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The coronavirus pandemic forced Churchill Downs to reschedule this year’s Kentucky Derby. Traditionally run the first Saturday in May, the 2020 race will take place on Saturday, Sept. 5. Along with being the most famous horse race of the year, this is also one of the biggest betting events as the most exciting two minutes in sports.
There are any number of ways to bet on the Kentucky Derby but only online sportsbooks offer a full complement of options. You can bet the race through their racebook just like you would at an off-track venue or stand-alone horse racing website.
The added plus is the various betting options through the online book itself. You can break this action down into three main categories:
- Kentucky Derby Futures Odds to Win
- Kentucky Derby Head-to-Head Matchups
- Kentucky Derby Props
Most online books have futures odds posted to win this year’s race. The official field will not be set until the Wednesday before the race. This is when the post positions and morning line odds are set for an expected field of up to 20 three-year old Thoroughbreds.
The main difference between betting horse race futures and actual track odds is locked-in value. Futures odds is a fixed bet based on the odds on the board. Track odds constantly fluctuate based on the betting money coming in. Payouts are calculated using the closing odds right before the start of the race.
Tiz the Law is a -110 favorite to win this year’s race on most online sportsbook futures boards. His odds to win on race day could easily go lower.
The most exciting way to bet a race as big as the Kentucky Derby is head-to-head matchups. The horse you bet on does not have to win or event finish in the Top 3. They simply have to finish in a better final position than the horse they are pitted against.
How to make money betting on Horse Racing.
When a race has as many as 20 entries, this sets up a multitude of betting opportunities for one-on-one pairings. These odds are normally released closer to the actual race due to the impact of post positions.
Online sportsbooks are known for filling their board with a long list of these types of bets so you can always find a few value plays offering a good return on investment.
The final way to bet this year’s Kentucky Derby at your favorite online racebook is props. The bigger the race the longer the list of added betting options. Since this is the single-biggest betting race of the year, the online books go all out with their Kentucky Derby prop bet list
You can bet the OVER/UNDER on the winning time, actual margin of victory and a multitude of other aspects tied to this race. Props are an excellent way to add even more excitement to the action on the track.
The Kentucky Derby itself lasts about two minutes so you will want to make the most of this 1 ¼-mile race anyway you can.
Leading up to this race is an exciting weekend of action at Churchill Downs. This year’s Kentucky Oaks for the top three-year old fillies will be run on Friday. Be sure to check the horse betting section at your favorite online book for all the ways to make the most of this great sporting event.
