The 2019 Kentucky Derby is just a day away, so it’s time to throw down some ducats on a bet or two.
That’s what this list for, and although I will fully admit don’t have decades of experience of betting on horse racing under my belt, I do the same thing ever year I do for March Madness: I read a lot. That gives me just enough knowledge of the thoroughbreds I’m thinking about to hopefully help you win some money.
One note: Odds change a bunch, so these are from Friday afternoon around 2 p.m. Eastern from the Kentucky Derby’s official site.
1. Game Winner to win
With Omaha Beach scratched, the race to be the favorite has opened up with this Bob Baffert-trained horse in the lead. And if that holds, I’m betting on Game Winner, not just because it’s the best name in this year’s field. It’s because the favorite has won the Derby in four of the last six races. Although there was a 20-race losing streak for favorites before that happened, why not use some of your gambling money to ride this latest trend?
2. Improbable in all bets
Nearly every expert I’ve read likes this other Baffert horse who may end up as the favorite. Plus, he’s starting from the No. 5 gate, where 10 horses have won from in the race’s history.
3. War of Will to place or show
The forecast at Churchill Downs calls for rain on Saturday, which means it’s time to wonder whose mother was a mudder. Everyone’s pointing out how this 20-to-1 horse has won at Churchill Downs when it was muddy. The only problem? He’ll be running from the No. 1 gate. So maybe he doesn’t win, but if the weather is a factor, perhaps he finishes second or third.
4. Maximum Security in exotic wagers
From the Courier-Journal:
Maximum Security is unbeaten in four races and has shown the ability to grab an early lead and wire a field, which could be especially useful in the slop
5. Tacitus in exotic wagers
I love the odds at 10-to-1 and the buzz from this week is he’s a closer, so I like him as a sleeper to stay with the field and then have some burst down the stretch.
