If you’re anything like me, then you’re eagerly anticipating the “most exciting two minutes in sports“: the Kentucky Derby. The Kentucky Derby is not just any horse race – it’s an event steeped in history, tradition, and excitement. From the elaborate hats and seersucker suits to the thundering hooves of the thoroughbreds, there’s something truly magical about the Derby. And one of the best ways to fully immerse yourself in the excitement of the race is by placing a bet on your favorite horse.
Place your wagers on your pick to win the Kentucky Derby 2023!
Since its inception, the Kentucky Derby has become a true American institution, attracting fans from all over the world. Every year, on the first Saturday in May, more than 150,000 people gather at Churchill Downs in Louisville to witness the race in person, while millions more watch from home.
With a field of 20 of the best three-year-old thoroughbreds in the world competing, picking a winner can be a challenge. But with the right approach and some expert advice, you can increase your chances of walking away with a profit. In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of finding the best betting odds and top betting sites to use when wagering on the Kentucky Derby. So saddle up and get ready to bet on the race of a lifetime!
Brief History of the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby was first held in 1875, making it one of the oldest continuously held sporting events in the United States. The race was the brainchild of Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., who was inspired by the Epsom Derby in England. Clark wanted to create a similarly prestigious race in the United States and chose Louisville, Kentucky, as the location for the event due to its rich horse racing heritage.
The first Kentucky Derby was a one-and-a-half-mile race and was won by a colt named Aristides. The following year, the distance was changed to its current length of one and a quarter miles. In 1896, the race was officially named the Kentucky Derby, and it has been held every year since, with the only exceptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Secretariat – Winner 1973
The Kentucky Derby has also been the site of some truly remarkable moments in horse racing history. In 1915, a filly named Regret became the first female horse to win the Derby. And in 1940, a horse named Gallahadion won the race at odds of 35-1. In 1973, Secretariat won the race in a record time of 1:59.40, a record that still stands to this day. And in 2009, Mine That Bird pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Derby history, winning the race at odds of 50-1.
The Kentucky Derby has evolved and changed over the years, but its core traditions and values have remained constant. It is a celebration of the beauty and majesty of the thoroughbred horse, as well as a testament to the power of sport to bring people together. So when you watch the Kentucky Derby this year, take a moment to appreciate the rich history of this iconic event.
When Is the Kentucky Derby?
This year, the Kentucky Derby is scheduled to take place on May 6, 2023, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Churchill Downs has been the home of the Kentucky Derby since its inception in 1875 and is widely regarded as one of the most iconic horse racing venues in the world.
The date of the Kentucky Derby is chosen based on a variety of factors, including weather patterns and the schedules of other major sporting events. May is typically a good month for horse racing in Kentucky, as the weather is generally mild, and the spring season brings new life to the countryside.
The Kentucky Derby is held every year at Churchill Downs.
Louisville, Kentucky, was chosen as the location for the Kentucky Derby because of its rich history and culture of horse racing. In the mid-19th century, Louisville was one of the largest cities in the United States, and it had a thriving horse racing scene. Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., the founder of the Kentucky Derby, chose Louisville as the site of the race because he wanted to build on this tradition and create a world-class event.
Over the years, the Kentucky Derby has become synonymous with Louisville and Churchill Downs. The city and the race are inextricably linked, and the local community takes great pride in hosting this iconic event each year.
Bitcoin and the Kentucky Derby
Placing Bitcoin wagers on the Kentucky Derby has become increasingly popular in recent years as more and more people turn to cryptocurrencies as a form of payment and investment. Bitcoin, the world’s largest and most well-known crypto, has gained a reputation as a secure and anonymous way to make online transactions, and many sportsbooks have begun accepting Bitcoin as a method of payment for sports betting.
In 2018, one lucky bettor placed a 10 BTC wager on Justify to win the 147th Kentucky Derby. The Bob Baffert trained horse, with jockey Mike Smith riding, ended up crossing the finish line first, not only winning the Kentucky Derby but also becoming the 13th Triple Crown winner and retiring undefeated. The anonymous Bitcoin bettor also emerged victorious, earning more than $600,000 at all-time high prices.
The more mainstream Bitcoin becomes, the more common it will be for payments, deposits, and other forms of collateral in sports betting. To many gaming companies, Bitcoin is just as good as cash or credit. The infrastructure is already in place, and as Bitcoin adoption increases, it will only get better. So, if you’re looking to place a bet on the Kentucky Derby with Bitcoin, you can bet that the best betting sites will find a way to take your wager.
Here is BCK’s current top recommended Bitcoin sports betting sites.
Best Betting Odds on the Kentucky Derby 2023
Place your bets online for the Kentucky Derby.
As a professional sports bettor, I know that stamina is crucial for winning the 1 1/4-mile race. So, don’t be fooled by the pace-setting horses who may start strong but will likely fade down the stretch. Instead, focus on horses that can hang back early and have a solid closing burst.
Here are my top picks for the 2023 Kentucky Derby:
Tapit Trice: Most Likely to Win
First up, Tapit Trice (+500) is a gray horse with a winning pedigree. Trained by the legendary Todd Pletcher, this colt has won four of his five career starts and tends to sag off the pace early before finishing strong with his solid speed. With veteran jockey Luis Saez at the reins, Tapit Trice has a good chance to become the first gray horse to win the Kentucky Derby since Giacomo in 2005.
Angel of Empire: Strongest Closer
Angel of Empire (+800) is another contender with great closing speed. This colt has won four of his six starts and finished second in one of his defeats, including a victory at the Arkansas Derby. With experienced jockey Flavien Prat in the saddle, Angel of Empire could make a strong push to win the 2023 Kentucky Derby.
Verifying: Sleeper Pick
Looking for real value in your Kentucky Derby picks? Verifying (+1500) is my sleeper pick. Sired by Justify, who won the Triple Crown in 2018, Verifying has good speed and solid closing burst that can make him one of the fastest and freshest horses down the stretch. With jockey Tyler Gaffalione on board, Verifying could surprise everyone and take home the victory.
Skinner: Dark Horse Contender
And for those of you looking for a long shot, consider Skinner (+2000). This horse comes from a Derby-winning sire, Curlin, and has shown impressive closing speed in his most recent races. While he’s only won one of his six starts to date, Skinner’s ability to make up ground on the final stretch makes him a real threat to win.
Final Thoughts
As you get ready to place your bets for the Kentucky Derby, keep in mind that this is a race where anything can happen, and the unexpected is always possible. However, by targeting horses that exhibit the key traits of stamina, solid speed, and strong finishing ability, you can increase your chances of success.
But keep in mind that horse racing is a complex sport, and there are many factors at play that can influence the outcome of the race. From the jockey’s tactics to the track conditions, anything can impact the final result. Therefore, it’s important to do your research, study the form, and look for value in the odds. And remember, even the best-laid plans can go awry, so never bet more than you can afford to lose.
Good luck, and happy betting!
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