The Kentucky Derby may be brief, but it is undeniably one of the most thrilling spectacles in sports. As the top horse racing event of the year, it captures national interest and attracts significant betting activity.

Every year on Derby Day, also known as “the Run for the Roses,” numerous casual fans join in the festivities at Churchill Downs in Lexington, Kentucky.

Residents of Pennsylvania can experience the thrill and celebration of horse racing right in their own state, as betting on horse races is permitted. Whether you prefer to bet online or through your mobile device, you can do so safely and securely. Our team will assist you in understanding the betting process and equip you with the necessary knowledge to make educated bets.

Please review the updated field and positions after five horses have been withdrawn from the 2023 Kentucky Derby.

Best Kentucky Derby Betting Sites

Even if you’re not an expert in horse racing, you can still place bets on the Kentucky Derby with ease. Beginners can quickly get in on the action. While there are betting options available in person in Pennsylvania, the convenience of being able to bet anytime and anywhere is unmatched.

You have the option to legally and securely place your bets online or on your mobile device. The FanDuel Racing app is highly recommended for its user-friendly interface and widespread popularity.

Start betting on races worldwide, including the prestigious Kentucky Derby, with FanDuel Racing. Sign up by clicking on our exclusive links, and enter your name and email to get started.

Once everything is in place, simply click on “Complete Registration” to immediately set up your new account. For Apple users, the iOS app can be downloaded from the main website before logging in on your mobile device to begin betting while on the move.

Users of Android devices can easily access the site on their mobile phones, as it has been fully optimized for mobile browsing. Just sign up using our special links and then log in on your device to enjoy seamless mobile access.

Placing your bets on the Kentucky Derby with FanDuel Racing, a top-tier operator, only takes a few minutes of your time from start to finish. FanDuel Racing offers all the necessary features and options for a seamless betting experience.

Kentucky Derby 2023 Odds and Betting Favorites

Five horses were pulled out of the 2023 Kentucky Derby post-draw. Three of them were removed early, allowing also-eligibles to take their place in post positions 16, 17, and 18. Forte, the morning-line favorite, was the final horse to be scratched on the day of the 149th Kentucky Derby.

Below is the current lineup of Derby Day horses, organized by post position, including their jockey, trainer, and odds as they get ready to enter the starting gate.

Horse Racing Bet Types

Deciding on a horse to place a bet on for the Kentucky Derby and simply walking away might appear to be a smart move, however, you could potentially miss out on some lucrative opportunities by taking that approach.

When placing bets on horse racing, it is crucial to think about different types of wagers. Here are some straightforward options to consider:

• Winning: This is a bet on the racer who will emerge as the champion of the race.
• Wager: A bet placed on a horse to come in second place or better.
• Display: Bet on a horse to finish in the top three.

Some tracks allow bets for as low as $1 on the mentioned wagers, while others have a minimum bet of $2. Payouts are determined by the total pool money. You can also choose to combine these bets on one horse, such as a Win/Place/Show or Win/Place bet.

After the basic bets, there are exotic wagers that require predicting not just the winner but also other top finishers. Here are the different types of exotic wagers you can place.

• An Exacta bet involves predicting the horses that will finish in first and second place in a race.
• A Quinella bet is similar to an exacta bet.
• Trifecta bet: Guess the top three winners.
• Superfecta is a bet on the top four horses to cross the finish line in a race.
• Super Bet High Five: Guessing the top five racers in the competition.

You can choose between placing straight or “box” bets for all the bet types mentioned. A straight bet involves selecting the horses to finish in the precise order displayed on your betting slip. On the other hand, a box bet allows you to combine multiple horses.

You will be protected if the horses you choose finish in the designated positions for the bet. There are different variations of these bets, such as a “wheel” bet where you choose one or more horses in one leg and continue that selection throughout the ticket.

Although the spotlight on Derby Day is usually on the main race, there are plenty of other races to enjoy. Apart from the usual bet options, there are also various alternative wagering opportunities available for you to try out.

• Pick 3 winners: Choose the champion in three races in a row.
• Select four: Forecast the winner of four consecutive races.
• Pick 5 champions: Determine the winner of five back-to-back races.
• Choose 6 winners: Predict the champion in six races in a row.

If you only pick one runner per race, you can bet small amounts such as $0.50 or $2. But if you opt to choose multiple runners in each race, the price of your ticket will go up based on the number of selections you make.

While difficult to achieve victory, placing these bets can enhance the thrill of the racing event and boost your engagement. Opting for underdogs may lead to substantial payouts as well.

The Road to the Kentucky Derby

In order to be eligible for the Kentucky Derby, a horse must prove themselves as one of the top performers in their age group, either as a 2- or 3-year-old, during the season. How does a horse earn this esteemed recognition?

