Kentucky Derby 2016: What is a Trifecta?

Placing a bet on a Trifecta could help you win big on Kentucky Derby Saturday.

Besides being the most exciting two minutes in sports, the Kentucky Derby is one of the biggest sports betting days of the year.

The 142nd Kentucky Derby will take place at 6:34 p.m. Eastern on Saturday from Churchill Downs. Just about everyone from casual fans who tune in once a year to professional handicappers will be looking to win big on a bet and show off their horse racing knowledge, or lack thereof.

Bettors will have a chance to forecast much more than just the winner on Saturday. One such other option available to fans is to place a bet on a Trifecta, which is shaping up to be one of the few ways to win big at this particular Derby.

The idea behind a Trifecta is simple: The bettor most correctly pick the exact finishing order of the top three horses. Actually hitting on a Trifecta is a much more difficult prospect, particularly in what has been a hard race to forecast.

This year’s Kentucky Derby features a heavy favorite and otherwise wide-open field, so plenty of bettors are going to attempt to pick a Trifecta.  Last year, a $2 Trifecta paid out $202, even though the top three finishers included 5-2 American Pharaoh and 4/1 Dortmund.

Nyquist enters Saturday as a 2/1 favorite, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to bet against him. Other favorites include Exaggerator at 5/1 and Gun Runner at 9/1, both of whom will appear in plenty of Trifectas as well.

Throwing Nyquist in with a longshot to finish second or third might be the best chance for a big payout on Wednesday. Intriguing longshots include My Man Sam at 18/1 and Suddenbreakingnews at 24/1.

For more Kentucky Derby coverage, be sure to check out our horse racing hub page.