For the most part, pari-mutual wagering is widespread in horse racing is focused on day-to-day betting opportunities. But once in a while, the sport steps outside the box with more creative options, such as future wagers.
Future wagers allows horseplayers to bet on the outcomes of far-off events, rather than an upcoming race, where entries have already been drawn. For example, the popular Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pools allow bettors to wager on potential Kentucky Derby and Oaks contenders months in advance of the first Saturday in May.
The traditional Kentucky Derby & Oaks Future Wagers are an opportunity for fans to bet early in the racing season on horses whom they think have the potential to earn a spot in the starting gate and go on to win the Kentucky Derby & Oaks races. Future Wager bets typically offer larger payouts than betting the same horse on race day because it is not yet known which horses will ultimately qualify to run in the Derby & Oaks.
Read more about the Kentucky Derby Future wager:
https://edge.twinspires.com/racing/what-are-racing-future-wagers-and-should-you-bet-them/
Pools for the 2024 Derby:
October 31st - 12 PM - November 2nd, 2023 - 6PM
Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 1
January 19th - 12 PM - January 21st, 2024 - 6 PM
Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 3
March 15th - 12 PM - March 17th, 2024 - 6:30 PM
Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 5
April 4th - 12 PM - April 6th, 2024 - 6:30 PM
Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 6
Wager Minimums
Win: $2.00
Double: $1.00
Exacta: $2.00 ($1.00 Box/Wheel)
Takeout Structure
Win: 17.50%
Double & Exacta: 22.00%
Rules for these wagers:
Please see attached document for all rules
Here is a link to find out who the possible runners may be, what races make up the Road to The Kentucky Derby/Oaks, along with the latest news: https://www.kentuckyderby.com/horses