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A32 FEATURE
Friday 3 May 2019

Some basic tips for betting on horse racing, Kentucky Derby

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Pick- as the Travers Stakes and
ing a horse to win the Ken- season-ending Breeders'
tucky Derby is easy. Cup World Championships.
Placing a bet is as close as PARI-MUTUEL BETTING-
a cellphone, tablet, com- SPORTS BETTING
puter or even a smart TV When wagering, the lon-
with internet access. But ger the odds the bigger the
for the novice or inexpe- payoff.
rienced bettor, making a In horse racing, the odds
wager that pays off with a are not finalized until the
profit can be a challenge: race begins. That is known
Beginners need to know as pari-mutuel betting.
how to place a bet, who to That's different than sports
bet on and where to place betting in which bettors get
the bet. the odds that are available
Off-track simulcasting in at the time they make their
more than two dozen bet.
states offers a convenient New Jersey tracks also of-
alternative to going to the fer exchange wagering
track. Of course, there's for horse races, which dif-
always the actual experi- fers from pari-mutuel bet-
ence of walking up to the ting. Exchange wagering
betting window at the matches and locks in the
track. odds at the time a bet is
That's a good option if placed and also allows
you can't get to Churchill betting during the race.
Downs, where 150,000 And while sports betting
spectators are expected expanded in several states
for Saturday's 145th Derby last year after the U.S. Su-
and hoping to get some Kentucky Derby hopeful War of Will is ridden during a workout at Churchill Downs Tuesday, April preme Court ruled that
action on Game Winner, 30, 2019, in Louisville, Ky. states could legalize sports
the 9-2 new morning line Associated Press gambling, it does not in-
favorite after 4-1 previous clude horse racing. Even
favorite Omaha Beach exacta involves correctly DO YOUR HOMEWORK tracks worldwide. Wager- in most states that have
was scratched Wednesday picking the first two horses Determining who to bet on ing is free, but it will require legalized sports betting,
evening with a breathing in order, or in any order with can start with a daily rac- setting up a subscription placing a bet on horse rac-
problem. a combination known as a ing program that lists en- and require banking infor- ing is limited to the tracks as
Minimum bets vary from box bet (1-2 or 2-1, for ex- trants for each race and mation to place bets and the sport examines how to
state to state, but here are ample). information including odds, deposit winnings. Those compete and benefit from
some things to consider Superfecta bets (picking jockey, trainer, silks, saddle services even provide live new legislation.
when placing a wager: the first four horses) are also towel color and past per- streaming and replays. KNOW YOUR LIMIT
THE BASICS available, as are exotic formances. They can be Various online sites offer As rewarding as cashing
The obvious wager is bet- wagers such as Pick 3 and purchased at the track, si- betting tips along with news in a winning bet can be,
ting on a horse to win. Just Pick 6 that requires choos- mulcast venue or a track's and updates. It's the most the desire to win more or
pick one. But after that, it ing the winning horses in website. convenient way to bet on recoup some inevitable
can get a little trickier. multiple races. A Pick 3 and It will initially seem like a lot marquee races such as losses can get intoxicating
Bets can be made on a a Pick 6 are the hardest to of numbers and statistics, the Kentucky Derby, Preak- — and risky. When novice
horse to win, place (finish predict, leading to rollover but tracks and web sites ness and Belmont Stakes or inexperienced bettors
first or second) or show (fin- jackpots that can be very offer instructions on how as the Triple Crown season make wagers on horse rac-
ish first, second or third) — lucrative. But they prob- to read and understand a unfolds. It's also a good ing, it should be for enter-
or all three with an across- ably are best left to more program. One benefit to option for other marquee tainment purposes and not
the-board wager. An seasoned bettors. being at the track is seeing races during the year such income.q
how the horse looks in the
paddock or during the pre-
race parade. Appearance
and temperament are im-
portant, so keep an eye on
horse's ears to see how en-
gaged the horse is with the
atmosphere.
And there's nothing wrong
with playing a hunch, since
after all, it's just a gamble.
ONLINE BETTING
After learning what to bet
and who to bet on, the
next step is placing the bet.
Numerous websites such as
In this May 2, 2015, file photo, a man places a bet before the TwinSpires.com — Churchill In this May 14, 2018, file photo, men watch horse racing on an
141st running of the Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs' online service — array of screens at Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport,
Downs, in Louisville, Ky. Equibase.com and TVG. N.J.
Associated Press com offer betting at race- Associated Press