Kentucky Derby Odds

Horse betting enthusiasts have been waiting patiently for 33 years since Affirmed won the Triple Crown in 1978 for another horse to accomplish the feat. In the 33 year history since Affirmed’s victories, there have been 11 horses to win the first two stages of the Triple Crown, only to falter at the Belmont Stakes. Of the 11 online horse betting thoroughbreds to attempt a Triple Crown, only eight have ever finished as close as second at the grueling Belmont Stakes. Here is a look at several horses that literally were scammed out of Triple Crown victories.

Charismatic 1999 – Similar to Animal Kingdom in 2011, Charismatic entered the Kentucky Derby as 30 to one long shot before winning the race in convincing fashion. Then to make matters more enticing, Charismatic won the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore two weeks later before running into the Triple Crown curse at the Belmont Stakes. Entering the back stretch of the race, Charismatic would break its leg in two places, but would muster through to finish an impressive third in the Belmont Stakes.

Real Quiet 1998 – Real Quiet was a three year old colt in 1998 trained by the legendary Bob Baffert, who a year earlier became famous as the trainer to lose a Triple Crown bid by a narrow margin. However in 1998, Bob Baffert and Real Quiet came within a photo finish of silencing the critics, as Real Quiet easily won the Derby and Preakness, only to lose to a horse named Victory Gallop by a nose at the Belmont Stakes.

Big Brown 2008 – Big Brown was considered by many, we included, to be the best horse since Affirmed to run in the Triple Crown of America. Big Brown also became the first horse since Affirmed, to win both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes as the odds on favorite. However, prior to the Belmont Stakes, during a practice run, Big Brown suffered a crack in one of its hoofs. As a result of the crack, Big Brown wouldn’t be able to finish the Belmont Stakes, as the injury was simply too painful for the horse to continue.

Belmont betting enthusiasts are slowly chomping at the bit for Saturday’s big race, as it is the rubber match between Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom and Preakness Stake’s winner Shackleford. This year’s Belmont Stakes betting race has some extra intensity, as the two horses and their ownership groups have developed a bit of a rivalry through the first two stages of the Triple Crown. Here is the latest news surrounding the Belmont Stakes.

Add the bookies to the list of growing supporters for Animal Kingdom, despite the colt not winning a race in nearly six weeks. Animal Kingdom, the 2011 Kentucky Derby winner, came within a length of defeating Shackleford two weeks ago at the Preakness Stakes. As a result, at the conclusion of the Preakness Stakes, Animal Kingdom went off as a two to one favorite to win the Belmont Stakes. Meanwhile, Shackleford went off as a nine to two favorite to win the race, because it is a speed horse.

Making matters more intriguing, earlier this week Barry Irwin, owner of Animal Kingdom told reporters, that Shackleford didn’t really stand a chance against Animal Kingdom, because of the distance of the track. For those new to the situation, Animal Kingdom is more or less a long distance running horse, meaning it starts at the back and makes its move to the front for the victory. Conversely, Shackleford is the type of horse that enjoys leading from wire to wire.

However, at the Belmont Stakes, because the track is a mile and a half, most horses that lead of the gate tend to fade like a bad sports team down the stretch. Meanwhile, long distance horses such as Animal Kingdom have made a habit of starting off slow, only to pick up speed down the stretch.

In just over two weeks the 2011 Belmont Stakes betting lines will close, as the field begins to take shape. As of this writing, many online betting websites have posted early lines for the possible contenders in the race. For all intents and purposes, here is a look at the top horses in this year’s Belmont Stakes.

Animal Kingdom (+400) – After winning the Kentucky Derby nearly three weeks ago, Animal Kingdom followed up his Derby victory by finishing in second just barely to Preakness Stakes winner Shackleford. Based on bloodlines alone, Animal Kingdom may go into the grueling one and a half miles Belmont Park as the odds on favorite to win the Belmont Stakes, since the colt is built for long distances. Animal Kingdom’s mother Dalicia was a Germany long distance horse that would stalk its opponents before moving ahead for the victory. Taking Animal Kingdom now at four to one odds may be the best value you see on this horse.

Shackleford (+400) – Shackleford has become one of the biggest stories of the 2011 Triple Crown, as it led for the majority of both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. In the former race, Shackleford ran out of gas and finished a disappointing fourth. However, in the Preakness Stakes, it seemed like Shackleford knew it messed up at Churchill Downs, and made sure to hang on for the victory at Pimlico. Similar to Animal Kingdom, at four to one odds, this is the best value you will get for Shackleford, who once again will lead from start to finish.

Nehro (+400) – Despite only racing in one other stage of the Triple Crown, Nehro opens the Belmont Stakes in a three way tie with Animal Kingdom and Shackleford as the odds on favorite to win the race. Nehro finished a close second to Animal Kingdom in the Kentucky Derby, and many fans felt Nehro may have won the Preakness had it entered.

