Kentucky Derby futures pool expands to 40 betting interests
A new Kentucky Derby Future Wager pool with up to 40 betting interests, including the popular “All Others” option, will debut on Nov. 1 and close Nov. 3 in advance of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.
The new three-day pool, which features $2 win and exacta wagering, will open Tuesday, Nov. 1, at noon (all times EDT) and close Thursday, Nov. 3 at 6 p.m.
Technology advancements now allow up to 40 pari-mutuel betting interests, up from 24 in previous years. Track officials will release the field for Pool 1 following the conclusion of Sunday’s “Stars of Tomorrow I” at Churchill Downs – the fall meet opening day showcase of 2-year-olds.
Inaugurated in 1999, the Kentucky Derby Future Wagers provide fans of Thoroughbred racing with opportunities to place bets on possible entrants in the Kentucky Derby at odds that could be far greater and more attractive than those available on the day of the race. The 149th running of Kentucky Derby, the first leg of the Triple Crown, is set for Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Churchill Downs.
All told, there are six Future Wager pools scheduled in advance of the 2023 Kentucky Derby: Nov. 1-3 (Pool 1); Nov. 24-27 (Pool 2); Jan. 20-22 (Pool 3); Feb. 10-12 (Pool 4); March 10-12 (Pool 5); and March 30-April 1 (Pool 6). The Kentucky Derby Sire Future Wager, which debuted in 2015 and requires bettors to wager on the winning sire for next year’s Kentucky Derby winner, will be held concurrently with Pool 2 on Nov. 24-27. The lone Kentucky Oaks Future Wager will coincide with Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 5 on March 10-12.
Bets can be placed at Churchill Downs Racetrack, TwinSpires.com and other online wagering outlets and satellite wagering centers across North America.
There are no refunds in the Kentucky Derby Future Wager. Should Churchill Downs officials determine during the duration of a pool that one of the wagering interests has experienced an injury, illness or other circumstance that would prevent the horse from participating in the Kentucky Derby, betting on the individual horse will be suspended immediately.
As was the case last year, Pool 1 will assume that horses under the care of trainers suspended from competing in the 2023 Kentucky Derby will not be under consideration. Instead, they will be included within the pari-mutuel field.
A record total of $2,060,691 was bet on future wagers for the 2022 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks.