It is important to know some of the common terminology before you go entrusting your child’s college fund to the horses at the Derby. Once you know the terms, it also helps to have a few quick tips. Follow this quick guide and with a little luck, and a lot of booze, you could be a lot richer come Saturday night.
“In The Money”
This means your horse placed in the top 3.
On the Nose:
Betting only for the horse to win.
Place:
This is the more sophisticated term for the horse that comes in second
Show:
This is the more sophisticated term for the horse that comes in third.
Daily Double:
Betting on horses in consecutive races. Both have to finish first.
Exacta:
Picking the first two finishers in a race, in the exact order they finish.
Quinella:
The two horses you pick must win and place, but the order doesn’t matter.
Superfecta:
You pick the first four horses to finish a race, in the exact order they finish.
Trifecta:
Correctly picking the winner, place and show horses for a single race.
The allure of the dog is strong, but don’t be afraid to bet the favorite.
Over the 142 year history of the Kentucky Derby, the favorite has won 55 times (38%), including the last four years in a row.
Don’t bet on the inside or outside posts.
Do your research on horses that won Derby prep races
Not only have the last four winners been favorites, the last six winners also won their Derby prep races.
Horses also have home field advantage
If the horse has a history of success at Churchill Downs, the chances of it placing or winning are much higher.
Pay attention to what happens in the paddock (horse enclosures)
If the horse seems to be acting up, if it’s too hyper or giving its jockey trouble in the paddock it’s best to stay away.
Look for a horse jockey combination that have been together for all the horses starts.
Fading down the stretch
Avoid betting on horses that were passed on the final lap of previous races. They won’t be able to keep pace.
We talkin’ ’bout practice
The fastest horse in the morning warm-ups is also usually the eventual winner.
Examine your horses closesly (or listen for cues from the guys on TV)
Look for pricked ears. This means the horse is alert and confident.
A shiny coat and healthy mane are indicators of a strong and healthy horse which could have a great kick.
Look for thick, strong and accentuated muscles around the horses chest and forequarters.
There are 14 Derby day races, if you plan to bet on all and still eat, set a budget.
And perhaps the two most important tips, which apply to almost all gambling situations:
When you are stuck between two options, always go with the higher odds
Always ALWAYS trust your gut.
Now that you’re in the know, throw your giants hats in the air and sip your mint julep like you just don’t care!
(Sources KentuckyDerby.com, ThoughtCo.com & Maxim.com)
