With the 144th Kentucky Derby just hours away, bettors are already trying to figure out when to fix their wagers on the Triple Crown horse race. For those who are new to betting on horse races or simply want to revisit one of the greatest sporting events in history, this blog post is for you. Here we’ll teach you everything you need to know about the Kentucky Derby, including when to place your bets and what events to focus on.
When Is the Third Leg?
The first two legs of the Kentucky Derby are always the most exciting. The first is the Kentucky Derby Preview presented by Woodford Reserve. This is a grueling ten-furlong race that gets the excitement level up and the crowds in the stands roaring. The second is the 138th Preakness Stakes, which is run on the same racecourse just two weeks later. This relatively short race is frequently overshadowed by the excitement surrounding the more prestigious Derby, but it’s just as exciting.
The Kentucky Derby itself is the third and final leg of the trilogy. It’s named after an American city and often regarded as the king of all American classics. It’s one of the most prestigious horse races of the year, which makes it an attractive target for betting enthusiasts. Unfortunately, unlike the other two legs, the third and final leg is typically the least exciting. Why? The course is mostly determined by weather conditions and it hasn’t been run since 2015.
The track opens on a muddy surface and it gets progressively harder as the race progresses. It’s a challenging course that has seen some of the best thoroughbreds in history fall by the wayside. Weather conditions in Kentucky can be unpredictable, which makes it difficult to know exactly when and where the race will be run. It’s usually a safe bet to assume that it won’t be run if there’s a risk of ice storms or heavy rain, which could ruin the track. It’s also worth pointing out that the longer the grass on the track, the more likely it is to be trampled by the horses’ hooves, which could become dangerous for the galloping equines.
Why Are The Other Two Legs More Exciting?
The other two legs are more exciting for various reasons. The first is the Preakness Stakes is named after the Preakness Club, an association of women who organized horse races in Eastern Pennsylvania back in the 1800s. It’s one of the most prestigious races of the year because of its historical significance and its popularity among breeding enthusiasts. The second is the Belmont Stakes, which is named after the prestigious Belmont Park located in New York. The main reason it’s so exciting is that the odds are always in favor of the home team. New York is a major market for horse racing, which gives the Belmont Stakes an additional allure.
The other two races are also widely regarded as the equals of the Derby. It’s just that the prestige associated with the Derby makes it the most appealing target for betting enthusiasts. For those who are interested in betting on the Kentucky Derby, here are some facts you should know.
The Odds Are Always In Favor Of The Home Team
It’s always in favor of the home team when it comes to betting on the Derby. That’s because most of the casinos that offer this service will only accept wagers from individuals based in the US. It’s also worth noting that this is usually the case with major sporting events because of the perceived integrity issues surrounding overseas sports books. This is more than likely due to the various types of legalities that could arise when it comes to gambling outside of the country.
The Race Is Always For The Best Two Out Of Three
When it comes to betting on the Derby, you’re typically placing a wager on one of the two remaining horses in the race. Why? It’s always the best of the two out of the three. The first and second legs are virtually always a dead heat, which means the bettor has little to gain by picking one of the two horses that didn’t finish first or second in the previous leg of the race. The third and final leg is frequently less exciting than the others, but you’re still rewarded for your wagering endeavors. The finish line of the Kentucky Derby rarely provides a clear-cut winner, which means there’s often more than one right answer when it comes to picking the winners of the Derby.
The Weather In Kentucky Is Key
As mentioned, the weather in Kentucky can be unpredictable. It usually doesn’t rain heavily before or after the Derby, so the track is always in good shape. It’s a big advantage for the home team if the weather is good, which means the track will be in good condition and the odds will be in their favor. If the weather is bad, however, then it usually means there will be a lot of mud, which could hamper the pace of the horses, causing them to lose time and possibly fall by the wayside.
The Course Is Challenging
The course for the Kentucky Derby is always challenging. It was originally built as a military drill field back in 1869 and since then, it’s been the site of some of the greatest moments in horse racing history. Many of the greats that have raced here have went on to become household names, which means it has a special place in the heart of horse racing enthusiasts everywhere. If the thought of a muddy track, freezing cold temperatures, or high winds frightens you, then it might be best to stay away.
The course is extremely hilly, which means it will test the strength of even the most well-groomed horses. It’s not uncommon for jockeys to lose their footing here and fall off their horses, which is why it’s always best to bet on those that are known for staying on their feet. The steeplechase format used here also adds an additional element of danger to the race. It’s one thing to fall off a horse during the race, but it’s another to break your leg or have some sort of accident because of the uneven terrain. The last thing anyone wants is to end up in the hospital because of a fall or injury during a horse race.
The Crowds Are Always Spectacular
The other important factor to consider when gambling on the Derby is the crowds. Just like with most other major sporting events, the more popular the sport, the bigger the turn-out. This translates into greater interest among the public, which means more people are likely to attend and support their home team. It’s certainly no secret that horse racing is a popular sport in the US, which makes the Derby an attractive option for those who want to make some money off of the excitement.
When Is The Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby will be conducted at 7:00 PM ET on May 2nd. The race will be broadcast on the NBC television network, which will undoubtedly make it available for American audiences to bet on. If you’re interested in betting on the Kentucky Derby, make sure to follow the instructions in this blog post so that you can do so legally and safely.
Thanks for reading! We hope this article has helped you know more about the Kentucky Derby and when to attend the race, whether you’re a seasoned bettor or simply want to dip your toe in the water. Don’t forget to check out the Woodford Reserve and bet on these great horses!