Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks: How To Bet Small and Win Big in 2023

The 2023 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks are two of the most highly anticipated horse racing events of the year. This year's events boast top-notch horses, and, better yet, we've identified a double at huge odds that's definitely worth considering.

The Derby is one of the most wagered-on events in sports. With a large field of horses, the odds can be unpredictable, and long-shot winners are not uncommon. Bettors can place wagers on the race in a variety of ways, from simple win/place/show bets to exotic bets like exactas, trifectas, and superfectas.

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The race is steeped in tradition, with a rich history dating back to its first running in 1875. Some of the greatest champions in horse racing history, including Secretariat, Affirmed, and Seattle Slew have won the Kentucky Derby.

One of the top contenders in this year's Kentucky Derby is Todd Pletcher's Florida Derby winner, Forte (5/2). Currently the bookies' favorite, Forte has shown both impressive speed and stamina in his lead up races, making him a leading contender for the "Run for the Roses". However, we believe that there is an even stronger horse in the field this year, and he will form one leg of our suggested 32/1 double.

Kentucky Derby Best Bet

Our top pick to win the 2023 Kentucky Derby is Angel of Empire (8/1), trained by Brad Cox. The winner of the Arkansas Derby, Angel of Empire has shown tremendous potential, with a powerful finishing kick, while also steadily improving over longer distances. With Cox's guidance and Kentucky Derby-winning jockey Flavien Prat in the saddle, Angel of Empire certainly has what it takes to take home the coveted garland of roses.

Of course, the Kentucky Derby is not the only race to watch at Churchill Downs this year. The Kentucky Oaks, held on the Friday before the Derby, is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old fillies that also attracts a high level of competition and attention.

The Oaks features a field of 14 fillies racing 1 1/8 miles on the dirt track. Like the Derby, the Oaks also has a long history and traditions, including the garland of lilies, which is presented to the winning filly instead of the garland of roses presented to the Derby winner.

Kentucky Oaks Best Bet

Our pick to win the Kentucky Oaks is the favorite, Wet Paint (5/2), also trained by Cox. This filly has shown the Cox trademark speed and stamina in her lead up races, with victories in the Honeybee Stakes and the Fantasy Stakes. With jockey Joel Rosario in the saddle, Wet Paint is our top pick to edge out the other fillies and claim the garland of lilies.

For those looking to place a wager on the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby, we actually suggest a double on Wet Paint and Angel of Empire, at odds of +3100 or 32/1. This type of bet requires both horses to win their respective races, but the potential payout is substantial and would make for an exciting and profitable weekend at the races.

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