The most exciting two minutes in sports returns for the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby. Though the race is short, it is one of the most popular betting events of the year, raking up about $179 million in wagers in 2022. Don't sell yourself short to just a futures bet, there are plenty more fun Kentucky Derby picks to get in on.
With a little over three weeks until the starting gates swing open filled with some of the top contenders, props and odds are slowly starting to be released. And we have them here! Keep checking back as more props come out as we anxiously await the first Saturday in May.
Who is favored to win the Kentucky Derby this year?
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Forte | +325 |
| Tapit Trice | +600 |
| Practical Move | +800 |
| Derma Sotogake | +1000 |
| Angel Of Empire | +1200 |
| Verifying | +1200 |
| Two Phil's | +1400 |
| Mage | +2000 |
| Mandarin Hero | +2500 |
| Skinner | +2500 |
| Confidence Game | +2800 |
| Hit Show | +2800 |
| Reincarnate | +3500 |
| Blazing Sevens | +4000 |
| Continuar | +4000 |
| Lord Miles | +4000 |
| Disarm | +4500 |
| Raise Cain | +5000 |
| Rocket Can | +5000 |
Odds as of April 21
Kentucky Derby Prop Bets
There are so many different markets that will be available come race day but here are the super early prop bets listed.
Kentucky Derby - Will Forte Win?
In this bet, you are making a decision on whether you think the winner will be the current +325 favorite, Forte.
| Outcome | Odds |
|---|---|
| No | -330 |
| Yes | +250 |
Feeling extra confident about the chestnut colt? Two bets are better than one, especially if it hits! Forte is heading into the Derby on a five-race win streak, hooves fresh off a Florida Derby victory. The three-year-old caught some attention at his Churchill Downs workout recently, galloping throw five furlongs in a minute and two seconds.
Watch #KyDerby favorite Forte breeze 5 furlongs in 1:02.00 pic.twitter.com/T4vzZZlWR0
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) April 21, 2023
Kentucky Derby - Will Todd Pletcher Train Winning Horse?
This is another straightforward prop bet and one that is easy to understand.
| Outcome | Odds |
|---|---|
| No | -150 |
| Yes | +120 |
If you plan to bet on favored Forte, then this is another prop to explore. Pletcher has won the Eclipse Award for Trainer of the Year on eight occasions. The Texan is expected to have at least 6 Thoroughbreds racing on May 6, dominating about 30 percent of the field. The odds are in his favor as he is the trainer for favored Forte and Tapit Trice, who has the second-best odds to win.
From left to right, the Todd Pletcher quartet of Tapit Trice, Kingsbarns, Forte and Major Dude pic.twitter.com/5BI6zPjJBP
— Derby News (@KentuckyDerbyCJ) April 20, 2023
The 55-year-old has had 62 horses featured in the Kentucky Derby, the most of any other trainer in history. Of those 62, he accomplished two wins with Super Saver (2010) and Always Dreaming (2017). Pletcher is confident with Forte running for the roses, the three-year-old has won six-of-seven races, making it one of his most decorated colts yet.
Kentucky Derby Props and Specials
Kentucky Derby prop bets are fun horse racing wagers where you bet on things that aren’t directly related to the result of that specific horse race. Online sportsbooks let you wager on who the winning jockey will mention first in his post-race victory speech, or whether it will be a trainer’s first time winning the Kentucky Derby.
Related News
