For the gambler compelled to analyze as many as 20 precocious 3-year-olds running faster and farther than they've ever run before, successful Kentucky Derby betting probably comes down to an understan... For the gambler compelled to analyze as many as 20 precocious 3-year-olds running faster and farther than they've ever run before, successful Kentucky Derby betting probably comes down to an understanding of five fundamental factors: Preparation, stamina, running style, luck and value. With the world's most famous horse race set for its annual spin around the Churchill Downs oval in Louisville for May 7 this year; let's take a closer look at the core elements: Readiness: The old adage is that you don't have to have the best horse to win the Kentucky Derby; you just have to have the best horse on the first Saturday in May. Indeed, readiness, which can be described as a horse that is at his physical, mental and emotional peak at the time of the race, can sometimes overcome a shortage of speed or talent. Stamina: Given the arduous distance of the Kentucky Derby, some handicappers place great emphasis on breeding and the likelihood, based on a horse's pedigree, that a colt will "get the distance." But many richly bred thoroughbreds trip on their pedigrees while others of lesser parentage exceed expectations. Like everything else, pedigree must be weighed against price to determine value. Running style: While being out front is never the worst place to be in a race and horses that close vast amounts of ground in the stretch are exciting to watch. The way to win the Kentucky Derby is to be neither on the lead or too far off it. With a full field of 20 runners expected to contest this year's Kentucky Derby, being close to the pace (while not engaged in it) relieves a horse of having to circle a large group of tiring runners or, just as damaging, having to contend with an unrealistically quick pace set by overmatched sprinters that have little hope of being around at the finish. So, while there have been 39 horses that have won the Kentucky Derby by leading from gate to wire, just one, War Emblem in 2002, accomplished the feat in the last 24 years. Luck: It is a truism of racing that the best horse doesn't always win. Racing luck, including post position draw, weather conditions, track bias a trip can foil the best intentioned horse. It's difficult to handicap luck except to point out that horses who are quick and nimble sometimes can overcome bad luck. Value: Many professional players insist that value is the most important factor to consider in any sports betting scenario. So it's not just a question of whether your horse can win the race but whether he's worth a bet at his price. An understanding of value is essential to successful Kentucky Derby betting. Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com