April 18, 2024
KENTUCKY — By Ed DeRosa
Leading up to the big day on May 4th, you’re going to hear/read a lot about who people think is going to win the Kentucky Derby and why they think that.
What you won’t hear/read a lot about is how to use those opinions to make money on the Kentucky Derby.
Sure, you’ll hear all about the chance for superfectas that pay hundreds of thousands of dollars and all the other exotic wagers that pay big, too. But I’m here to tell ya that there is nothing more satisfying than a win bet on your selection (and having that selection win, of course).
So, here are the top five reasons to bet to win in the Kentucky Derby:
- It’s simple! One criticism of betting on horse racing reaching the masses is that it’s hard to understand. Sure, it can be, and for people like me that’s part of the allure, but also what’s easier than knowing if you bet a horse to win and it wins you win?
- Sports betting style but better odds. With the proliferation of sports betting we’re all accustomed to picking a winner, but when there are only two options the odds aren’t necessarily great. That’s not the case in the Derby where the odds on the 20 horses can range from 3-to-1 to 80-to-1.
- Souvenir ticket. I do most of my wagering online, but if you’re able to get a ticket then I suggest it as a cheap souvenir. Yes, it will cost you $2 (plus if the horse wins it’ll cost you whatever you would have won if you cashed the ticket), but it’s a nice forever reminder of the day you conquered the world’s most prestigious race!
- No bad beats. It’s a tale as old as time. You love a horse and want to use him to make a score. So play exactas, trifectas, what have you. You’re horse wins! And… you miss. You didn’t have the second-place finisher. Oh, man. Bad beat city. That doesn’t happen if you bet your horse to win.
- Ego. The cash is nice, but there is nothing more satisfying than knowing you got the Derby right and so many others got it wrong (this is the essence of the pari-mutuel system, after all: you’re not betting against the track; you’re betting against each other).
Have fun with it, and enjoy the Derby!
Also check out- Beginner’s Guide to the Kentucky Derby: Qualifying + Betting Strategy here
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