Win Place Show means a horse has to win or finish second (place) or at least third (show). These terms are used to wager at traditional odds in horse racing.

In the world of betting, horse racing takes the mantle of the oldest form of gambling that has existed for hundreds of years since the ancient period. 

Ancient civilizations such as Babylon, Syria, and Egypt, where chariot and horse races were held for the people's entertainment, were the first to record horse racing. However, in the United States, it was first recorded in the late 1800s, and since then, it has multiplied its popularity. 

Wagering on horseracing is part and parcel of the sport, and over time it developed into many different types of stakes. Among many, WPS betting, also known as an Across the Board bet, is one of the most mainstream horse racing bets.

With the 2023 Kentucky Derby on the horizon, millions of people across the globe are set to try their luck via various live tracks and online bets.

What Does Win Place or Show Mean?

Win Place Or Show is betting on a horse to finish first, second, or third place. This betting scheme yields payout rates that hinge on the odds of your chosen horse winning, placing, or showing in the race.

Sun Thunder (99-1) in May 2023
Source : twitter

For someone who is a beginner in horse racing might have heard the term multiple times but might not have a solid idea of its actual meaning. 

In simple layman's terms, they are common forms of bets horse racing to describe the three highest finishing positions in a race. You win the corresponding wager if your horse finishes in your chosen position.

Win Place Show Explained

When it comes to sports betting, a nuanced understanding of the odds is crucial, and this applies equally to betting on horse racing.

  • Win - the betted horse must finish first and win the race.
  • Place - the betted horse has to finish at least in second place.
  • Show - the betted horse has to secure any of the top three spots

All of these gambles have to follow the rules in the official order of finish. The Win bet is a straightforward, easy-to-understand horse racing wager requiring minimal explanation.

To place this bet, you only need to select the horse you think will win the race. If your chosen steed crosses the finish line first, you will be rewarded with a payout, but if that is not the case, you lose the bet.

For example, if the odds are 10/1 to win, a gambler will earn $10 for every $1 bet when your chosen horse comes first in a rush, making a profit of $9. However, if the horse finishes in any position that is not the first, the bet will be deemed lost.

Photo dump from Breeders Cup November 2022
Source : instagram

Compared to the "Win" wager, "Place" and "Show" bets are considered less risky as they offer a lower potential payout, but the bettor has a higher chance of winning.

A place bet is a bet on a horse to finish first or second, while a show bet is a bet on a horse to finish any of the top three positions. Since the bettor has more chances of winning with these types of bets, the payout is generally lower.

Win Place Show Betting Strategy

Win Place Show Betting strategy involves picking the right horses and bets correspondingly.

One of the fundamental tenets of betting is to avoid placing bets on anything you lack a proper understanding of. Doing so would undoubtedly result in an unfavorable outcome, leading to a loss of your hard-earned money.

Choosing the right horse to bet on will give you the edge against other bettors
Source : twitter

New players in horse racing betting should avoid complicated bets such as the Pick 6 and stick to traditional win, place and show bets to build their bankroll.

It is better to cash in on many small tickets than risk losing in a multifaceted bet. Tracks have a lower takeout rate on traditional bets, making them a better option for newbie wagerers.

Strategies for Winning at Win Place Show Betting

  • Choosing the Right Horse to Bet On
  • Researching Horses and Jockeys
  • Examining Past Races
  • Bankroll Management Techniques
  • Picking the Right Races and Bets

There are several factors to consider when betting on horse racing. The foremost is the selection of the right horse to bet on. The bettor must keep tabs on the horse's recent record, knowledge about the jockey, and racing history.

Secondly, analyzing prior races and conducting thorough research on horses can significantly enhance the likelihood of making astute wagers.

Moreover, managing your finance is an essential aspect of all betting types. Avoid the temptation to chase losses with larger bets by setting a budget for your Win Place Show bets and sticking to it.

Betting for the 2023 Kentucky Derby is under way
Source : instagram

Last, one must also consider the field type because not all races are created equal, and some are more suited to certain types of bets than others.

The distance, field size, and track surface play a crucial role in the outcome of a game. Thus, the bettor should have accurate information regarding the types of races and bets to place.

Common Errors to Avoid in this Betting

  • Loss Tracking
  • Ignoring Betting Odds
  • Bypass the use of Complicated bets that you are not familiar with

Win Place or Show Kentucky Derby

Win Place or Show Kentucky Derby 2023 has 'Forte' with the best odds of 5-2. The prestigious race has been set for May 6, 2023.

The 149th edition of the renowned Run for the Roses will be held on Saturday, May 6, signifying the onset of the countdown to the consequential 150th anniversary of this historical racing event in 2024.

Kentucky Derby 2023 Odds And Participants

  • Forte - 5/2
  • Kingsbarns - 11/2
  • Tapit Trice - 11/2
  • Derma Sotogake - 13/1
  • Practical Move -14/1

2023 Kentucky Derby bets offer a diverse range of betting possibilities. The top contender, Forte, commands odds of 5-2, while Tapit Trice and Kingsbarns follow closely behind at 11-1.

According to CBS Sports, horse betting connoisseur Jody Demling has put his money on the horse Practical Move (14/1) in the 2023 Derby while not tossing out the competition favorite Forte (5/2).

Classic Kentucky Derby 122 glass with the winner of the competition written from 1875 to 1996
Source : instagram

Derma Sotogake,13-1, and Practical Move, 14-1, are prime contenders in the upcoming Kentucky Derby odds.

In addition to picking a horse to win, place, or show, you can place several other types of Win Place Show bets. These include:

  • Exacta - picking the first and second-place horses in order of finish
  • Trifecta - picking the first, second, and third-place horses in order
  • Superfecta - picking the first, second, third, and fourth-place horses in order

In the Derby, betting on the exact order of the top two finishers (exacta) resulted in a payout of $4,101.20 for a $2 bet, while betting on the exact order of the top three finishers (trifecta) resulted in a payout of $14,870.70 for a $1 bet.

Betting on the top four finishers in the correct order (superfecta) resulted in a massive payout of $321,500.10 for a $1 bet. While Forte is the favorite to win, experts suggest betting on Practical Move and a long-shot underdog for potentially higher payouts.