Fast horses, fancy hats and plenty of bourbon can mean only one thing - the Kentucky Derby. The first Saturday of May is upon us and the signal that winter is over. It’s time to peel off the layers and celebrate the Run for the Roses. Here is a quick primer on the most exciting two minutes in sports and all the resources you need to make a bet and celebrate the day in style.
What: Kentucky Derby
Where: Churchill Downs
When: May 7, 2023
Who: The best three-year-old colts in the world
Distance:1 ¼ mile
Wanna Bet?
If you are new to racing, Kentucky Derby day is the best day to get started. One of the richest days of the year in all of sports betting, not just racing. The wealth extends beyond the royalty of owners with their million-dollar horses, all the way down to the gamblers hoping to strike it rich. Opposed to a normal Thursday afternoon at the racetrack, the payouts on Derby Day are swollen to astronomical sizes. Want proof? A $2.00 exacta (top two finishers) last year paid $4,101.20! Check out this Yahoo article with all the payouts from the 2022 Derby. Payouts for 2022 Kentucky Derby following stunning win by Rich Strike (yahoo.com)
If the exotic action seems too complicated, you can also wager on your horse to win, place or show (first, second, or third). Or you can bet on all three. This straightforward option is called “Across the board.” As long as your horse hits the board (first, second or third) you win. For a full list of Derby Day betting options, read this article on TVG.com, where you can also legally wager on the Derby. Horse Racing Wager Types | Horse Betting Calculator - TVG
If you want to get deep into the sauce, you’ll need a copy of the racing form. Most legal betting sites like www.Twinspires.com give the form free to account holders. The classic form sold at all the racetracks is called the Daily Racing Form. A single copy of the entire form is available for about five bucks at www.drf.com. If you want some advice on how to craft your winning tickets, read this take from NBC Sports Analyst, Randy Moss (not the Minnesota Viking). NBC Sports Analyst Randy Moss Evaluates the 2023 Kentucky Derby Field | America's Best Racing (americasbestracing.net) You can’t win if you don’t bet!
Party
The Run for the Roses is more than just a race and a party, it’s a cultural event that transcends sports, fashion and good old-fashioned debauchery. If the betting doesn’t interest you, have a drink or two and find some TRBL. The mint julep became the official drink of the Derby in 1939 but one is enough and two is too many. Anything from www.woodfordreserve.com is perfect on Derby day, but this article from liquor.com will give you plenty of other cocktail options to keep the party going as fast as the horses. 18 Cocktails to Make for the Kentucky Derby (liquor.com)
Attire
Whether you’re in the grandstands at Churchill or at a neighborhood Derby Day party, dress for the red carpet. Gentlemen, grab a sport coat while the ladies will steal the show in sun dresses and headwear only appropriate for Derby Day. You may not cash a ticket on the race, but you can always look like a winner!
Here are the official Trouble Off The Tee bets. Follow at your own risk and let us know who you like in the comments. Good luck and happy Derby Day TRBL MKRS!
$20 across the board on 9 (win, place or show)
$5 exacta box 9, 14, 17 (top 2 finishers)
$1 trifecta box 3, 9, 14, 15 (top 3 finishers)
$1 Superfecta box 5, 9, 14, 15, 17 (top 4 finishers)
