Betting Guide
2024 Kentucky Derby Trainer Odds
Betting Odds
By TVG Staff
Updated April 24, 2024
When considering the various wagering angles to take on the 2024 Kentucky Derby, one you may have missed is betting on the trainers you believe can saddle the winner.
Looking at the form of horses like Forte, Tapit Trice, Kingsbarns, Angel of Empire, or Derma Sotogake to predict their Kentucky Derby chances can be tough. However, knowing they are trained by Todd Pletcher, Todd Pletcher, Todd Pletcher (no, this is not a typo!), Brad Cox, and Hidetaka Okonashi can make it easier. Knowing who trains a horse, you can learn what their record is in big races like the Kentucky Derby, and make smarter handicapping decisions.
Live Derby Week Coverage on FanDuel TV+
Watch FanDuel Racing’s live, commercial-free, racing coverage of Derby Week on FanDuel TV+ beginning Saturday, 4/29 – Thursday 5/4. FanDuel TV will also be on-site at Churchill Downs providing comprehensive coverage, including the latest news, analysis, and handicapping insights in the days leading up to the Derby.
Hundreds of different bets are available from straight wagers to exotics and even jockey betting, so why not take a chance on your favorite too?
Historical trainers with the most Kentucky Derby winners of all time include Ben Jones (6), Herbert “Derby Dick” Thompson (4), James “Sunny Jim” Fitzsimmons (3), and Max Hirsch.
Among active trainers eligible to run in the Kentucky Derby, D. Wayne Lukas (4), Doug O’Neill (2), Todd Pletcher (2), and Nick Zito (2) lead the standings. (Bob Baffert has six after the disqualification of Medina Spirit from the 2021 Kentucky Derby, but Baffert is also currently suspended. No horses were moved from his barn to another barn by the eligibility deadline, so barring a surprise court ruling in favor of Amr Zedan to allow Muth into the Derby, Baffert’s horses will not become a factor in the Triple Crown until the Preakness.)
Several trainers have more than one horse in, which will change their odds to be lower as they have more shots to win. Chad Brown has qualifying points leader Sierra Leone, who won the Blue Grass (G1) impressively, as well as longer shot Domestic Product, winner of the Tampa Bay Derby (G3). Brad Cox sends out a trio: Louisiana Derby (G2) winner Catching Freedom, Blue Grass second-place finisher Just a Touch, and Lexington (G3) winner Encino. Danny Gargan also sends out a pair, Remsen (G2) winner Dornoch as well as surprise Wood Memorial (G2) second-place finisher Society Man.
Kentucky Derby Trainer Odds
Though the 2024 Kentucky Derby has yet to be drawn, the points races have concluded, so the field is starting to take shape. These are the horses who remain under consideration for the Kentucky Derby, who trains each horse, and the amount of qualifying points each horse has. We will provide odds as soon as the draw has happened and morning-line prices are released.
Note that T O Password earned a spot by leading the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby series. No horse from the Europe Road to the Kentucky Derby plans to come to Louisville, meaning the top 19 horses in traditional American points will go to Louisville. If a horse defects before the draw on April 30, a horse with fewer points will move up and draw a gate like anyone else in the field. Up to four horses can join the also-eligible list, as well. If a horse scratches from the main field after the draw but before betting opens on May 3, they will draw into the field and start from the outside, like Rich Strike did when he won in 2022.
| Rank | Horse | Trainer | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sierra Leone | Chad Brown | 155 |
| 2 | Fierceness | Todd Pletcher | 136 |
| 3 | Catching Freedom | Brad Cox | 125 |
| 4 | Stronghold | Phil D’Amato | 125 |
| 5 | Resilience | Bill Mott | 110 |
| 6 | Forever Young | Yoshito Yahagi | 100 |
| 7 | Endlessly | Michael McCarthy | 100 |
| 8 | Dornoch | Danny Gargan | 75 |
| 9 | Just a Touch | Brad Cox | 75 |
| 10 | Track Phantom | Steve Asmussen | 70 |
| 11 | West Saratoga | Larry Demeritte | 67 |
| 12 | Just Steel | D. Wayne Lukas | 65 |
| 13 | Honor Marie | Whit Beckman | 65 |
| 14 | Domestic Product | Chad Brown | 60 |
| 15 | Catalytic | Saffie Joseph, Jr. | 50 |
| 16 | Society Man | Danny Gargan | 50 |
| 17 | Mystik Dan | Kenny McPeek | 46 |
| 18 | Encino | Brad Cox | 40 |
| 19 | Grand Mo the First | Victor Barboza, Jr. | 40 |
| 20 | T O Password | Daisuke Takayanagi | Japan |
| 21 | Epic Ride | John Ennis | 35 |
| 22 | Uncle Heavy | Butch Reid | 30 |
| 23 | Seize the Grey | D. Wayne Lukas | 27 |
Betting on Kentucky Derby Trainers
When available, the odds compiled in the winning trainer market are of course not based on the respective handlers’ all-time record, but rather whether or not they gave a strong Kentucky Derby contender this year.
