One of the biggest horse racing events on the planet is creeping into sight, as the Kentucky Derby 2023 will be staged on the first Saturday in May.
Like most years, the race will attract bettors that don’t typically wager money on the horse racing action throughout the year, meaning that there are a number of key factors that all newcomers should learn before making their selection. So, besides looking for the best horse racing betting sites, you should also learn the basics.
That includes understanding the key markets available, and the factors that should be taken into account before making your selection.
Win Betting
The most popular way to make a bet on the Kentucky Derby this year is through the win market. As the name suggests, you will be making a wager on the horse that you believe will win the famous Triple Crown race. For example, if you bet $10 on Forte, then you will only get returns on your selection should the selected horse win the race.
Place Betting
Place betting offers slightly more insurance to the gambler, as they will get returns from their selection should their horse finish first or second. This is typically a market that will be more interesting to those looking to wager on an outside selection.
This is due to the returns being extremely low if you bet a favorite to place in a race, and it finishes second. But, it does at least enable beginners to have an increased chance of returns from their selection.
Exotic Betting
Exotic betting is exceptionally popular among experienced bettors. Two of the most popular types of market available are the Exacta and Trifecta. To land an Exacta, the bettor must correctly predict the runners that finish first and second in the exact finishing order.
Meanwhile, to land the Trifecta, bettors must correctly wager their most on the horse that finishes third, as well as first and second. Alternatively, bettors can use a ‘box’ where they can select a higher number of horses to finish in the selected finishing positions.
Research Horses
Before exploring the betting markets available and making your wager on the Kentucky Derby, bettors must first set aside time to assess all the runners in the race at Churchill Downs. This includes looking at the horses’ recent form, in terms of the races that they have run in, their finishing positions, and the distances that they have competed over. Given the Kentucky Derby is competed on the dirt, it is also important to ensure that your selection has experience over the terrain.
Trainer/Jockey Records
As well as examining the form of the horses involved, bettors must also study the trainers and jockeys. This includes looking at the recent form of connections, as well as their historical record in the Kentucky Derby.
Recent form is especially important to consider, as yards in solid form coming into the race at Churchill Downs will stand the best chance of their runners having a competitive run. Jockeys in good form is also a solid angle, as it means that they will be riding with more confidence than those with poor recent strike rates.
Kentucky Derby Leading Contenders
The 2023 Kentucky Derby is just under a month away, and the final field for the Triple Crown has been set. Forte, for Todd Pletcher, is the leading contender in the betting after landing the G1 Florida Derby, while Tapit Trice, Angel of Empire, and Kingsbarns are also among the leading contenders. However, there will be strong international interest this year, with Japan holding a 10/1 shot in the form of Derma Sotogake. Other interesting outsiders include stakes winners Two Phil’s and Rocket Can.