Inside Secrets to Winning Big on the 2025 Kentucky Derby and Oaks Straight Bets and Exotics at Churchill Downs

They say the Kentucky Derby is all about the thrill of the main event on that first Saturday in May, but honestly, the real action kicks off earlier—call it Thurby, the unofficial curtain raiser where the Kentucky Oaks stakes its claim. Now, if you’ve ever wondered whether you can double down on the drama and dough, the “Kentucky Oaks-Derby Double” is where savvy bettors separate themselves from the crowd. It’s one of those rare bets where picking back-to-back winners on Friday and Saturday isn’t just a pipe dream but a genuine possibility—with the right insights, of course.

Before I dive into the horse-by-horse rundown and my hot takes on who’ll stomp the fields this year, let’s rewind for just a sec. Betting on horse racing isn’t a simple win/lose affair. Oh no, there’s a charmingly tangled web of win, place, show, and the alluring ‘Across the Board.’ Then come the exotics—exacta, trifecta, superfecta—that spice things up for anyone chasing those sky-high paydays. Want to hedge your bets? Box ‘em. Have a standout favorite? Key ‘em. It’s like putting frosting on the cake while keeping your eyes peeled for the crumbs.

So, without further detours or needless fuss, let’s saddle up for my picks on the Oaks, the Derby, and that ever-so-sweet double thrill ride. Whether it’s analyzing early pace kings, forecasting the muddy dance to come under looming thunderstorms, or dissecting pedigrees richer than bourbon, we’re about to get into the thick of it—because if you’re not living on the edge during Derby weekend, what’s the point?

LEARN MOREWhile the main event is Saturday, the 2025 Kentucky Derby weekend technically began on Thursday, aka Thurby, with the Kentucky Oaks as the featured race on Friday. One of the coolest things a sports bettor can do is hit the “Kentucky Oaks-Derby Double,” picking the winner for the big races on Friday and Saturday. 

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9