Call it fate, call it luck, but after being listed as a 24 to one long shot to win the Kentucky Derby, Preakness betting lines have Animal Kingdom the 2011 Derby winner as the odds on favorite. With just under two weeks till post time, Preakness Stakes betting handicappers all feel that this could be the year that Animal Kingdom wins the Triple Crown. Here is a preview of some of the contenders set to run at Pimlico next Saturday.

Animal Kingdom – After winning the Kentucky Derby as a 24 to one long shot, Animal Kingdom should see a dramatic rise in its betting line odds at Pimlico. For the reason that everyone and his uncle wants to see a Triple Crown winner, expect bettors to raise Animal Kingdom’s odds from its current four to one, to perhaps two or three to one.

What’s more, Animal Kingdom is a Maryland based colt and uses Pimlico Racecourse, as its home track. What this means, is that you can expect Animal Kingdom to be comfortable on the track, as it cruises to victory.

Shackleford – If there is one horse that is looking for redemption at the Preakness Stakes it will be Shackleford. Recall, Shackleford, a speed horse literally led from gate to wire up until the final turn at Churchill Downs race course last week. Going into the Preakness Stakes, if Shackleford once again jumps out to an early lead, it should be able to ride to victory, as the Pimlico Racecourse, is one designed to help speed horses.

Mucho Macho Man – One of the most intriguing horses in recent memory, Mucho Macho Man has finished in the money in eight of its nine races, including a third place finish last week at the Kentucky Derby. Mucho Macho Man’s lurking style, is perfect, as it hangs around for the majority of its race, prior to moving in for the victory.

For sports betting fans that enjoy taking the underdog when wagering on various events, chances are you have had the Kentucky Derby circled on your calendar for a while. Throughout its 137 year history, Kentucky Derby betting enthusiasts have come to know the race, as one in which underdogs can turn into legends with one lucky break. Here is a look at some underdogs for this year’s run of the roses.

I got soul but I’m not a soldier, fans taking looking for a horse to win the entire Kentucky Derby, should look no further than Kieran McLaughlin trained horse Soldat. At 15 to one odds, Soldat similar to Derby favorite Uncle Mo has only had one bad race, it’s most recent, where it finished fifth at the Kentucky Derby. However, before that, Soldat had finished no worse than second. Meaning to say, if you are thinking of betting the exacta, Soldat is a horse you may want to include in your pick. What’s more, given how much success it has had since its Juvenile season, Soldat is a horse that could win it all. At 15 to one odds, you can’t go wrong taking Soldat as a dark horse to win the race.

Another horse we really think can come out of nowhere to win the Kentucky Derby is 22 to one underdog, Midnight Interlude. Trained by the legendary Bob Baffert, Midnight Interlude stole the victory at the San Anita Derby a couple of weeks ago. Given, that Baffert’s other horse The Factor had to pull out of the race due to injury, Midnight Interlude, should see its stock raise on race day, because it is Baffert’s only horse in the race. Further, similar to Soldat, Midnight Interlude, has placed in the money in the majority of its races, including wins in its last three starts.

Kentucky Derby betting lines are in frenzy as this year’s prep race season has proven to be more challenging than ever before. Here is a look at the online Kentucky Derby betting favorites going into the May 7 running of the roses.

Uncle Mo – Despite finishing third due to an apparent hoof problem at the Wood Memorial Grade I stakes race, Uncle Mo trainer Todd Pletcher, claims his colt will remain in contention for the Kentucky Derby. Since winning the Breeders Cup Juvenile back in early November, Uncle Mo has absolutely dominated his competition. However, with his recent injury and drop to third in the Wood Memorial, many are wondering if Uncle Mo can win the biggest race of its career.

Dialed In – Trained by Nick Zito, Dialed In is another horse on a lot of people’s minds, as the Kentucky Derby nears. It was only a couple of weeks ago, when Dialed In appeared to be a forgotten contender amongst the horse racing handicapping community, as the colt had dropped to third in its prep race in March. With the Florida Derby earlier this month, many believed it would be make or break for Dialed In to win handicappers over to wager upon its chances. Yet come race time, Dialed In made his lapse in March seem like a distant memory, as the mighty colt simply destroyed the rest of the field at the Florida Derby, cruising to a three length victory.

The Factor – Despite not running a race since early March, The Factor was the benefactor of Uncle Mo’s missed opportunity at the Wood Memorial. Essentially, because The Factor won’t be running until this weekend during the Arkansas Derby, many bettors are now considering it the favorite. Helping matters for The Factor, is the fact it has led from wire to wire in each of its previous four races.

With the 2011 March Madness betting tournament wrapping up this weekend, it is now time for horse racing to take center stage. In just over six weeks, the pinnacle of the horse betting season, the American Triple Crown will take place. This year, over 365 horses have placed a bid to ride in the Kentucky Derby set for May 7 at Churchill Downs in Louisville. Here are several horses we think could contend for not only the Kentucky Derby title but also the Triple Crown.

