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Kentucky Derby anyone?

Discussion in 'The Sports Book' started by dylanfann, Apr 25, 2017.

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  1. dylanfann

    dylanfann Tourist

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    I will be in Vegas for the Kentucky Derby. Is anyone betting on the horses?
    I would like to, but have never done it before..any suggestions?
    How early can I bet? Can I bet the day before or early in the day, to beat the rush?
    Where is a good place to watch and bet, helpful & friendly for a first timer?
     
  2. BlacklabberMike

    BlacklabberMike MIA

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    I have lived and breathed, betting,owning,training horses for over 40 years.....

    The KY ;) Derby is a crazy day in Vegas. Big crowds, lots of action and the betting lines can get pretty long.
    Last time I was there I went to my room and used my laptop to make my bets on TVG, then watched the races in the book.
    Yes, you can bet the Derby starting on Friday...

    I usually have my derby horse picked out in November but this year
    no one has stuck out to me so far. Had the winner the last three years.
     
    • Wow! Wow! x 1
  3. ngrund

    ngrund High-Roller

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    just about anywhere there is a race book,

    many casinos will have Derby Parties in their ballrooms with races shown on large screen TVs.

    you won't be the only newbie, staff will be helpful, as will most other patrons..just be aware of post times for the other races and don't hold up the line while people are trying to get bets in (like 5-10 minutes before a post time) usually the next race will be shown on the main screen of the room

    there will also most likely be signage to help with the betting, basically you just need to know the amount, track, race number and number(s) of the horse(s) you want to bet on-

    http://www.artofmanliness.com/2012/05/03/how-to-bet-on-horses/
     
  4. gpenguins67

    gpenguins67 High-Roller

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    I have never been for the Kentucky Derby but I was there a few years back for the Belmont when California Chrome was trying for the Triple Crown.
    It is definitely something to be experienced. I was at the MGM and every screen had the race on in the sportsbook. The room fairly busy throughout the day but it was packed.leading up the the big race with barely any room to walk.
    The sportsbook will be busy but the tellers will be moving pretty fast to get the bets in.
    Like others mentioned don't wait till the last minute. If you are only gonna bet the one race and you already know in advance who you want to bet on, you will have about 45 minutes between the last race and the big race. So I would target earlier in that 45 minute timeframe to get your bet in ... you can always bet earlier in the day too if that makes you feel more comfortable.
    Tell them the track (Churchill Downs), the race # (which I believe will be race 12), what type of bet (win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, etc), how much u want to bet, and the horse number(s)..

    Oh yeah and make sure you ask for a drink ticket if you bet enough ( although most places you can show the waitress or bartender your ticket if it is $10 or more and they will comp your drink) just don't give them your ticket.... you'll need that to collect your winnings!!!!!
     
  5. vegasdev

    vegasdev VIP Whale

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    it is now a tradition for me to be in vegas on derby weekend. it is very exciting and i highly recommend it. I don't bet big money, but I place a few small bets the day before. I view the race somewhere downtown. probably this year at William Hill at the Plaza. i know nothing really about betting the horses, i just pick 2 or 3.
     
  6. vegasdev

    vegasdev VIP Whale

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    very interesting. any hints, tips, suggestions that you can offer, i am all ears.
     
  7. BlacklabberMike

    BlacklabberMike MIA

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    when i have my selections, they will be posted here...
     
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  8. Pea

    Pea Low-Roller

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    I placed my bets, but at that time they wouldn't let me do 'fancy' bets so I had to do 2 Wins.

    I bet whatever names strike me, like I'll Have Another who won years back.

    Have fun! IMG_20170426_062821.jpg
     
  9. dylanfann

    dylanfann Tourist

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    I was contemplated betting on Gormley also!
     
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  10. BlacklabberMike

    BlacklabberMike MIA

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    right now I am looking at Empire Maker, Gormley,IrishWarCry,BattleOf Midway. Some of the one I picked early have been sent to the sidelines.
     
  11. blkshirt

    blkshirt High-Roller

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    I've been to the derby (once) but since then use the two spires app to make my bets.

    Hit the pick 3 in 2015 and took the field in the derby. American Pharoh won and his odds were 5/2 opening... I don't remember what it was when I bought the ticket. But the damn bet was more than I won. I think I set aside $200 won a race lost two and then hit the pick 3. Ended up only out a few bucks.
     
    • Wow! Wow! x 1
  12. hammie

    hammie VIP Whale

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    Love going to an local race track or racing and betting on the fastest two minutes in sports!
     
  13. 93 Octane

    93 Octane Chief Bottle Washer

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    Not a big $$$ bettor on the ponies mostly $3 WPS but when the Birmingham AL racetrack was open I'd always stand by the fence facing the finish line. Loved to watch them run and hear the roaring thunder as they passed by....a first timer was always surprised how much dirt these magnificent animals kicked up when they were full throttle
     
  14. Joe Strummer

    Joe Strummer VIP Whale

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    I always have to bet on Friday at my local OTB -I'm too busy Saturday.
    they don't take bets until the pole positions are drawn.......that's what they
    told me.
    This year I'm spreading my " Win" bets out a bit --- at least, that's my plan
    But I will be glued to Blacklabber's picks !
     
  15. jamesxnj

    jamesxnj VIP Whale

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    Love this thread ! I'll be at the Orleans and be sure to grab a seat at the bar a few hours before...
    @dylanfan (Yeah me too a huge fan) but all you have to say to the ticket writer is for the Derby..no need to waste time,They know..Other races for sure you have to be specific but not Derby Day
    .
    Just say the Derby,amount of bet and then bet type..If looking for a bigger bang than Win/Place/Show just google exoctic horseracing wagers.You can bet it on Friday if you want some time with the writer to clarify the bets.. Ask him who he likes also..some friendly conversation and buy him $5 win ticket on his pick may get some extra drink tix..
    .
    All depends where you are staying for replies on best place to watch it,but all the books will be crowded before and awhile after..
    Happy BD man. Hope you hit something.
     
  16. jamesxnj

    jamesxnj VIP Whale

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    That's the Wow from me Mike..Nice..Have had a few winners past years but I'm always looking for the 20 X Exacta or Tri..Usually a losing prop..
    Only claim to fame was $40x on Ferdinand and bet in NJ where it paid a lot more than the West coast back then..
     
  17. BlacklabberMike

    BlacklabberMike MIA

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    will try my best not to let you down... remember Woodchopper I gave out in vegas,com days....
    even Trane was impressed


    I should be ready wed or thurs
     
  18. Rush

    Rush MIA

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    They call the Derby, "The most exciting two minutes in sports".

    Most of my ladies would beg to differ.......

    :rolleyes:
     
    • Funny Funny x 1
  19. BlacklabberMike

    BlacklabberMike MIA

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    mine would be highly disappointed for two minutes.......
     
  20. dylanfann

    dylanfann Tourist

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    Thanks @jamesxnj . Good info. Last year we watched it at The Bellagio, (we stay right next door). It was super packed, never seen anything like that before. Lots of excitement. Didn't get there early enough to bet, so really want to try betting this year. I think I will try the Friday thing. Hope you hit something big also..:woot:
     
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