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For those well-versed in the horse betting industry, it is no secret that the Kentucky Derby is more than just a horse racing event. It became an enduring cultural and social phenomenon, serving as a special tradition that exudes sophistication in a world where tradition meets modernity. And as the first leg of the Triple Crown, the Derby carries a legacy of sporting significance in the horse racing realm.
Because of its prominence in the horse-betting world, many people engaged in horse-betting in Singapore are definitely tuned into the upcoming Kentucky Derby. Seasoned and newbie punters place wagers on this prestigious event for the big payout potential while also allowing themselves to become participants in the competition.
If you are a newbie in horse betting, knowing the ins and outs of the Kentucky Derby can help you appreciate the event and develop winning wagers. Here are some things that you should know about the Kentucky Derby to help you have a successful SG horse betting bet in the upcoming race.
General Kentucky Derby Facts
There’s no bigger day in the horse betting industry than the Kentucky Derby, being one of the world’s premier races. It is basically the Superbowl of horse racing, with countless enthusiasts even travelling to Kentucky for the event. It is held at the historic Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY, which was opened in 1875.
The usual post time for the race is between 6:30 and 7:00 in the evening. It might look late, but there is actually a plethora of activities and a handful of other races to see and bet on during the day. The track has a distance of 1 ¼ miles (10 furlongs), and the horses usually run at an average of 37 miles per hour.
Apart from the Derby, many people also look forward to the Kentucky Oaks, which is the premier race for 3-year-old fillies (female horses). This race is held the day before the Derby day, with a usual post time of around 5:45 PM ET. Several activities can be enjoyed during Oaks Day, providing bettors with more chances to socialize and place wagers.
Kentucky Derby 2024: The 150th Run
The sesquicentennial anniversary of the Kentucky Derby is just around the corner, and preparations are ramping up for the 150th edition of the “most exciting two minutes” in sports. The preparation for this year’s race started as early as April 2023, with Churchill Downs announcing their plans for the event. This includes a series of fan experiences, a new website, a renovated paddock, premium club spaces, and new viewing areas.
This year’s race will be on May 4, 2024, and the post time is scheduled at 6:57 PM. But there will be other races throughout the day, with the first one being at 10:30 AM and the last one at 8:35 PM.
The Favorites
With less than a month left before the race, the 20 Kentucky Derby horses for this year’s event are starting to be finalized. Some already secured their slots through the 2024 Road to Kentucky Derby series, with the highest point-getters becoming heavy favourites to win the race. The current favourites to win include:
• Sierra Leone (155 points, 7-2 odds) – The top pick for many in this year’s Derby is Sierra Leone, winning twice in the prep races (Risen Star and Blue Grass Stakes) and finishing second in the Remsen Stakes.
• Fierceness (136 points, 3-1 odds) – Fierceness has been the top favourite to win the Derby before Sierra Leone’s Blue Grass Stakes win last April 6. His dominating win in the Florida Derby puts him at the top of the field, especially with the fact that 25 previous winners in the Gulfstream Park went on to win the Kentucky Derby.
• Forever Young (100 points, 10-1 odds) – The undefeated horse from Japan will bet his 5/5 record in the upcoming Derby, fresh from a UAE Derby win in Meydan. Many are expecting the Japanese standout to be in the lead for the majority of the race and potentially go 6/6 after the race.
• Catching Freedom (125 points, 8-1 odds) – Catching Freedom finished his Road to Kentucky Derby run in Louisiana Stakes with a win and has since arrived in Kentucky to prepare for the big stage. He has already participated in two races in Churchill Downs (winning one), so familiarity with the track can play a role in whether Catching Freedom will win the Run for the Roses.
• Dornoch (75 points, 12-1 odds) – Dornoch has had a promising Road to the Derby campaign, winning two out of three races (Remsen Stakes and Fountain of Youth Stakes) and finishing 4th in the Blue Grass Stakes. The 12-week break between Remsen and Fountain of Youth has not allowed Dornoch to possibly earn more points, but he remains a top contender to win the Derby on May 4.
While betting on these favourites can almost guarantee a win, placing wagers on the underdogs and longshots can be more profitable. And there’s nothing wrong with betting on the less favoured horses, highlighted by Rick Strike’s remarkable win in the 2022 Kentucky Derby despite 80-1 odds.
Conclusion
As the Kentucky Derby draws closer, knowing this information can provide beginners with a solid foundation to build their strategy way before the sounding of the bell and the thundering hooves take over Louisville. And with its 150th year, expect that the upcoming Kentucky Derby will be a spectacle like no other,
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