Dating back to 1875, the Kentucky Derby is one of the most historic horse races in the world. Held annually at Churchill Downs in the United States, the race comes with a hefty prize pool of $3 million. Also known as “The Run for the Roses”, the Kentucky Derby attracts the interest of betting customers globally. Kentucky Derby betting tips are common as a result. However, not all are worth taking advantage of. On this page, we will explain how Kentucky Derby tips work, as well as how to best use them to your advantage.
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Kentucky Derby Tips 2024
While not being based in the UK, the Kentucky Derby remains a big date in the calendar for racing fans on this side of the Atlantic. As part of the famous US Triple Crown, the Kentucky Derby is a Grade 1 thoroughbred race that has been running for almost 150 years. With millions being spent on bets, Kentucky Derby tips are increasingly important.
Available on a host of platforms, Kentucky Derby betting tips will provide punters with a clearer understanding of which horses to back. The best Kentucky Derby 2024 tips are created using relevant and up to date information. This includes recent form, head to head records, trainers, owners and jockeys. However, even the most detailed tips do not guarantee punters success. Despite this, they can undoubtedly give bettors a head start over the bookies.
Our Kentucky Derby betting tips are available to view without any charge. Having been written by horse racing experts, our tips are as accurate as they possibly can be. On this page, we will also outline mistakes to avoid when using betting tips for Kentucky Derby. So, let’s get right into things, discussing our main Kentucky Derby tips for 2024.
Kentucky Derby Betting Tips
The Kentucky Derby is run over 10 furlongs (1¼ miles). Held at Churchill Downs, the race takes place on a dirt track. Runners and riders head down the home stretch, before completing a full lap of the circuit. Some 13 horses have gone on to win both the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes in the same year as success in the Kentucky Derby, securing the Triple Crown in the process. It is also worth noting that the horses finishing first in 2019 and 2021 were ultimately disqualified post race.
In terms of what to look out for from Kentucky Derby betting tips, those that offer information surrounding trials races are well worth considering. For example, 24 horses that won the Florida Derby have gone on to claim glory at the Kentucky Derby. Always Dreaming was the most recent, back in 2017. Meanwhile, the Blue Grass Stakes and Champagne Stakes have also produced a number of winners over the years, 46 between them to be specific. Tapit Trice won the Blue Grass Stakes on April 8, making it a good candidate for the Kentucky Derby.
However, one of the standout statistics surrounding the Kentucky Derby is that six of the last ten pre-race favourites have gone on to win. As a result, it is likely to be worth placing at least something on the bookie’s favourite. Elsewhere, be sure to look at tips that feature breeding, form, workout times and preferred conditions.
How To Take Advantage Of Ante-Post Betting for the Kentucky Derby
Wagering in advance, or ante post betting, is the preferred method of betting on the Kentucky Derby for many. On some betting sites, ante post odds for the 2023 Kentucky Derby were made available almost as soon as Rich Strike was declared the winner in 2022. Ante post betting simply means wagering before the race line-up has been confirmed. In some cases, this is when the best odds can be found.
However, ante post Kentucky Derby betting can ultimately lead to disappointment. It could be that your pick does not even line up on race day, be it because of injury or unforeseen circumstances. This is why it is important to place such bets with bookies offering non-runner no bet. This means that in the event of your selection not featuring in the race, your stake will be refunded.
So, just how can punters best take advantage of ante post betting surrounding the 2024 Kentucky Derby? The points below are certainly worth following:
- When placing an ante post bet, always consider the each way odds offered by the bookie in question. Prices can differ, with ¼ and ⅕ being the most common in the UK. Sign up with multiple bookies in order to ensure that you take advantage of the best prices.
- Many bookies in the UK offer best odds guaranteed promotions, some of which will be eligible for Kentucky Derby bets. However, those placing ante post bets on the race will be unable to qualify for BOG. With an ante post bet, there is no movement on price.
- The sooner the better is generally true when it comes to ante post betting. As such, get your bets in as quickly as possible. Keeping a close eye on Kentucky Derby markets will enable you to strike while the iron is hot!
How to Make the Most of Tote Betting for the Kentucky Derby
Another popular method of betting for horse racing fans is Tote. Here, rather than fixed odds, winnings are paid out from a cumulative pool. Each bet placed helps to make up the pool, with an increasing number of bookies offering Tote betting. Does this sound like something you would like to try ahead of the Kentucky Derby? Let’s explain a little more about how to benefit from Tote betting.
While Tote betting is offered by some of the leading bookies in the UK, punters must first check that the Kentucky Derby features. If so, options including Totewin, Toteplace, Totetrifecta and Toteexacta are likely to be available. Paddy Power, William Hill and Betfair are among the British bookmakers with excellent Tote betting options. Registering with them is the best starting point.
However, there are some important factors to consider. Remember that as winnings are paid out from a cumulative pool, betting on the overwhelming favourite is unlikely to reward you with any significant returns. Instead, each way bets on outsiders is the way to go. Tote betting is also where betting on less high profile races during the day at Churchill Downs makes sense. Better value will likely be found with such markets.
