Welcome to our Kentucky Derby props betting guide. The Kentucky Derby is one of the world’s most prestigious horse races. Accordingly, sportsbooks always serve up lots of exciting Kentucky Derby props and other betting opportunities.
In this guide, we highlight all the popular Kentucky Derby props and explain how they work. “The Run for the Roses” is held annually on the first Saturday in May, so make sure that you’re ready to wager on the famous Triple Crown event.
How to Bet on Kentucky Derby Props
As we already mentioned, there is no shortage of Kentucky Derby props to choose from. However, it can be difficult to know which bets to target. That’s why we have compiled a list of the best Kentucky Derby props to wager on.
Jockey Head-to-Head Matchups
Head-to-head bets add an extra level of excitement to the Kentucky Derby. These wagers enable you to predict which jockey among a pair will finish higher in the race, so you’re not focusing solely on the outright winner.
Horse Color & Nationality Props
There are lots of different props that relate to the color and nationality of horses. For example, you could predict the color of the winning horse (black, gray, chestnut, etc.), or you might predict the country in which the winning horse was born.
Fastest Opening Quarter
This bet is great because you don’t need to wait until the end of the race to find out if you’ve won. All you need to do is predict which horse will be quickest during the opening quarter-mile of the race.
Trainer & Owner Props
Every horse has a trainer and an owner. As a result, sportsbooks offer trainer and owner props. You could bet on whether a specific trainer will have a horse that finishes in the top three, or you might back an owner to have the winning horse.
Winning Margin
Betting on the winner of the Kentucky Derby is always fun, but wagering on the winning margin can take the excitement to another level. You can back the winner to win by a neck, head, length or another distance.
Track Condition & Weather Props
Will the track condition be sloppy, fast or muddy? Will rain fall during the race? Will the temperature exceed a certain threshold? These are just some examples of Kentucky Derby props concerning the track and weather.
Kentucky Derby Records
The Kentucky Derby boasts a rich history, and records are broken all the time. You could bet on whether the winning horse will break the track time record or whether the winner will achieve the greatest margin of victory.