Kentucky Derby 2024: The Washington Post's Best Bets

As the excitement for the Kentucky Derby 2024 builds, let's dive into the Washington Post's best bets for this year's Run for the Roses. With over a century of experience covering the sport of kings, the Washington Post provides valuable insights to help you make informed decisions on the day of the race.

Pre-Race Analysis

Contenders to Watch

According to the Washington Post's handicappers, the following horses are among the strongest contenders for the 2024 Kentucky Derby:

• Verifying: The current favorite, Verifying has impressive speed and stamina, making him a force to be reckoned with.
• Epicenter: A consistent performer with a strong finish, Epicenter is another top contender for the win.
• Zandon: Zandon has shown remarkable improvement in recent races and could be a dark horse in the Derby.
• Cyberknife: The winner of the Arkansas Derby, Cyberknife is a powerful colt with a strong pedigree.
• Forte: Forte has a consistent record and could surprise with a strong performance.

Key Factors to Consider

• Bloodlines: The Kentucky Derby has a rich history of successful bloodlines. Certain sires and damsires have produced multiple winners over the years.
• Experience: Horses with prior experience on dirt tracks and in races of similar distance have an advantage.
• Jockey: A skilled jockey can make a significant difference in the outcome of a race. Top jockeys often ride the favorites.
• Track Conditions: The condition of the track can impact the performance of the horses. Soft tracks favor horses with speed, while firm tracks favor horses with endurance.

Betting Strategies

Win Bet:

Place a bet on the horse you believe will win the race. This is the most straightforward and popular betting strategy.

Place Bet:

Bet on a horse to finish in either first or second place. This increases your chances of winning but lowers your potential payout.

Show Bet:

Bet on a horse to finish in the top three. This offers the highest probability of winning but also the lowest payout.

Exacta Bet:

Predict the exact order of the first and second-place finishers. This is a more challenging bet but offers higher payouts.

Trifecta Bet:

Predict the exact order of the first, second, and third-place finishers. This is the most difficult bet to win but offers the largest potential payouts.

Step-by-Step Approach to Betting

1. Set a budget: Determine the amount of money you are willing to wager.
2. Research the horses: Study the contenders, their form, and their pedigrees.
3. Choose a betting strategy: Decide on the types of bets you want to make based on your risk tolerance and potential payout.
4. Place your bets: Find a reputable betting platform and place your bets in advance of the race.
5. Monitor the race: Follow the live coverage of the Kentucky Derby to see how your bets perform.
6. Collect your winnings (if any): If your bets are successful, collect your winnings from the betting platform.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the Kentucky Derby?
A: The Kentucky Derby is the first and most prestigious leg of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. It is a 1 1/4-mile race for 3-year-old thoroughbred horses.

Q: When is the 2024 Kentucky Derby?
A: The 2024 Kentucky Derby will be held on Saturday, May 4th.

Q: How much does it cost to attend the Kentucky Derby?
A: Ticket prices for the Kentucky Derby vary depending on the location and type of seating. General admission tickets start at around $200.

Q: What is the purse for the Kentucky Derby?
A: The purse for the 2024 Kentucky Derby is projected to be over $3 million.

Q: Who won the Kentucky Derby in 2023?
A: Rich Strike won the 2023 Kentucky Derby at odds of 80-1.

Call To Action

As the excitement for the 2024 Kentucky Derby builds, be sure to follow the Washington Post's coverage for in-depth analysis, expert insights, and up-to-date information. Place your bets wisely, enjoy the race, and may the best horse win!

Additional Tables

Top Contenders for the 2024 Kentucky Derby

Historical Kentucky Derby Winners

Betting Payout Table