2026 Kentucky Oaks Betting

Kentucky Oaks Betting: Tips & Odds

Following the Triple Crown races — the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes — the Kentucky Oaks Day at Churchill Downs ranks as the second most anticipated horse racing event in the United States. Three-year-old fillies traverse a long 7-month road in the Road to the Oaks horse races, striving for a starting position come May and a portion of the $1.5 million prize purse.

Kentucky Oaks Betting 2026: Key Facts

• Date: May 2, 2026 (the Friday before the Kentucky Derby)

• Location: The race is hosted at Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky, USA.

• Distance: 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs; approx. 1,811 meters).

• Horse Types: Open to three-year-old fillies.

• Surface: Dirt.

• Prize Purse: $1.5 million.

• Tickets: Options range from infield general admission to luxury suites and dining packages, details of which can be found on the Kentucky Derby official website.

2026 Kentucky Oaks Odds at BUSR

Newcomers to the track signing up at BUSR are met with a $150 racebook bonus against a $100+ initial deposit. Once the bets are on the books, we commit to a rebate of up to 10% on all stakes, win or lose!

BUSR operates on a fixed-odds betting model. This means that all Kentucky Oaks odds are fixed at the time of wagering. The amount on your final slip when the bet is placed is what you’re guaranteed, regardless of any subsequent price changes. Both straight and exotic bets apply to the above, with the latter offering payouts at full track odds up to a specific limit, as detailed in our Racing FAQ, accessible post-login in the Club House.

What are the Kentucky Oaks Morning Lines? Are they Accurate? 

The Kentucky Oaks morning lines estimate how the betting public is anticipated to wager on the various contenders in the race. Such are expertly calculated by evaluating a comprehensive array of factors, including each horse’s performance history, training sessions, jockey assignments, and even how they might adapt to the current track conditions and competition. 

Accuracy varies, reflecting the complex interplay of factors influencing bettors’ decisions and perceptions up to the race moment. Will a top contender scratch at the last minute? Could sudden weather changes alter track conditions? Or perhaps an unexpected betting surge on a dark horse shifts the odds landscape.

FUN FACT: The Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby are America’s oldest ongoing sporting events!

Kentucky Oaks Betting Information

BUSR is rolling out an exhilarating lineup of betting action as we count down to the Kentucky Oaks. Every player gets VIP treatment with our exclusive bonuses and promotions, top-tier odds, expert racing insights, and bespoke service from start to finish.

Kentucky Oaks Bet Types: Overview, Examples, and Strategies

Bets on horse races are typically divided into straight and exotic wagers; the former are simpler, while exotic bets present different complex challenges with potentially higher payouts for the seasoned bettor. 

• Win: Bet on a horse to finish first. 

Example: Betting on Horse A to win; if Horse A finishes first, you win your bet.

This bet is straightforward. However, it requires accurate prediction, and the payoff is solely dependent on that horse winning. 

• Place: Bet on a horse to finish first or second. 

Example: Betting on Horse B to place; if Horse B finishes first or second, you win.

This offers a higher chance of winning but usually at lower odds than a win bet. 

• Show: Bet on a horse to finish anywhere in the top three. 

   

Example: Betting on Horse C to show; if Horse C finishes in the top three, you win.

A show bet offers a strategic option and a balance between risk and reward. It’s especially suitable for races where you have a strong hunch about a long shot performing well above expectations.

• Exacta: Bet on two horses to finish first and second in exact order. 

Example: Betting on Horse D to finish first and Horse E to finish second; the bet only wins if the horses finish in that precise order.

Higher payouts than straight wagers, yet more challenging to hit because you need to predict the exact finishing order. 

• Trifecta: Bet on three horses to finish first, second, and third in exact order.

Example: Betting on Horse F to finish first, Horse G second, and Horse H third; you win only if they finish in that order.

The trifecta bet shines when the leading contender looks vulnerable, either to lose or to finish outside the top spots. It’s most strategic to confine a heavy favorite to lower positions or exclude them altogether, maximizing the wager’s potential payoff. 

• Superfecta: Bet on four horses to finish first, second, third, and fourth in exact order.

Example: Betting on Horse F to finish first, Horse G second, and Horse H third; you win only if they finish in that order.

The superfecta is best utilized in races with a clear hierarchy of competitors. A good strategy would be to mix firm favorites with well-chosen dark horses, placing them in an order that reflects both their expected performance and potential for upset.

• Boxed Bet: Applies to exacta, trifecta, and superfecta bets, allowing the horses to finish in any order.

Example: A trifecta box with Horses M, N, and O means you win if they finish in the top three in any order

This improves your chances of winning but also increases the cost of the bet. We recommend using this in races where you have a strong feeling about certain selections but are unsure of the exact finishing order.

• Daily Double: Bet on the winners of two consecutive races.

Example: Picking the winners of Race 1 and Race 2; both must win for you to collect.

The key to mastering the Daily Double is to pair value plays with each other or with favorites to amplify returns. For instance, if a horse in the first leg appears undervalued, coupling it with a strong selection in the second leg can yield significant rewards. Conversely, if the second leg’s favorite seems vulnerable, spreading bets across several potential winners can still secure a profitable outcome.

How To Bet On The Kentucky Oaks

To bet on the Kentucky Oaks at BUSR, simply:

1. Log in to BUSR with your username and password.

2. Head over to the horse racing section.

3. Locate and select the Kentucky Oaks among the horse racing lineup, which at the time may include the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes, and the Dubai World Cup.

4. Explore the latest odds for each contender in the field.

5. Decide on the type of bet you’re interested in. For Straight bets, specify the stake you’re willing to bet on Win, Place, or Show. For Exotic bets, determine your wager amount and make your selections as prompted.

6. Add your bet to the slip by clicking the ‘ADD TO BET SLIP’ button. All selections will remain easily accessible on the right side of the desktop interface or through a ‘Shopping cart’ icon on mobile devices.

7. Take a moment to review your choices.

8. When you’re ready, hit the ‘PLACE BET’ button to lock in your wager.

9. A ticket number will be issued, serving as confirmation that your bet is in play.

Which are the Most Popular Kentucky Oaks Points Races? 

Among the most prevalent are the Super Six Kentucky Oaks Prep races, which include: 

• The Santa Anita Oaks (G1) at Santa Anita Park

• The Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2) at Gulfstream Park

• The Ashland Stakes (G1) at Keeneland Race Course

• The Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) at Fair Ground Race Course

• The Gazelle Stakes (G2) at Aqueduct Racetrack

• The Fantasy Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn Park

FAQs

Can you bet on the Kentucky Oaks?

Yes, you can easily bet on the Kentucky Oaks at BUSR while taking advantage of different bonuses and promotions.

What is the payout for the Kentucky Oaks 2026?

The prize purse for the Kentucky Oaks 2026 is $1.5 million. Winners also receive a large garland blanket of lilies and a silver Kentucky Oaks Trophy. 

What is a 3 horse bet called?

A bet placed on three horses to finish first, second, and third in exact order is called a Trifecta. This type of wager is popular for its higher difficulty and potentially higher payouts compared to simpler options.

When is the Kentucky Derby 2026?

The Kentucky Derby 2026 is scheduled for the first Saturday in May, following the Kentucky Oaks.