To be eligible for the prestigious “Run for the Roses,” horses must go through a qualifying phase and earn points throughout. This process is akin to a sports team competing in a regular season, aiming to secure a spot in the playoffs for the top performers.

There are two key phases to consider: the Prep Season, starting in September the year prior to the race, and the Championship Series, lasting until February of the next year.

During Kentucky Derby Prep Season races, several horses compete for the opportunity to accumulate points on a descending scale, usually ranging from 10 to 1, with the top four placers being awarded these points.

Once the Kentucky Derby Championship Series kicks off, the stakes are raised considerably. While the top four finishers in each race still earn points, the amount given out is now 50-20-10-5.

The Super Six series of races, which marks the end of the qualification process, elevates the competition to new levels by awarding the winner with 100 points.

Below are some of the most highly anticipated spring horse races of the year, along with the tracks where they will be held:

• Arkansas Derby, Oaklawn Park
• Blue Grass Stakes, Keeneland
• Florida Derby, Gulfstream Park
• Louisiana Derby, Fair Grounds
• The Santa Anita Derby held at Santa Anita Park.
• Wood Memorial Stakes, Aqueduct

Keep in mind that horses who excel in these races are strong candidates for the Derby, so be sure to take that into account during your analysis. Additionally, we will cover other factors to consider as you delve deeper into the race.

History of the Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby made its debut in 1875, with Aristides crossing the finish line as the victor. The race spanned a distance of 1 1/2 miles, and Aristides completed it in 2 hours, 37 minutes, and 35 seconds.

The Kentucky Derby has maintained its length of 1 1/4 miles since 1896. Rich Strike won the 2022 race, crossing the finish line in 2:02:61.

The Derby has a captivating history that has spanned over a century, filled with intriguing highlights.

• Thirteen horses have won the Triple Crown, which consists of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes. Justify is the most recent horse to achieve this honor, doing so in 2018.
• In 1973, Secretariat broke the record for the fastest 1 1/4 mile run, finishing in 1:59:4.
• In 2001, Monarchos won the race with a time of 1:59:97, the second-fastest in history.
• The record for the largest margin of victory, an eight-length win, has been accomplished four times, with the most recent instance occurring in 1946 by Assault.
• Donerail pulled off a surprising win in the 1913 Derby, beating the odds at 91-1 and becoming the largest underdog to ever win the race.
• Calumet Farm has the record for the most wins by an owner, with a total of eight victories, the most recent of which was in 1968.
• Eddie Arcaro and Bill Hartack both hold the record for the most wins by a jockey, with five victories each. Arcaro claimed his last win in 1952, while Hartack’s final victory came in 1969.
• Ben A. Jones and Bob Baffert are currently tied for the title of Trainer with Most Wins, with each having achieved six victories. Jones’ latest win occurred in 1952, while Baffert’s was in 2020.

Horse Racing in Pennsylvania

For those looking for the thrill of live horse racing, Pennsylvania boasts six racetracks that are a must-visit. Here is the information:

• You can find The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono at 1280 Pennsylvania 315 in Wilkes-Barre.
• Come to Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino & Racetrack, situated at 777 Harrah’s Blvd in Chester.
• The Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course is located at 777 Hollywood Blvd. in Grantville.
• The Meadows Racetrack & Casino is located at 210 Racetrack Rd in Washington.
• Parx Racing, located at 3001 Street Rd. in Bensalem, is the racetrack associated with Parx Casino.
• Presque Isle Downs & Casino located at 8199 Perry Highway in Erie.

How to Handicap the Kentucky Derby

As mentioned before, there will be no lack of opinions regarding the possible results of the Kentucky Derby. You can easily discover multiple online picks and watch preview shows that extensively examine the race from beginning to end.

Consulting reputable sources for advice is crucial, but conducting independent research and analysis is equally beneficial when making decisions.

Considering different factors is crucial when placing bets on a sports event as they can provide valuable insight to inform your decision.

When handicapping the Kentucky Derby, it is important to focus on several key factors.

• Earnings Classification: All horses in the competition are elite, but their total earnings can help categorize them. This is a crucial factor to consider, as horses with higher earnings have likely performed better. Keep in mind that some horses may have higher earnings simply because they have participated in more events.
• Analyzing a horse’s performance on the Road to the Kentucky Derby is essential for assessing the field’s strength. By studying the points standings and results of important races, we can predict how each horse may fare in the Derby. It’s important to consider where the horses placed and the quality of competition they faced to gauge their potential for success in the race.
• In horse racing, power and speed ratings play a crucial role in determining the strength of the horses in a race. By analyzing and categorizing these ratings into tiers, you can get a clearer picture of the field’s performance. While it may be overwhelming to focus on the numbers, honing in on these comprehensive ratings can streamline the evaluation process.

By following the three steps provided, you will be more prepared for Derby Day than those who depend solely on luck. If possible, take the opportunity to explore advanced handicapping strategies for even greater success.