WAGERING

Learn how to bet at Churchill Downs Racetrack, get expert picks and tips for your day at the races.

 

EXPERT PICKS

MEET THE EXPERTS

Joe Kristufek
Churchill Downs, Ellis Park, Fair Grounds and Twin Spires' senior producer & racing analyst Joe Kristufek began his career in his native Chicago, climbing the ladder at the local racing venues. The 1989 rivalry between Kentucky Derby winner Sunday Silence and his nemesis Easy Goer got Joe hooked on horse racing. A self-proclaimed "horse racing ambassador", Joe's industry experience spans from Dubai to Hong Kong to roughly 40 tracks across North America.
Kevin Kilroy
Kevin Kilroy is a racing and handicapping analyst covering the racing at Churchill Downs, Colonial Downs, Ellis Park, Fair Grounds and Turfway Park.
Tony Calo
Churchill Downs Racing Analyst as well as Turfway Park and Ellis Park Announcer.

Expert Picks Provided by Brisnet

Handicapper picks and past performances will be updated by 11 AM ET each race day.

LEARN HOW TO BET

Discover who the experts think you should bet in the Kentucky Derby. Check out our helpful tips below as well as our How to Wager Guide!

BEGINNER

Where to begin?

Placing a bet on the Kentucky Derby is a fun way to have a rooting interest in the race outcome, even if you don’t know much about the sport of horse racing.

Intermediate

How to improve your betting?

Step foot into exotic betting with exactas, trifectas and superfectas! Do you know the impact of training workouts, final race times, or the best way to bet your Kentucky Derby horse on a budget of $2, $10, $25, or $100!? Maybe you know a thing or two about betting on horse races, but expert horseplayers take multiple factors into consideration before making their selections and choosing their bets.

Advanced

Want to take your handicapping to the next level?

Have you attempted a vertical sequence such as a Daily Double, Pick 3, Pick 4, Pick 5 or a Pick 6 before? Maybe you regularly watch and analyze horse racing and can understand a racing program with past performances, but can you spot a class improvement or class drop, or use speed and class ratings which could impact a race performance and the race competition?

Expert

Discover an additional edge

When it comes to handicapping horse races, knowing how to bet is every bit as important as knowing who to bet. Expert horseplayers spend a large portion of their time constructing sound, logical wagers designed to give them the best chance at generating profits. Bankroll management, sound ticket construction and data inclusion into your opinions are paramount for optimal success in wagering.

Bet the Derby at Home

Join millions in watching the races together! TwinSpires is our suggestion for real money and free-to-play fantasy options.

Betting on a Budget

Budgets can be scary, but here is how to calculate costs to empower you with confidence in your race picks. Know your limits and grow that bankroll.

The Show Parlay Group Bet

Parlay Party! Keeping it simple makes watching the races fun for the entire group and that’s why we always first recommend the Show Parlay.

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