If your favorite trainer is listed at huge Kentucky Derby odds, think twice before making a wager. If they have a strong under-the-radar Derby contender and they have a record of getting late bloomers to run well in the first Saturday in May, a longshot bet may make sense. If not, another wager may be more prudent.
On the other hand, if a trainer has multiple live Kentucky Derby contenders, it may still make sense to take a shorter price in the trainer market. After all, this means they have more chances to win than trainers with only one live prospect.
Bet on you favorite Horse & Stay up-to date with Kentucky Derby Odds with TVG
You can watch and wager with TVG on Kentucky Derby day and every day! Keep visiting our site for expert information on Kentucky Derby picks, betting tips, and odds to stay informed about what value you can get for your wagers. We will also keep you up-to-date on the Kentucky Oaks Odds for Friday.
Kentucky Derby FAQ
https://www.tvg.com/promos/kentucky-derby/kentucky-derby-picks/
1) When is the Kentucky Derby?
The 150th Kentucky Derby takes place on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
2) Which horse is the best bet for the 2024 Kentucky Derby?
Handicapping can be tough, but using information from Derby prep races will help. Stay up-to-date with our Kentucky Derby contenders list to see who is in the running.
3) What bets does the Kentucky Derby offer?
There are a range of Kentucky Derby wagers available, from classic win, place, and show bets to those a little more exotic.
4) How are Kentucky Derby odds calculated?
2024 Kentucky Derby odds are decided on the pari-mutuel system, with potential returns shown including a $2 stake. For basic odds, if a horse is 3-1 and you bet $10, you would receive $40 back in total if it wins: $30 in winnings, plus your initial $10 stake.
2024 Kentucky Derby Picks
The race has been drawn; we know which horses got in, so it’s time to start planning and placing bets on the big race. Our picks page features expert selections for the 2024 Kentucky Derby!
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If you don't win your first single-horse win betFeatured TVG Promotions
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If you don't win your first single-horse win betBy TVG Staff
Updated April 24, 2024
When considering the various wagering angles to take on the 2024 Kentucky Derby, one you may have missed is betting on the trainers you believe can saddle the winner.
Looking at the form of horses like Forte, Tapit Trice, Kingsbarns, Angel of Empire, or Derma Sotogake to predict their Kentucky Derby chances can be tough. However, knowing they are trained by Todd Pletcher, Todd Pletcher, Todd Pletcher (no, this is not a typo!), Brad Cox, and Hidetaka Okonashi can make it easier. Knowing who trains a horse, you can learn what their record is in big races like the Kentucky Derby, and make smarter handicapping decisions.
Live Derby Week Coverage on FanDuel TV+
Watch FanDuel Racing’s live, commercial-free, racing coverage of Derby Week on FanDuel TV+ beginning Saturday, 4/29 – Thursday 5/4. FanDuel TV will also be on-site at Churchill Downs providing comprehensive coverage, including the latest news, analysis, and handicapping insights in the days leading up to the Derby.
Hundreds of different bets are available from straight wagers to exotics and even jockey betting, so why not take a chance on your favorite too?
Historical trainers with the most Kentucky Derby winners of all time include Ben Jones (6), Herbert “Derby Dick” Thompson (4), James “Sunny Jim” Fitzsimmons (3), and Max Hirsch.
Among active trainers eligible to run in the Kentucky Derby, D. Wayne Lukas (4), Doug O’Neill (2), Todd Pletcher (2), and Nick Zito (2) lead the standings. (Bob Baffert has six after the disqualification of Medina Spirit from the 2021 Kentucky Derby, but Baffert is also currently suspended. No horses were moved from his barn to another barn by the eligibility deadline, so barring a surprise court ruling in favor of Amr Zedan to allow Muth into the Derby, Baffert’s horses will not become a factor in the Triple Crown until the Preakness.)
Several trainers have more than one horse in, which will change their odds to be lower as they have more shots to win. Chad Brown has qualifying points leader Sierra Leone, who won the Blue Grass (G1) impressively, as well as longer shot Domestic Product, winner of the Tampa Bay Derby (G3). Brad Cox sends out a trio: Louisiana Derby (G2) winner Catching Freedom, Blue Grass second-place finisher Just a Touch, and Lexington (G3) winner Encino. Danny Gargan also sends out a pair, Remsen (G2) winner Dornoch as well as surprise Wood Memorial (G2) second-place finisher Society Man.
