How to Make a Quinella Bet at the Kentucky Derby

For newcomers to the Kentucky Derby, the quinella is an easy-to-understand, relatively cheap bet with the potential for a high payoff. Meanwhile, experts can use the quinella to make money on under-bet horses.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Bet a Basic Quinella

1. Pick the two horses you think will come in first and second at the Kentucky Derby.
2. Make the bet by asking the window attendant for a "2-4 quinella" if you've chosen horses 2 and 4.
3. Pay $2. If you wish to bet more than the minimum $2, specify that before making your bet. For example, say "$6, 2-4 quinella."
4. Collect your payout if the horses you chose finish first and second.

Bet a Quinella Box

5. Bet a quinella box if you can't decide between three or more horses. Many people choose one favorite as well as a combination of horses with medium or long odds.
6. Ask the attendant for a "2-4-6 quinella box." You will win if any combination of those horses finishes first and second.
7. Calculate the cost of a quinella box by multiplying the number of horses in the box by the number of horses in the box minus one. For example, a $2 quinella box 3-4-5 would cost $6 (3 times 2).

Bet a Quinella Wheel

8. Bet a quinella wheel if you have one horse you think will finish in the top two and a few others you are considering. A wheel is essentially just a way to bet multiple combinations with a single bet.
9. Ask the attendant for a "quinella wheel 2 with 3-4." This means you think 2 will come in first or second, and you think either 3 or 4 will also place. You win if the horses finish 2-3, 3-2, 2-4 or 4-2.
10. Calculate your total bet the same way as a quinella box. Multiply the number of horses in the box times the number of the horses in the box minus one.

Maximize Profit on Quinella Bets

11. Watch carefully for when the toteboard shows the amounts bet on each quinella combination.
12. Compare those amounts with the odds for the horses involved. At an event like the Kentucky Derby, where there are many inexperienced bettors, you will likely find that there are large amounts bet that include the favorites and those that include one or two long shots.
13. Make wagers on combinations that seem to be under bet. Most often, quinella bets include the favorite and one or more longer shots. Because the quinella payoff is determined from the total amount bet on quinellas, the potential payoff for medium-odds combinations is the highest. Of course, these horses have to finish first and second for you to win, but if you are observant and have a large enough bankroll to play the odds, this strategy can yield high payoffs for good handicappers.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to bet on two horses, but you think you know which will win and which will come in second, you might want to bet an exacta instead of or in addition to a quinella. Exactas, which are also commonly called perfectas, must be in the order you wagered them, so they often pay more than quinellas.
• Don't think that because exactas and quinellas are similar bets their payoffs are linked. While it is common for a quinella to pay about half of an exacta, these payoffs are determined using different processes.
• If you want to bet on two horses, but you think you know which will win and which will come in second, you might want to bet an exacta instead of or in addition to a quinella. Exactas, which are also commonly called perfectas, often pay more than quinellas.
• Don't think that because exactas and quinellas are similar bets their payoffs are linked. While it is common for a quinella to pay about half of an exacta, these payoffs are determined using different processes.