5 Important Betting Tools For Your First Kentucky Derby

May 05, 2017 Alastair Bull/TwinSpires.com

Tools to Help Your First-Time Visit to the Kentucky Derby

Are you planning to bet on the Kentucky Derby for the first time, especially at a track? It can seem a little bewildering, but there are plenty of things that can help. 

A PLAN:
It’s a very good idea to have some plan of what you want to do before you arrive. This includes research on what you’re thinking of betting on prior to arrival, a budgeting plan to ensure you don’t overspend, and some sort of schedule to ensure you can look at the horses, and have enough time to make your final bets and watch the races. 

RACE BOOK:
Nothing is more helpful than a race book or program on race day. Not only do they tell you who is running, they provide information on past race record, a horse’s breeding, the jockey, trainer, and track information. In short, a great deal of the useful information is there.

MOBILE APPS:
Aside from including much of the information in a race book, the TwinSpires App for Android and iPhone is a great way to bet, to ensure you don’t have to stand in line at a betting window. It’s easy to set up an account, load money on to it, and then bet. You can also watch races on the app. Further focus your attention on unique features in the Churchill Downs while attending the Kentucky Derby, available on both Android and iPhone.

ODDS:
Keeping an eye on the odds not only gives you an idea of how much money your bets can return, it also gives you an idea of whether other punters share your view of what a horse’s chances are.

NOTE-TAKING TOOLS:
Whether it be something on your smartphone or old-school pen and paper, something to take any relevant notes can be very helpful.

Find more tools and betting guides for handicapping here.