Today marks the 150th running of the $5 million Kentucky Derby, and it's shaping up to feature a full field of 20 three-year-olds. Many of the horses will be up against it from a form perspective and overlooked in the betting as a result, but the 1 1/4-mile race has yielded some surprising results over the last 15 years, most notably Rich Strike winning at 80-1 two years ago.
And just like Rich Strike, there are plenty of Kentucky Derby long shots and underdog betting opportunities to be found in the Kentucky Derby odds.
Kentucky Derby underdogs and long shot bets for 2024
These 11 Kentucky Derby horses have long odds but shouldn't be overlooked. Learn more below and see where they will stack up in the Kentucky Derby post positions.
- Stronghold (20-1)
- Domestic Product (30-1)
- Mystic Dan (20-1)
- Endlessly (30-1)
- Society Man (50-1)
- West Saratoga (50-1)
- T O Password (30-1)
- Catalytic (30-1)
- Grand Mo the First (50-1)
- Epic Ride (50-1)
Odds as of 5-2-2024
FanDuel Racing odds available in AZ, CO, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NY, OH, PA, VA, WV, WY
bet365 Kentucky Derby odds not available in the United States
Stronghold
Stronghold has won a pair of stakes this year, gamely taking the Santa Anita Derby (G1) by a neck, but it wasn’t a fast or deep edition of the important prep race. Stronghold has yet to match his career-best 99 Brisnet Speed rating from last year, and his speed-oriented female family raises concerns about the Kentucky Derby distance. On the other hand, the courageous colt has displayed no distance limitations so far — a candidate to outrun his odds.
Domestic Product
Unraced since winning the Tampa Bay Derby (G3) in early March, Domestic Product bypassed the final round of prep races, an unconventional strategy that hasn’t worked in modern times, and his Speed ratings (84 and 91 in last two starts) must improve to challenge. But Domestic Product has been caught in slow-paced races, progressing nicely in both starts this season. The stalker rates consideration for at least a minor award.
Mystik Dan
After a poor showing to open 2024, Mystik Dan rebounded with a runaway upset win in the Southwest (G3) at Oaklawn. That came over a muddy track, and he’ll move up if it comes up wet on Derby Day, but Mystik Dan will need to keep improving upon a belated third in the Arkansas Derby (G1) over a fast track. The off-the-pace runner still has some appeal.
Endlessly
Owns a formidable late kick on turf and synthetic tracks, winning a pair of Grade 3 turf events last year and recording a four-length win in the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) on Turfway’s Tapeta surface, but Endlessly has yet to race on dirt. His morning workouts at Churchill Downs have not received positive reviews, but the one-run closer projects to receive a favorable set up and connections appear willing to take a chance.
Society Man
A maiden winner two starts previously, Society Man followed with a runner-up finish at 106-1 odds in the Wood Memorial (G2), registering a career-best 102 Speed rating. The gelding must prove it wasn’t a fluke, and Society Man has never won at a two-turn distance, but he will enter on the upswing.
West Saratoga
One of the most experienced members of the field, West Saratoga, stamped his Kentucky Derby ticket with a non-threatening second at 36-1 odds in the Jeff Ruby Steaks. He possesses lower Speed ratings, but the hard-trying gray has won or placed in eight of his last nine starts and has shown an affinity for Churchill Downs.
T O Password
Unbeaten from two career starts, the Japanese invader has faced lesser competition, qualifying via the Japanese Road to the Kentucky Derby race in late March, and T O Password’s inexperience rates as a major concern. He's won at about 1 1/8 miles, but T O Password will receive a major class check.
Catalytic
After running well in two starts sprinting, Catalytic stretched to two turns with a respectable second in the Florida Derby (G1), finishing 13 lengths behind probable Kentucky Derby favorite Fierceness. The lightly-raced colt is a candidate to keep moving and progressing, and his tactical ability may ensure a good trip, but Catalytic faces a tall challenge in a deep field.
Grand Mo the First
His pedigree is built for the Kentucky Derby and Grand Mo the First has improved in his last two starts, recording thirds in the Florida Derby and Tampa Bay Derby, but his only career wins have come sprinting on synthetic tracks, and his Speed ratings are light. He would be a huge surprise.
Epic Ride
A stakes winner on Turfway’s Tapeta track, Epic Ride exits an encouraging third in the Blue Grass (G1) at Keeneland in his first dirt start. He’s bred to appreciate longer distances, and the improving three-year-old can’t be dismissed from consideration for at least a minor award.
More Kentucky Derby picks and predictions
Our experts are making Kentucky Derby picks and building bets all week.
- Early Kentucky Derby Picks: Win, Place, Show & More
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- Kentucky Derby Picks: Best Trifecta, Superfecta, and Exacta Best Bets
Where can I bet on the Kentucky Derby?
Several legal horse racing betting sites allow you to wager on the Kentucky Derby, but not every sportsbook is allowed to offer Derby odds. We have created a guide outlining the best Kentucky Derby betting sites available in your area.
Which states have legal betting on the Kentucky Derby?
Sports bettors can enjoy some form of online or retail wagering in 34 states (+ DC), but horse racing enthusiasts have even more legal options. Check out our list of legal states for betting on horse racing to see if wagering on horse racing is legal in your state via the FanDuel Racing app.
Canada (excluding Ontario)
Almost all sports betting sites offer fixed-odds wagering on horse racing. Discover the best sports betting sites in Canada or sign up now with one of our top partners, bet365, and earn up to $200 in bet credits!
Ontario
Following the changes to the iGaming regulations on April 4, 2022, horse racing betting is no longer available at sportsbooks. Those in Ontario who are looking to bet on the Kentucky Derby will need to sign up at one of Woodbine's two online offerings, HPIbet and Dark Horse Bets.
