The Kentucky Derby is one of the major betting events in horse racing. Even those who don’t follow horse racing on a regular basis like to wager on which horse will win the Run for the Roses. Betting the Kentucky Derby for free is a possibility when you claim bonus money from one of our recommended online horse betting sites.
Free Horse Betting Money
Some people are familiar with the bonuses that are given by horse racing betting sites. These free money bonuses usually come in two forms. There is the free bet bonus and there is the matching deposit bonus. Either of these can be used to make bets on the Kentucky Derby.
A free bet bonus does not require you to make a deposit with the online horse betting site. You just create an account and the free bet will be added to your balance once the sign up process is complete. These bonuses are often small, with about $10-$20 being the average.
A matching deposit bonus is when the online horse betting site matches your first deposit dollar for dollar up to a certain amount. Some will even give you more than 100% on your match. Deposit $100 and you will receive $100 in free betting money. That money can be spent on any race you desire. This includes the Kentucky Derby.
Why Use Free Money for the Kentucky Derby
The obvious answer to this is that you don’t have to use your own money. You can just leave it in your account and allow your bankroll to grow. If you are fortunate enough to win with your free wagers, your bankroll will grow.
But why should you use it on the day of the Kentucky Derby? It is because the Kentucky Derby offers better betting opportunities than most other races. The fields are full of talented horses. There are more betting choices. It is more difficult to handicap the races on this day. Special wagers are given to the public.
All of these are valid reasons for making bets on the Kentucky Derby, but the simple fact is that the betting pools are larger. This means that there is more money in each pool to potentially be won. As a result, bettors usually get a better price or better odds than they would on a standard race.
It is not unusual for the favorite of the Kentucky Derby to be 2-1 or more at post time. Many horses have won the Derby with starting odds of 4-1. You will get better odds when you use your free money in the big pools of Churchill Downs.
The same can be said for other big events in horse racing. The Preakness Stakes, the Belmont Stakes, and the Breeders’ Cup also offer large pools and special wagers. Take advantage of them.
Playing Smart on Derby Day
Just because you have free money to bet with on Kentucky Derby day doesn’t mean you need to be undisciplined. Don’t make bets just for the sake of action. Bet on your informed choices.
Betting the Kentucky Derby for free can be profitable when you go about it the right way. This means having a plan of action and using sound money management. You might begin by allocating a specific amount of money to straight wagers and a specific amount to exotics.
A good plan is to decide in advance the lowest price you are willing to accept on a straight wager. Some bettors stick to the old 3-1 limit. They reason that since favorites only win once out of every three races, 3-1 is the minimum price for the best chance to break even. At 3-1 odds you only need to win 33% of the time, just like the favorites do.
At EZ Horse Betting we have put together many examples of money management methods for horse betting. We have also written about various systems you can use. It is not so important which system you use as it is to use some kind of plan. Choose what works best for you.
How to Find the Best Kentucky Derby Betting Value
Whether you are betting with free promotional funds or your own money, finding value in the Kentucky Derby requires a slightly different approach than handicapping a typical race. With fields of up to 20 horses, the win pool is spread across far more runners than in a standard race, which creates opportunities for overlays — horses whose odds are higher than their true probability of winning would suggest.
The key is to resist the gravitational pull of the well-known names and focus on horses whose form merits more respect than the public is giving them. Horses that qualified for the Derby through the points system with consistent performances at classic distances often outperform their odds against more hyped rivals. Pace scenario analysis is also especially important in the Derby, where large fields create unpredictable early fractions and traffic issues that can help closers or hurt front-runners depending on how the race develops.
For exotic bettors, the Derby’s large field and wide-open nature make trifectas and superfectas particularly attractive. A well-constructed ticket covering several legitimate contenders at realistic prices can return substantial payouts even with a modest base investment. Our guide on betting a Kentucky Derby parlay covers multi-race betting strategies around the Derby, and our article on how points are earned for the Kentucky Derby explains the qualification system that shapes the field.
The Special Pools on Derby Day
Churchill Downs and its parent company, Twin Spires, are fond of offering exclusive betting pools for the Kentucky Derby. The future wagers are always popular. There are also exotic bets which combine races from the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby cards.
A special Pick 6 usually is a highlight. This pool can grow into the millions with all the bettors on the track and those betting horses online hope for a life-changing payday. There are Daily Doubles for the Derby and Oaks, and other similar bets.
These pools get a lot of attention, but that doesn’t mean they are more difficult to handicap. In fact, you are still picking what you feel is the best horse. Granted, the fields are more competitive, but you still have to pick a winner.
Betting the special pools can be easier online. You don’t have to worry about being shut out at the windows if you are betting live.
Are you ready to back your chosen horse in the Kentucky Derby? Now you know what you need to know about betting the Kentucky Derby for free. Check out our recommended online horse betting sites to claim your own free money bonus.
