How to Analyze Kentucky Derby Wager Pools

Several Kentucky Derby wager pools exist. The pools can be analyzed onsite at the historic Churchill Downs or over the simulcast feed at your local off track betting facility. With some basic familiarity of horse racing betting pools, you will be able to analyze the Kentucky Derby Wagering Pools like a pro.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Purchase a track program or Daily Racing Form at the racetrack or simulcast facility. This program will include the names and horses and their post position number. The post position number is required to read all of the wagering pools at the Kentucky Derby.
2. Analyze the win pool for the Kentucky Derby. The odds to win will be displayed based upon the horses post position number. All of the odds will be display as fractions. Therefore, a horse that is 3 to 1 will return $6 plus your $2 wager.
3. Scan the exacta pools of your favorite horses. The exacta pool will be displayed two different ways at the racetrack. You could find an exacta board on one of the television screens. This exacta board will be a two dimensional grid. The horse that will come in first will be on the left and the horse that will come in second will be on the top. Match the appropriate row with the column and you will find the payout of a $2 exacta. The other way to determine the payout of an exacta will to look on the left hand margin of the television screen. For example, if you see a 2 wih 3 combination that will pay if the number 2 horse comes in first and the number 3 comes in second.
4. Examine the place pool for the Kentucky Derby. This could be seen on tote board located in the infield of the track. You cannot predict the exact payout of a horse to place. This is because it depends on which other horse comes in first or second. However, you could get a general idea by looking at the dollar amount wager on each horse. The favorite of the race will have the most money wagered on him. Typically, the favorite will pay around $3 for every $2 wagered.
5. Analyze the show pool for the Kentucky Derby. This will be done similar to analyzing the place pool. Again, you cannot predict the exact dollar amount of the payout because it depends upon the other two horses that are running first, second or third.
6. Make an intelligent wager that reflects your personality. If you like a good gamble, then feel free to fire away at some long shots. Otherwise, make a modest wager on one of the favorites.
7. Watch the Kentucky Derby. It should take around 2 minutes to finish. After the race becomes official, examine the results. If you were lucky to pick winner, go ahead and cash your ticket. Otherwise, remember the results and the payouts. This information could be useful next year.

Tips & Warnings

• If you plan to wager, make certain that you give yourself plenty of time. The lines at the betting windows are rather long.
• Thoroughbred fans are usually very vocal. Any comments about the race should not be mistaken as personal insults.