‘Player-friendly’ bets add to 2019 Kentucky Derby wagering menu

After receiving approval this week by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, Churchill Downs will offer a two-day Pick 6 spread across May 3 (Kentucky Oaks day) and May 4 (Kentucky Derby day), plus has the option to implement head to head wagers similar to those offered during last fall’s Breeders’ Cup.

Gary Palmisano, Churchill Downs’ VIP player services manager, said the $2 Pick 6 has a 15% takeout and mandatory payout.

“It offers a player-friendly opportunity for core horseplayers who are used to playing the Pick 6 on big days,” Palmisano said. “It’s an exciting wager that encompasses the Oaks and Derby.”

In addition to the Oaks, Friday’s race is the La Troienne (G1) for older fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles.

On Saturday, the Churchill Downs (G1) for older sprinters, Humana Distaff (G1) for the ladies around one turn and Old Forester Turf Classic (G1), the lead in to the Derby, are each part of the sequence.

Churchill Downs’ Derby day scratch deadline of 9 a.m. Friday offers reassurance as well.

With the $2 Pick 6 on the menu, Churchill will also run its 20-cent Single 6 jackpot on Oaks and Derby days. Previously, the track waited until the main portion of the spring meet to begin, with 90% of the pool paying out to players who pick six winners and a 10% jackpot carryover.

As for the head to head bets, “We think it could be an exciting addition to the wagering menu, but we understand there are some challenges to the format,” Palmisano said.

For instance, at the Breeders’ Cup, a head to head wager placing Enable against the rest of the Breeders’ Cup Turf field made her the No. 1 betting option. On the program, for regular win wagering, she was No. 2, causing confusion for players and tellers alike.

On Breeders' Cup, takeout for the theoretical 50/50 wager was 10%.

Should Churchill elect not to implement head to heads this go around, KHRC approval grants the opportunity in the future.