2024 Kentucky Derby Best Bets: This Run for the Roses Has a Different Feel
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Doug Upstone
- May 6, 2024
An elite field of three-year-old thoroughbreds gather at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday of May every year to battle for Kentucky Derby glory. This is the most famous event in the entire U.S. racing calendar, and it regularly attracts more than 15 million viewers and has numerous prep races leading up to it. It is known as the first jewel in the prestigious Triple Crown.
The Derby is dubbed “the most exciting two minutes in sport” due to the exhilarating nature of the race. You can ramp up that excitement even further by wagering on these elite horses. This beginner’s betting guide for novice horseplayers breaks down your key Kentucky Derby betting options, so you will be fully prepared to bet on race day.
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$500 Cash Bonus
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100% Free Play
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50% Free Play
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$250 Free Bet
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55% Cash Bonus
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$750 Cash Bonus
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$500 Cash Bonus
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2024 Kentucky Derby Overview
The 150th Kentucky Derby concluded with a thrilling photo finish, marking a historic milestone for this celebrated event. Mystik Dan, a longshot with 18-1 odds, managed to secure victory in a nail-biting finish, narrowly defeating Sierra Leone and Forever Young. This win gave trainer Kenny McPeek his first Kentucky Derby victory, and notably, the first Derby-Kentucky Oaks double for a trainer since 1952.
Sierra Leone, despite a challenging race where he was 17th at the first turn, surged late in the race but fell just short, finishing second. Forever Young, vying to be the first Japan-bred horse to win the Derby, also made a significant late push from the outside to claim third place. Catching Freedom, another notable contender, ended up fourth after being overtaken in the final stretch by Sierra Leone and Forever Young.
The race was also marked by the performance of Fierceness, the pre-race favorite at 3-1 odds, who failed to meet expectations, finishing 15th. The race dynamics were influenced by several pace-setters, including Just Steel, Epic Ride, and Track Phantom, all of whom finished out of contention.
The Derby had its share of drama and challenge, with many horses facing difficulties right from the gate, affecting their overall performance and positioning in the race. The event lived up to its reputation, providing a dramatic and memorable spectacle at Churchill Downs.
2024 Kentucky Derby Info
- Race: 12
- Post Time: 6:45 PM ET
- Race Status: Grade 1
- Distance: 1 1/4 miles
- Conditions: Dirt
- Purse: $5,000,000
- Track: Left-handed
Popular Kentucky Derby Betting Markets
Horse racing betting can seem daunting at first glance, but getting started is easier when you understand the common types of bets available. Let’s break them down.
Basic Bets
- Win Bet: This is a straightforward bet where you wager on a horse to finish in first place. It offers the highest potential reward but carries a higher risk because the horse must win for you to collect.
- Place Bet: With a place bet, you’re betting on a horse to finish either first or second. This bet offers a better chance of winning compared to a win bet but with a lower payout.
- Show Bet: A show bet is the least risky option among the basic bets. You bet on a horse to finish in the top three (first, second, or third). While the potential reward is lower, your chances of winning are higher.
Exotic Bets
If you’re looking for more excitement and higher payouts, exotic bets are for you. These involve predicting multiple horses’ outcomes in specific sequences.
- Exacta: Predict the first two horses to finish in exact order. For example, betting on Horse A to finish first and Horse B to finish second.
- Trifecta: Guess the top three horses in the exact order of finish. This could mean betting on Horse A to finish first, Horse B second, and Horse C third.
- Superfecta: This is the most challenging bet, where you predict the top four horses in the exact order of finish (first, second, third, and fourth).
Remember, while exotic bets offer higher payouts, they are harder to win because of the precise nature of predicting multiple outcomes in sequence. It’s essential to understand the risks and rewards associated with each type of bet before placing your wager.
2024 Kentucky Derby Field Info
2024 Kentucky Derby
Field Info
| POST POSITION | HORSE | TRAINER | JOCKEY | ML ODDS | POINTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dornoch | Danny Gargan | Luis Saez | 20-1 | 155 |
| 2 | Sierra Leone | Chad Brown | Tyler Gaffalione | 3-1 | 136 |
| 3 | Mystik Dan | Kenny McPeek | Brian Hernandez | 20-1 | 125 |
| 4 | Catching Freedom | Brad Cox | Flavien Prat | 8-1 | 125 |
| 5 | Catalytic | Saffie Joseph, Jr. | Jose Ortiz | 30-1 | 110 |
| 6 | Just Steel | D. Wayne Lukas | Keith Asmussen | 20-1 | 100 |
| 7 | Honor Marie | Whit Beckman | Ben Curtis | 20-1 | 100 |
| 8 | Just A Touch | Brad Cox | Florent Geroux | 10-1 | 75 |
| 9 | Encino (Scratched) | Brad Cox | Axel Concepcion | 20-1 | 75 |
| 10 | T O Password | Daisuke Takayanagi | Kazushi Kimura | 30-1 | 70 |
| 11 | Forever Young | Yoshito Yahagi | Ryusei Sakai | 10-1 | 67 |
| 12 | Track Phantom | Steve Asmussen | Joel Rosario | 20-1 | 65 |
| 13 | West Saratoga | Larry Demeritte | Jesus Castanon | 50-1 | 65 |
| 14 | Endlessly | Michael McCarthy | Umberto Rispoli | 30-1 | 60 |
| 15 | Domestic Product | Chad Brown | Irad Ortiz, Jr. | 30-1 | 50 |
| 16 | Grand Mo The First | Victor Barboza, Jr. | Emisael Jaramillo | 50-1 | 50 |
| 17 | Fierceness | Todd Pletcher | John Velazquez | 5-2 | 46 |
| 18 | Stronghold | Phil D’Amato | Antonio Fresu | 20-1 | 40 |
| 19 | Resilience | Bill Mott | Junior Alvarado | 20-1 | 40 |
| 20 | Society Man | Danny Gargan | Frankie Dettori | 50-1 | Bid |
| 21 | Epic Ride | John Ennis | Adam Beschizza | 50-1 | 35 |
| 22 | Mugatu* | Jeff Engler | Joe Talamo | 50-1 (AE) | Bubble |
2024 Kentucky Derby Futures Odds
2024 Kentucky Derby
Futures Odds
| HORSE | BETONLINE | BOOKMAKER | BOVADA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra Leone | +300 | +350 | +350 |
| Fierceness | +300 | +285 | +250 |
| Catching Freedom | +1000 | +1050 | +900 |
| Stronghold | +2000 | +2250 | +2200 |
| Resilience | +2500 | +2063 | +2500 |
| Forever Young | +850 | +1150 | +850 |
| Endlessly | +2500 | +2675 | +3000 |
| Dornoch | +2200 | +2050 | +2000 |
| Just a Touch | +1200 | +1450 | +1100 |
| Track Phantom | +2500 | +2450 | +3000 |
| West Saratoga | +6600 | +7913 | +4000 |
| Just Steel | +2500 | +3050 | +2200 |
| Honor Marie | +2000 | +1850 | +1800 |
| Domestic Product | +2800 | +2473 | +2500 |
| Catalytic | +5000 | +4650 | +4000 |
| Society Man | +5000 | N/A | +400 |
| Mystik Dan | +2500 | +2250 | +2000 |
| Encino (Scratched) | +2000 | N/A | +4000 |
| Grand Mo the First | +6600 | +63001 | +5000 |
| T O Password | +5000 | +4550 | +3500 |
| Epic Ride | +4000 | +5050 | +4000 |
The Best Kentucky Derby Betting Sites Reviewed
Our experts have identified the top five offshore sports betting sites that offer odds on the Kentucky Derby:
- BetOnline – Best overall site for betting on horse races at the Kentucky Derby
- Bovada – Large sign-up bonus for Kentucky Derby bettors
- BookMaker – Best site for high rollers to wager on the Kentucky Derby.
- Heritage Sports – User-friendly mobile Kentucky Derby betting site for beginners
- BetAnySports – Pays 10% extra on Kentucky Derby winnings
1. Best Kentucky Derby Betting Site Overall: BetOnline
Key Features
- High betting limits on the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks
- Offers a racebook rebate of up to 9%
BetOnline is a great online sportsbook for Kentucky Derby betting. It has been around for over 25 years and offers a lot of different races to bet on, including races from North America, Europe, Australia and Canada. You can choose from simple bets on race day to get money down quickly or explore more complex wagering opportunities. Whatever you decide, you can place them from your phone or computer with ease.
This platform is known for quick payments, high betting limits and big bonuses, making it attractive for both beginners and experienced bettors. BetOnline also offers unusual betting options like placing bets in space or on world records. For those interested in Kentucky Derby betting and looking for a reliable and straightforward platform, BetOnline is a strong option. It keeps things fair and interesting, and it’s known for being a leader in the betting industry.