The odds on favorite to win the Kentucky Derby, is Todd Pletcher’s three year old colt, Uncle Mo. After winning the Breeders Cup Juvenile in early November, Uncle Mo has run sparingly. Still the colt has managed to win all four of its races, including the Timely Writer Stakes at Gulfstream Park earlier this month. Going into his first Grade I stakes race, the Wood Memorial on April 9, the biggest knock against Uncle Mo, is that his trainer Todd Pletcher is running him in easier races then most of his competitors.  Meaning to say, while Uncle Mo has odds of seven to two in the group I pool and three to one odds in the group II pool, fans should be cautious before placing a wager.

Another horse, a lot of fans are beginning to take seriously, is Bob Baffert trained The Factor. Of all of the potential favorites going into the Kentucky Derby, The Factor has had the toughest road to get to Churchill Downs. Recently, The Factor won the Grade II race the Rebel Stakes in rather convincing fashion. The Factor jumped out to an early lead and basically never looked back. The thoroughbred’s next race is set to be the Arkansas Derby, which has produced Kentucky Derby winners Afleet Alex, Curlin and Smarty Jones.

The March Madness betting tournament is set to begin today, and you can almost guarantee that the announcers will be using phrases that were first created for horse racing. Known as the sport of kings, horse betting enthusiasts such as ourselves, have gotten confused over the years watching other sports, because of the jargon sounding so similar. Here are several phrases that were originally coined on the race track, but are now used on the basketball court.

Hands Down – With the first round of the 2011 March Madness set to get underway in a few minutes, fans from across the nation can guarantee that the phrase hands down will be used a lot. Hands down is a term used to describe an easy victory. However, in horse racing hands down is the term used to describe how the jockey of a winning horse, puts his whip down to the side as the horse cruises to victory in the final few feet of the race.

Champing At The Bit – In sports, we’ve come to love the term champing at the bit as it describes the anticipation our favorite teams have leading up to the game they are about to play. For instance, the 64 teams to make up the March Madness tournament are all champing at the bit to play their first round games.

On the other hand, in horse racing, the term champing at the bit was originally created to depict the act of a horse champing at the string in their mouth that was placed around their face as part of the harness. When the horse was nervous it would chomp on the string tucked under their top teeth.

Dark Horse – In both horse racing and everyday conversation the term dark horse is used to depict the horse or team that comes out of nowhere to make a good push either in the race or in the tournament.

The upcoming March Madness betting tournament comes at an opportune time for horse handicappers as they count down the days until the Triple Crown of America. For bettors new to horse betting, here is a guide on all of the different wager types.

Firstly the goal of betting on horse races, is to make as much money as you can, thus having a vested interest in the actual race.

Betting on horse racing varies in only one way, in that you can either wager on one horse in a race or multiple horses in a race. Here are some examples.

Win Bet – In a win bet as the name suggests, you are betting on one particular horse to finish in first place. Anything other than first causes your bet to be a loss. Further, you can start the wagering process at as little as two dollars and as much as $1000.

Exacta Bet – An exacta bet requires that you pick two horses to finish first and second in that exact order. If the horses finish in an opposite order, such as the horse you picked to finish second coming first and the first coming second, your bet is considered a loss. However, you can make what is called an exacta box, which in effect takes the possibility of the horses switching order into account.

Combination Bet – This wager allows bettors to take between two to a maximum of four horses in one race to finish in a specific order. If the horses you picked finish in this order, you can make a lot of money. Conversely, if any fall out of order, you lose your bet.

Pick Six – In this type of bet, you are required to pick the winners of six consecutive races. Some race tracks allow you to have the winnings of each race carry over to the next race. Meaning to say, if all six of the horses you chose, won each of their races, you could win close to a $1 million.

If you are new to horse betting online, one thing you have to understand is that handicapping each and every race is as much about skill as it is about luck. No individual horse betting handicapping method is ultimately the best, as most handicappers will tell you, that you can always learn something new when picking the ponies. Here is a guide on how to handicap horse racing.

Perhaps the easiest way to handicap horse racing, is to go to a race track and purchase a program. In the program, the race track has essentially done all of the research for you on the days races. All you have to do is pick the horses from the information provided by the race track. A program includes all of the information on each individual horse.

This pertains to, the ownership of the horse, the horse’s trainer, the jockey riding the horse, what type of runner the horse is, the win loss record, what sort of surface they excel on and most importantly the odds they have to win the race. Each of these factors will allow you to interpret which horse you feel has the best overall odds of winning that particular race. Previous racing experience has as much to do with the opportunity to win, as the actual running of the day’s race.

There are two types of horses that participate in each race, speed horses and pace horses. Speed horses, are ponies that start fast out of the gate, and get out to an early lead. Ideally, because these horses open up with an early lead due to their speed, they should be able to win the race, right? Wrong. Instead these horses are usually caught by pace setting horses. Pace horses, as the name suggests are supposed to set the speed for the rest of the field.

However, the pace horses also tend to start the race at the back of the field conserving their energy. Then on the final stretch, the pace horses make their moves to the front of the pack, since they have enough energy left, while the speed horses have run out from setting the early lead.