How to Bet on Triple Crown Races
A Step-by-Step Guide to Betting on the Most Iconic Races in US Horse Racing
Every spring, American horse racing fans turn their eyes toward the Triple Crown — a trio of prestigious races that test the best three-year-old thoroughbreds in the country. From the pageantry of the Kentucky Derby to the demanding Belmont Stakes, knowing how to bet on Triple Crown races can elevate the thrill of race day and improve your chances of backing a winner. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from bet types to strategy — all with MyWinners.com as your trusted home for pari-mutuel wagering.
What Are the Triple Crown Races?
The Triple Crown consists of three Grade I stakes races:
Kentucky Derby (Churchill Downs) – Held the first Saturday in May, often referred to as “the most exciting two minutes in sports.”
Preakness Stakes (Pimlico) – The shortest of the three, taking place two weeks after the Derby.
Belmont Stakes (Belmont Park) – The longest and final leg, held in early June.
To win the Triple Crown, a horse must win all three — a rare and historic feat.
Why Betting on Triple Crown Races Is Unique
The sheer popularity of these events leads to massive betting pools, media attention, and unpredictable outcomes. You’ll often see larger-than-usual fields, intense competition, and fluctuating odds. That’s why learning how to bet on Triple Crown races requires more than just luck — it takes timing, research, and a sound understanding of your betting options.
Types of Bets You Can Place
Here’s a quick rundown of common bet types available on MyWinners.com for all three Triple Crown races:
Win, Place, Show – Bet on a horse to win (1st), place (1st or 2nd), or show (1st, 2nd, or 3rd).
Exacta – Pick the top two finishers in the correct order.
Trifecta – Pick the top three finishers in the correct order.
Superfecta – Pick the top four finishers in exact order — a high-risk, high-reward wager.
Daily Double – Bet on the winners of two consecutive races, often including early undercard events.
Multi-Race Bets – Bet across races on the same card, including Pick 3, Pick 4, and beyond.
How to Place a Bet on MyWinners
Log in or create your account – It’s quick and easy, and you’ll need to be located in Connecticut to place a wager.
Select the racecard – Navigate to the featured Triple Crown event (e.g., KYD for Kentucky Derby).
Choose your bet type and horse(s) – Use the form guide, speed ratings, and recent finishes to inform your selections.
Enter your stake – Choose your wager amount and submit your bet.
Watch and cheer – Tune into the race and track your bet in real-time on MyWinners.
Strategies for Betting on Triple Crown Races
Study the prep races – Horses usually qualify for the Triple Crown by winning or placing in Grade I prep races. Knowing this form helps spot rising stars.
Pay attention to track conditions – Weather can drastically affect outcomes, especially on Derby day.
Beware of the favorite – While crowd favorites often attract the most bets, longshots have a real shot — especially in chaotic, crowded fields.
Look for consistent closers – The Belmont, with its longer distance, tends to favor horses that finish strong rather than bolt out early.
Betting on All Three Legs of the Triple Crown
If you’re planning to bet across the entire Triple Crown season:
Track horse development – Some horses improve or fade dramatically across the five-week series.
Consider the Triple Crown sweep – If a horse wins the first two legs, it will be a hot favorite for the Belmont. This affects odds and value on other horses.
Stick with one platform – MyWinners allows you to manage your bets in one place, track outcomes, and keep consistent records for analysis.
Place bets at app.mywinners.com, or download the MyWinners: Racing & Sports app on iOS here or Android here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Triple Crown in US horse racing?
The Triple Crown includes the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes — three races for three-year-old thoroughbreds.
Can I bet on all three Triple Crown races on MyWinners?
Yes, you can place pari-mutuel bets on all three races through your MyWinners.com account if you're located in Connecticut.
What is the minimum bet on Triple Crown races?
The minimum wager is typically $2 for Win/Place/Show and most exotics, but some tracks allow $0.50 or $1 minimums for certain bet types.
What happens if a horse wins all three Triple Crown races?
The horse earns Triple Crown champion status — a rare honor in American racing — and prize money for all three races.
How do odds work for Triple Crown betting?
Odds are calculated pari-mutuel style. All bets go into a pool, and payouts are based on the total amount wagered and the number of winning tickets.