2. Large Sign-up Bonus for Kentucky Derby Bettors: Bovada
Key Features
- Large welcome bonus for racebook players
- Releases very early lines on the Kentucky Derby
Bovada stands out for Kentucky Derby betting, particularly for its generous bonus offerings. New users are welcomed with 50% deposit match ($250 max bonus); this gives racing fans a bit more betting power to start with. Additionally, there’s a $750 bonus for those using cryptocurrencies, adding even more value for bettors looking to place their Kentucky Oaks picks.
The platform offers a wide range of betting options, from simple Win, Place, and Show bets to more complex wagers like Exactas and Trifectas, catering to both new and experienced bettors. Bovada’s mobile app ensures betting is straightforward and accessible from anywhere. Known for its reliability, Bovada provides a secure environment with competitive odds for Kentucky Derby betting, making it one of the best sports betting sites for horseplayers.
3. Best Kentucky Derby Betting Site for High Rollers: BookMaker
Key Features
- Quick to release Kentucky Derby futures betting odds
- Welcomes all action for professionals and recreational players
BookMaker is ideal for high rollers interested in Kentucky Derby betting. It offers high betting limits and never restricts winners, making it perfect for those looking to place large bets. The platform is easy to use and has special features, including real-time odds that are great for sharp bettors and, of course, top sportsbook promotions.
As the race draws closer, you can choose from the full range of betting markets, including the win, place, show, exacta and trifecta bets, which are paid out in line with the track odds at Churchill Downs’ betting window. BookMaker offers competitive odds on all the biggest horse races, and it makes betting on the race quick and simple, so we highly recommend it for all horseplayers.
4. User-friendly Mobile Kentucky Derby Betting Site: Heritage Sports
Key Features
- User-friendly racebook for Kentucky Derby bets
- Perfect for novice horseplayers
Heritage Sports is a great choice for Kentucky Derby betting, especially because of its excellent mobile site. This platform makes it easy for bettors to access a wide range of options and detailed information right from their phones. Bettors can compare odds and make informed decisions wherever they are, making the whole experience very convenient.
The mobile site also supports responsible gambling and ensures a secure environment for transactions. Heritage Sports fosters community interaction too, with forums where users can connect, share tips and discuss previous races. These features make Heritage Sports stand out as a user-friendly and secure option for Kentucky Derby enthusiasts.
5. Best Kentucky Derby Betting Site for Rebates: BetAnySports
Key Features
- 10% profit boosts on Kentucky Derby bets
- Offers a generous rebate package
BetAnySports is a standout sportsbook for Kentucky Derby betting, thanks to its no-frills approach and excellent betting incentives. The platform offers a 10% profit boost on winning Kentucky Derby bets through its Racebook+ program, and an alternative rebate program that gives a 6% rebate on daily racebook wagering volume, win or lose. These features, combined with a payout limit of up to $100,000 for the Kentucky Derby, cater to both casual and serious bettors.
Additionally, BetAnySports is known for its wide selection of betting options and competitive odds. The sportsbook provides reduced juice, which means lower vig on bets, enhancing value for bettors over time. With high betting limits, a variety of sports and markets to choose from and a user-friendly interface that works well on both desktop and mobile devices, BetAnySports offers a comprehensive and rewarding betting experience for Kentucky Derby enthusiasts.
2024 Kentucky Derby Jockeys and Silks
When race day comes, there are few feelings that can compare to the excitement of finally watching your horse leave the gate. The 1 1/4-mile race can pass quickly, so it’s good to know how to easily spot your pick.
Jockeys always wear the horse owner’s silks. Owners register their silks, which always keep the same color and pattern. So, when these horses go on to run in other Triple Crown events like the Preakness Stakes or Belmont Stakes, you can’t miss them.
Below, you’ll find the horses for the 2024 Derby in alphabetical order.
Catalytic
Post Position: 5
Jockey: Jose Ortiz
Trainer: Saffie Joseph Jr.
Owner: Tami Bobo
Silks Description: Gray with a blue lock and key design on the chest and gray sleeves with blue stars along with a gray cap
Placed: 19th.
Catching Freedom
Post Position: 4
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Trainer: Brad Cox
Owner: Albaugh Family Stables LLC
Silks Description: Sky blue with a white star centered on the chest and grey sleeves that feature sky blue racing stripes, along with a blue cap
Placed: 4th.
Domestic Product
Post Position: 15
Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
Trainer: Chad Brown
Owner: Klaravich Stables, Inc.
Silks Description: Red with two vertical white stripes on the front and the initals KS in red on the chest with a red and white cap
Placed: 13th.
Dornoch
Post Position: 1
Jockey: Luis Saez
Trainer: Danny Gargan
Owner: Jayson R. Werth, R. A. Hill Stable, Belmar Racing and Breeding LLC and West Paces Racing
Silks Description: Red with a white horizontal stripe on each sleeve and a read and white cap
Placed: 10th.
