in horse racing. Bettors should keep an eye on the latest news and expert opinions as the race approaches to make informed decisions about where to place their bets.
The bookmakers have their opening horse racing odds but the public money moves the lines. There is always a well-backed runner and the unbeaten runners also attract attention.
Horse racing betting odds are usually on the generous side due to the size of the field. It’s unusual to see big betting fields at Churchill Downs, so bettors get value odds for most Kentucky Derby runners.
The post position for the 2023 Kentucky Derby, which refers to the specific stall in the starting gate from where a horse commences the race, has not been revealed yet. Please stay tuned as we will keep you informed with any updates and relevant information.
In addition to the significance of the post position, there are several other factors that can greatly impact a horse’s performance in the Kentucky Derby. These include the horse’s pedigree, form, jockey, trainer, and the track conditions on race day.
| Post Position | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hit Show | Manny Franco | Â Brad Cox | (30-1) |
| 2 | Verifying | Tyler Gaffalione | Brad Cox | (15-1) |
| 3 | Two Phil’s | Jareth Loveberry | Larry Rivelli | (12-1) |
| 4 | Confidence Game | James Graham | Keith Desormeaux | (20-1) |
| 5 | Tapit Trice | Luis Saez | Todd Pletcher | (5-1) |
| 6 | Kingsbarns | Jose Ortiz | Todd Pletcher | (12-1) |
| 7 | Reincarnate | John Velazquez | Tim Yakteen | (50-1) |
| 8 | Mage | Javier Castellano | Gustavo Delgado | (15-1) |
| 9 | Skinner | Juan Hernandez | John Shirreffs | (20-1) |
| 10 | Practical Move | Ramon Vazquez | Tim Yakteen | (10-1) |
| 11 | Disarm | Joel Rosario | Steve Asmussen | (30-1) |
| 12 | Jace’s Road | Florent Geroux | Brad Cox | (50-1) |
| 13 | Sun Thunder | Brian Hernandez | Ken McPeek | (50-1) |
| 14 | Angel of Empire | Flavien Prat | Brad Cox | (8-1) |
| 15 | Forte | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Todd Pletcher | (3-1) |
| 16 | Raise Cain | Gerardo Corrales | Ben Colebrook | (50-1) |
| 17 | Derma Sotogake | Christopher Lemaire | Hidetaka Otonashi | (10-1) |
| 18 | Rocket Can | Junior Alvarado | Bill Mott | (30-1) |
| 19 | Lord Miles | Paco Lopez | Saffie Joseph Jr. | (30-1) |
| 20 | Continuar | Ryusei Sakai | Yoshito Yahagi | (50-1) |