How to Spot the Best Outsiders for the Kentucky Derby
All of us dream of successfully backing the rank outsider that shocks the world to win the Kentucky Derby. For example, Giacomo won the 2005 Kentucky Derby, despite having been handed a price of 50/1! Other surprise winners include Donerail (90/1) back in 1913, Rich Strike (81/1) in 2022, Animal Kingdom (21/1) in 2011 and Charismatic (33/1) in 1999. Successfully backing such runners will have been hugely difficult, even with all of the relevant pre-race information at your fingertips.
One of the first factors to consider is who trains a potential pick for your Kentucky Derby betting. Bob Baffert has won the Kentucky Derby on six occasions to date, with his first success having come in 1997. As such, any horse trained by the American is likely to be worth looking into. Meanwhile, something that can be considered closer to race day is the track conditions. The dirt track at Churchill Downs can become very wet after rain, which will suit some runners better than others.
Finally, trials races that take place ahead of the Kentucky Derby are often a good indicator as to who will perform well on the biggest stage. Having won the Florida Derby of late, Forte was made the Kentucky Derby favourite. Meanwhile, Angel Of Empire looked imperious when storming to Arkansas Derby success.
Elsewhere, Practical Move landed the Santa Anita Derby out in California, advertising his own claims of Kentucky Derby glory but has been scratched from the field. Tapit Trice, the winner of the Blue Grass Stakes, has plenty going for him representing the same trainer as the favourite in Todd Pletcher.
Mistake to Avoid
Some punters are guilty of making some common mistakes when betting on the Kentucky Derby. In order to ensure that you do not fall into this trap, be sure that you are not doing any of the following:
Don’t Bet With Your Heart
While it may not be so much the case for horse racing fans in the UK, punters will perhaps have a particular horse or jockey that they hope will win the Kentucky Derby. However, put such feelings to one side when placing bets. In short, bet with your head, not your heart. If you have bet on your favourite runner and it loses, you will be doubly disappointed.
Don’t Overload on Tips
Kentucky Derby betting tips are all well and good. However, there is a point when reading too many tips can become overwhelming. So, stick to a small number of tips that come from horse racing experts. Look at the track record of tipsters and select those who have backed multiple winners in the past.
Don’t Bet On All Races
Kentucky Derby day is actually made up of seven races on the second day of a two-day festival, with the Kentucky Derby the main event. While it can be tempting, avoid placing bets on all races, selecting a small number instead. For many punters, the two Grade 1 races, the Kentucky Derby and Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic will be the ones targeted.
Don’t Bet on Too Many Runners
The Kentucky Derby is made up of 20 runners and riders. In an attempt to give themselves the best possible chance of returns, some punters will back a host of entrants, with both win and each way bets. However, the reality is that those doing so will barely break even, given the amount that they have had to invest to cover such bets.
Ultimate 5 Hot Tips for Kentucky Derby Betting
As you will have realised by now, there are no guarantees that betting on the Kentucky Derby will lead to profits. However, our expert tips certainly give punters an edge over the bookies. So, before confirming bets, ensure that you have followed each of the tips below:
Tip 1: Set a Budget
Regardless of your goals when betting on the Kentucky Derby, it is hugely important to set and stick to a budget. This should be a small proportion of your disposable income. Remember that wagering on the race is about entertainment first and foremost. No matter how appealing the odds seem, only bet what you can afford to lose.
Tip 2: Track the Odds
Kentucky Derby odds will change right up until race day. Ante post odds are introduced months in advance of the race. Punters placing bets at the right time could well reap the rewards. Our top ranked bookies all offer attractive prices.
Tip 3: Do Your Homework
While tipsters should have done the hard work for you, it is always worthwhile carrying out your own research. Take a closer look at the runners and riders, including their performances at trials races. As well as this, be sure to check out the different trainers and owners involved, with some having a strong association with the Kentucky Derby.
Tip 4: Each Way Bets
Each way bets provide punters with a level of insurance. Particularly appealing on outsiders, winnings will be made in the event of your pick finishing in one of the top positions. The exact number will depend on the bookie selected. While each way bets require double the stake, they are well worth it.
Tip 5: Betting Sites
Once you have decided who to bet on, do so with a reliable and licensed online bookmaker. Also take into consideration the odds, promotions, features, customer service and payment methods on offer. Of course, there is nothing stopping you registering with more than one bookie ahead of the Kentucky Derby.
Bottom Line on Kentucky Derby Betting Tips
With the Kentucky Derby being one of the biggest horse races in the world, punters are always looking to gain an advantage over the bookies. One way of doing so is to take advantage of Kentucky Derby betting tips. While no tip can guarantee success, they can certainly benefit bettors. Our guide has explained exactly how to utilise tips for Kentucky Derby. So, be sure to check out our recommended betting sites. Having read available Kentucky Derby tips, such sites are perfect for backing your favorite runners and riders on.
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James Fuller
James Fuller