Encino
Scratched from race
Post Position: 9
Jockey: Axel Concepcion
Trainer: Brad Cox
Owner: Godolphin, LLC
Silks Description: Light blue with white chevron stripes on the sleeves along with a light blue cap
Endlessly
Post Position: 14
Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
Trainer: Michael McCarthy
Owner: Amerman Racing LLC
Silks Description: Dark blue with vertical white stripes on the torso and white stripes on the sleeves with a dark blue cap
Placed: 9th.
Epic Ride
Post Position: 21
Jockey: Adam Beschizza
Trainer: John Ennis
Owner: Harry L. Veruchi
Silks Description: Red with a W inside a star on the chest, blue bands on the sleeves along with a blue cap
Placed: 14th.
Fierceness
Post Position: 17
Jockey: John Velazquez
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Owner: Repole Stable
Silks Description: Blue with orange stripes on the sleeves and a large orange circle with the letter “R” on the chest with a blue and orange cap
Placed: 15th.
Forever Young
Post Position: 11
Jockey: Ryusei Sakai
Trainer: Yoshito Yahagi
Owner: Susumu Fujita
Silks Description: Dark red with horizontal white stripes on the sleeves and no cap
Placed: 3rd.
Grand Mo the First
Post Position: 16
Jockey: Emisael Jaramillo
Trainer: Victor Barboza, Jr.
Owner: Granpollo Stable
Silks Description: Yellow with a large gray horseshoe on the chest, outlined in red and containing the letter “G” in red, checkered sleeves and a yellow cap
Placed: 18th.
Honor Marie
Post Position: 7
Jockey: Ben Curtis
Trainer: D. Whitworth Beckham
Owner: Ribble Farms LLC, Michael H. Eiserman, Earl I. Silver, Kenneth E. Fishbein and Daniel Fishbein
Silks Description: Blue with a large orange circular badge on the chest, featuring the interlocked initials “RF” and a blue cap
Placed: 8th.
Just a Touch
Post Position: 8
Jockey: Florent Geroux
Trainer: Brad Cox
Owner: Marc Detampel and Qatar Racing Ltd.
Silks Description: Bright pink with a pattern of interconnected yellow circles, creating a chain-like design across the body and a pink cap
Placed: 20th.
Just Steel
Post Position: 6
Jockey: Keith Asmussen
Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas
Owner: BC Stables LLC
Silks Description: White with one vertical maroon stripe and one vertical green stripe on the front and a maroon cap
Placed: 17th.
Mystik Dan – 2024 Winner
Post Position: 3
Jockey: Brian Hernandez Jr.
Trainer: Kenneth McPeek
Owner: Lance Gasaway, Daniel Hamby III, Valley View Farm LLC and 4G Racing LLC
Silks Description: White with a large green diamond on the chest featuring the initials “LG,” green diamond-shaped accents on the sleeves along with a green cap
Placed: 1st.
Resilience
Post Position: 19
Jockey: Junior Alvarado
Trainer: William Mott
Owner: Martin Wygod and Emily Bushnell
Silks Description: Blue with a lime green diamond pattern on the front and sleeves with a lime green cap
Placed: 6th.
Sierra Leone
Post Position: 2
Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
Trainer: Chad Brown
Owner: Mrs. John ‘Susan’ Magnier
Silks Description: Purple with a large green clover on the chest, lime green striped accents and a purple cap
Placed: 2nd.
Society Man
Post Position: 20
Jockey: Frankie Dettori
Trainer: Danny Gargan
Owner: Danny Gargan, GMP Stables LLC, Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, West Paces Racing and West Paces Racing LLC
Silks Description: White with a large green diamond on the chest enclosing a white “R”, green and gold argyle sleeves with a green and gold striped cap
Placed: 16th.
Stronghold
Post Position: 18
Jockey: Antonio Fresu
Trainer: Philip D’Amato
Owner: Eric and Sharon Waller
Silks Description: Purple with a large green diamond on the chest containing the initials “SWJ,” purple and green argyle patterned sleeves and a green cap
Placed: 7th.
T O Password
Post Position: 10
Jockey: Kazushi Kimura
Trainer: Daisuke Takayanagi
Owner: Tomoya Ozasa
Silks Description: Bright yellow and red diamond harlequin pattern on the body with solid blue sleeves with no cap
Placed: 5th.
Track Phantom
Post Position: 12
Jockey: Joel Rosario
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Owner: L and N Racing LLC, Clark O. Brewster, Jerry Caroom and Breeze Easy LLC
Silks Description: Black with a series of red chevron stripes across the chest and a black cap
Placed: 11th.
