Budget-friendly ways to bet the Kentucky Derby favorite

Not every bettor has the budget (or the desire) to wager thousands of dollars on the Kentucky Derby.

Maybe you’re just excited to watch “the greatest two minutes in sports” and want a rooting interest in the outcome. You’re happy to bet the favorite if it means you’ll cash a ticket, but $10 is all you really want to spend.

If you match the above description, then #17 Tiz the Law (3-5 on the morning line) is the horse you want to play in the 2020 Kentucky Derby.

Runaway winner of the Florida Derby (G1), Belmont Stakes (G1), and Travers (G1), Tiz the Law looms as the most formidable Kentucky Derby favorite in decades. The son of Constitution is widely expected to deliver a resounding victory at Churchill Downs.

Sound exciting? Then let’s look at five ways to bet the Kentucky Derby favorite on a $10 budget:

$10 to win on 17: The payoff won’t be huge — likely between $16 and $20 — but a simple win bet only requires Tiz the Law to cross the finish line first. If he wins, you win.

$10 to show on 17: The payoff will be minimal (probably less than $15), but playing Tiz the Law to show is the surest bet you can hope to find in the Kentucky Derby. So long as he finishes in the top three, you’ll come away a winner.

$10 exacta, 17 with 16: The powerful Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner #16 Honor A. P. (5-1) is a clear choice to finish second behind Tiz the Law. Betting the favorite over Honor A. P. in a straight exacta will boost your return on investment (perhaps to $50 or higher), though they’ll have to run 1-2 in the correct order for you to cash.

$2 trifecta, 17 with 16 with 3,10,12,15,18 (costs $10): If you want to aim for a big payoff on a $10 budget, why not give the trifecta a try? Catch the right longshot underneath Tiz the Law and Honor A. P., and you could be looking at a payoff in excess of $100.

$10 Oaks/Derby double, 5 with 17: Friday’s Kentucky Oaks (G1) is the fillies’ equivalent to the Kentucky Derby, and the brilliant #5 Gamine (1-1) is a deserving favorite. Pair her with Tiz the Law in the popular Oaks/Derby double and you might catch a return of $40 or so.

Good luck with your bets, and enjoy the race!

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Head to BetAmerica to bet the 2020 Kentucky Derby!