Kentucky Derby Trainer Odds
Though the 2024 Kentucky Derby has yet to be drawn, the points races have concluded, so the field is starting to take shape. These are the horses who remain under consideration for the Kentucky Derby, who trains each horse, and the amount of qualifying points each horse has. We will provide odds as soon as the draw has happened and morning-line prices are released.
Note that T O Password earned a spot by leading the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby series. No horse from the Europe Road to the Kentucky Derby plans to come to Louisville, meaning the top 19 horses in traditional American points will go to Louisville. If a horse defects before the draw on April 30, a horse with fewer points will move up and draw a gate like anyone else in the field. Up to four horses can join the also-eligible list, as well. If a horse scratches from the main field after the draw but before betting opens on May 3, they will draw into the field and start from the outside, like Rich Strike did when he won in 2022.
| Rank | Horse | Trainer | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sierra Leone | Chad Brown | 155 |
| 2 | Fierceness | Todd Pletcher | 136 |
| 3 | Catching Freedom | Brad Cox | 125 |
| 4 | Stronghold | Phil D’Amato | 125 |
| 5 | Resilience | Bill Mott | 110 |
| 6 | Forever Young | Yoshito Yahagi | 100 |
| 7 | Endlessly | Michael McCarthy | 100 |
| 8 | Dornoch | Danny Gargan | 75 |
| 9 | Just a Touch | Brad Cox | 75 |
| 10 | Track Phantom | Steve Asmussen | 70 |
| 11 | West Saratoga | Larry Demeritte | 67 |
| 12 | Just Steel | D. Wayne Lukas | 65 |
| 13 | Honor Marie | Whit Beckman | 65 |
| 14 | Domestic Product | Chad Brown | 60 |
| 15 | Catalytic | Saffie Joseph, Jr. | 50 |
| 16 | Society Man | Danny Gargan | 50 |
| 17 | Mystik Dan | Kenny McPeek | 46 |
| 18 | Encino | Brad Cox | 40 |
| 19 | Grand Mo the First | Victor Barboza, Jr. | 40 |
| 20 | T O Password | Daisuke Takayanagi | Japan |
| 21 | Epic Ride | John Ennis | 35 |
| 22 | Uncle Heavy | Butch Reid | 30 |
| 23 | Seize the Grey | D. Wayne Lukas | 27 |
Betting on Kentucky Derby Trainers
When available, the odds compiled in the winning trainer market are of course not based on the respective handlers’ all-time record, but rather whether or not they gave a strong Kentucky Derby contender this year.
If your favorite trainer is listed at huge Kentucky Derby odds, think twice before making a wager. If they have a strong under-the-radar Derby contender and they have a record of getting late bloomers to run well in the first Saturday in May, a longshot bet may make sense. If not, another wager may be more prudent.
On the other hand, if a trainer has multiple live Kentucky Derby contenders, it may still make sense to take a shorter price in the trainer market. After all, this means they have more chances to win than trainers with only one live prospect.
Bet on you favorite Horse & Stay up-to date with Kentucky Derby Odds with TVG
You can watch and wager with TVG on Kentucky Derby day and every day! Keep visiting our site for expert information on Kentucky Derby picks, betting tips, and odds to stay informed about what value you can get for your wagers. We will also keep you up-to-date on the Kentucky Oaks Odds for Friday.
Kentucky Derby FAQ
https://www.tvg.com/promos/kentucky-derby/kentucky-derby-picks/
1) When is the Kentucky Derby?
The 150th Kentucky Derby takes place on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
2) Which horse is the best bet for the 2024 Kentucky Derby?
Handicapping can be tough, but using information from Derby prep races will help. Stay up-to-date with our Kentucky Derby contenders list to see who is in the running.
3) What bets does the Kentucky Derby offer?
There are a range of Kentucky Derby wagers available, from classic win, place, and show bets to those a little more exotic.
4) How are Kentucky Derby odds calculated?
2024 Kentucky Derby odds are decided on the pari-mutuel system, with potential returns shown including a $2 stake. For basic odds, if a horse is 3-1 and you bet $10, you would receive $40 back in total if it wins: $30 in winnings, plus your initial $10 stake.
2024 Kentucky Derby Picks
The race has been drawn; we know which horses got in, so it’s time to start planning and placing bets on the big race. Our picks page features expert selections for the 2024 Kentucky Derby!