West Saratoga
Post Position: 13
Jockey: Jesus Castanon
Trainer: Larry W. Demeritte
Owner: Harry L. Veruchi
Silks Description: Yellow with the Colorado state flag on the chest, purple bands on the sleeves along with a yellow cap
Placed: 12th.
Reading Kentucky Derby Betting Odds
Fixed horse race betting odds on the Kentucky Derby are rendered in the American format. It is a very competitive race, so they will always begin with a plus symbol. The numbers after the plus sign tell you the winnings available on a $100 wager. For example, if a conscious bettor were to wager $100 at +400 on a favorite contender prior to post time, he or she would receive a $400 profit if the horse won.
On the day of the race, payouts are calculated via pari-mutuel pools. All the money wagered goes into a pool, and it is divided between bettors with winning tickets. A dividend tells you the return on a $1, $2 or $0.50 bet on each market, from a win bet on a single horse to an exacta.
Popular Kentucky Derby Betting Markets
You can choose from lots of exotic wagers and standard betting options on the big race at Churchill Downs, including:
- Win: A straightforward bet on the horse that will win the race.
- Place: A wager on a horse finishing either first or second.
- Show: A type of bet where bettors make a prediction on a horse to finish first, second or third, perfect for a novice bettor.
- Across the Board: A bet on the win, another on the place and another on the show.
- Exacta: A bet on which horse will win and which horse will finish second in that exact order. You can also place an exacta box, which groups several horses together and allows you to create various exactas within that group.
- Quinella: Pick two horses and they must finish first and second in any order.
- Trifecta: A Kentucky Derby trifecta involves picking the winner, the runner-up and the third-place horse in the Churchill Downs showpiece.
- Superfecta: Name the finishing position of the first, second, third and fourth horses, in that exact order.
- Pick 3: Picks the winner of three consecutive races on Kentucky Derby Day.
History of the Kentucky Derby
For a ceremonious 150 years, the Kentucky Derby has been the pinnacle of horse racing. Along with the Belmont Stakes and Preakness Stakes, this iconic race makes up what is known as the Triple Crown.
The history of the Derby dates back to 1875, when Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. founded the race as a way to bring together the high society of Louisville, Kentucky. In the early years, the Kentucky Derby was a relatively small event, with just 15 horses competing in the first race. But as the years went on, the race grew in popularity, attracting larger crowds and bigger purses. By the early 1900s, the Kentucky Derby had become one of the premier sporting events in America, drawing in thousands of spectators from around the world.
Over the years, the race has become a symbol of Southern tradition, with its iconic hats, mint juleps and the playing of “My Old Kentucky Home” before the start of each race.
From the very first Derby in 1875, spectators have placed bets on their favorite horses. In the early years of the Derby, betting was largely done informally, with spectators placing bets amongst themselves. By 1908, it had become clear that a more organized system was needed. It was then that Churchill Downs Incorporated introduced the pari-mutuel betting system.
Since then, betting on the Kentucky Derby has only grown in popularity, with millions of dollars wagered each year. From the classic win, place and show bets, to the exacta and trifecta, there’s no shortage of types of bets for horseplayers to choose from.
Now, it’s easy to compare odds for the biggest race across dozens of online racebooks in one place; horse racing betting sites now feature extensive tools for handicapping races and exciting bonuses to keep players coming back.
The Kentucky Derby will remain at the forefront of horse racing for decades to come and it will be exciting to see how the world of online horse race betting will evolve as more horses run their way into the hall of fame.
Kentucky Derby Betting FAQs
Where is the Kentucky Derby?
What time do they draw post positions for the Kentucky Derby?
The post-position draw for the 150th Kentucky Derby took place on Saturday, April 27, 2024. It was held at the Artisides Lounge at Churchill Downs and was televised. Replays of the event can be found online.
Who is favored to win the 2024 Kentucky Derby
Fierceness was the favorite to win the 2024 Kentucky Derby following the post-position draw. All other horses in the field had odds of 10-1 or higher. As a surprise to everyone, Mystik Dan took first place.
Who was favored to win the 2023 Kentucky Derby?
Forte was the favorite for the 2023 Kentucky Derby thanks to his impressive record. However, due to a bruise on his right foot, he did not run. Mage, who started the race at 15-1 odds, was the winner of the prestigious event.
Is the Kentucky Derby all male horses?
Male and female horses run in the Kentucky Derby. However, it has been nearly 35 years since the last female, Winning Colors, won the race in 1988.
