Sports betting

Kentucky Derby Gambling, Breeders Cup Gambling, Horse Betting Odds

by Mike Gratton | April 30 2009

The most exciting two minutes in sports is upon us, with the Kentucky Derby set to run on Saturday, May 2nd.

The famous Churchill Downs racetrack will, as always, will host this annual rite of spring. The field is set and they held the post draw, determining where each entrant will start from.

Now the big sports betting action can begin with the starting gates set, everyone knows who each horse is running against and the last stage of Kentucky Derby handicapping begins.

The Kentucky Derby favorite, I Want Revenge, landed in the number 13 slip. Bettors who already wagered on the Wood Memorial winner will be happy with that draw. The number 13 slip sets up very nicely.

In fact, when you look at the top four favorites, each of them will be satisfied with their draw, as Dunkirk, Friesan Fire and Pioneer of The Nile, drew posts 15, 6 and 16, respectively.

Each of these horse have a shot at winning the Kentucky Derby and setting themselves up for a run at the Triple Crown.

Speaking of the Triple Crown, I have to mention a great free contest: SPORTSBETTING.COM's $100,000 Triple Crown Contest.

The $100,000 Triple Crown Contest is played over the course of the three 2009 Triple Crown races to be held on May 2, May 16 and June 6. You can play one or you can play them all. Prizes are awarded for each leg, and the big prizes are given to those with the best picks over the course of all three races.

Picks can be set after the field is set and the post positions have been assigned, during the official entry period for each race.

You can catch up on your handicapping by reading the Kentucky Derby Betting Guide before registering for the $100,000 Triple Crown contest or checking out all the Kentucky Derby odds.

Today, I want to look at a few of the Kentucky Derby longshots.

Kentucky Derby Odds courtesy of SPORTSBETTING.COM:

- West Side Bernie (30-1): West Side Bernie slotted in behind I Want Revenge in the Wood Memorial. That was his best run and he has been better on conventional dirt, but this field should prove too strong for him to be a real factor. And his rail draw makes it even tougher on him.

- Musket Man (20-1): This colt will be lining up for the seventh race of his career. A well-managed horse, he has a shot at being a factor in this race. He didn't look good in his trip around at the Sam F. Davis, but he did get a comprehensive Illinois Derby score. Maybe worth a look.

- Mr. Hot Stuff (30-1): Came in third at the Santa Anita Derby, finishing very strong. He has run two nine-furlong races and his bloodlines and training set up very nicely for this distance. This colt has a jockey riding him who has momentum, with Johnny Velazquez. Could be interesting looking at him in Kentucky Derby betting props.

Be sure to check out the special 100% Kentucky Derby bonus at one of the best sports betting online sportsbooks out there, SPORTSBETTING.COM.

Author: Mike Gratton placed his first wager on a horse race in the mid-80s. It was a 2-1 horse to show… and it came in fourth. Mike has progressed to be a successful horse racing handicapper and sports betting mind over the years. He loves to impart the knowledge he has garnered over the years in his articles focused on helping others with their sports betting and horse handicapping.