Will The 2024 Kentucky Derby Have A Full 20-Horse Field?

With the home stretch for Kentucky Derby odds approaching, the field is closer to being finalized. Only 18 horses entered the starting gate in last year's race. Will the 150th Run for the Roses feature a full field of 20? Barring any more scratches, yes.

No. 9 Encino has scratched but No. 21 Epic Ride now draws into the field to maintain 20 horses in the race. One more also-eligible remains, No. 22 Mugatu; however, there is a deadline for him to get into the race. So there is still a possibility less than 20 horses will run in the Derby. We'll explain more below.

FanDuel Racing has the latest Derby odds with betting now open. Learn how to bet on the Kentucky Derby online.

Rank

Sportsbook

Bonus

Features

Play

1

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win

BetMGM Review

Play Now

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

2

Bet $5 & Get $200 in bonus bets

Bet365 Review

Play Now

Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 of greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply. This Referral Code is used for marketing/tracking purposes only. $10 minimum deposit. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. Available in app only. Max. prize, game restrictions, time limits and T&Cs apply. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.

3

Bet $1, Double your Winnings on your Next 20 Wagers. Up to $25 Max Bet Per Boost

Caesars Review

Play Now

21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)

4

Bet $5 & Get $150 in Bonus Bets If You Win

Hard Rock Bet Review

Play Now

The promotion is available for all new players on Hard Rock Bet. An initial deposit is required, and the players first cash bet must be at least $5 to qualify. Additionally, the qualifying wager must win to receive the $150 in Bonus Bets. To be eligible, the Player must be at least 21 years old, physically located in a Eligible Jurisdiction: AZ, IL, IN, NJ, OH, TN, or VA, and not on any exclusionary lists in any Eligible Jurisdiction. Excluded patrons are prohibited from participating in Promotions. To be eligible all personal and contact data associated to your account must be verifiable. | T&C apply | Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

5

Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!

FanDuel Review

Play Now

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG Help . Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit Helpline and Chat - CONNECTICUT COUNCIL (CT). Hope is here. Home or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit Home (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ D.C.) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. See terms at FanDuel Sportsbook

6

New Customers: Bet $5+ Get $300 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins + 3 Months of League Pass On Us!

DraftKings Review

Play Now

T&Cs apply, 21+

7

Bet $50, Get $250 in FanCash

Fanatics Review

Play Now

New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TV, VA, VT, WV, WY. Must opt-in and wager $10+ cash on any market with odds of -500 or longer to receive $50 in FanCash each day for your first 5 days (issued when qualifying wager settles). Your 5 days begin the day you establish your account. See full Promo Terms and FanCash terms in the Fanatics Sportsbook app.

2024 Kentucky derby Morning Line odds

At the time of publication, 21 horses remain entered in the Kentucky Derby field, with a maximum of 20 allowed to run in the race. If one more scratch takes place before 9 a.m. ET Friday, No. 22 Mugatu will draw in and help maintain a full 20-horse field.

If a scratch happens after 9 a.m. ET Friday, only 19 horses will run on the first Saturday in May and Mugatu will remain a scratch.

When there are scratches from the Derby field, horses move inward by one slot in the starting gate. For example, if Mugatu draws into the field, he would run as No. 22 on horse racing betting apps and wear a No. 22 saddle cloth but break from post position No. 20. When Encino scratched, horses numbered 10-20 moved inward in the starting gate by one post.

Remember that 2022 victor Rich Strike emerged via this same also-eligible caveat, breaking from post No. 20. He galloped all the way to cashing in 80-1 odds, teaming up with Big Brown (2008) as the only Derby winners to begin their conquest from post No. 20.

The biggest winner of Saturday's post-position draw was arguably the initial betting favorite Fierceness, now priced ahead of Derby points standings leader Sierra Leone. Drawing to the far outside, with the other speedy horses on the inner posts, greatly increases the odds of Todd Pletcher's prized contestant enduring a trouble-free run on the first turn. Fierceness should also be positioned to pace-press, rather than being pressed himself, down the stretch.

Generally, a horse that has to showcase its speed early will have less energy to expend in the waning moments of the race.

watch: how to bet on horse racing