Keeneland’s Spring Meet from April 3-24 will feature expanded national television coverage of major races during the first two Saturdays of the season, bringing the excitement of the meet to fans nationwide. Those weekends will include the 102nd running of the $1.25 million Toyota Blue Grass (G1) on April 4 and the $650,000 Jenny Wiley (G1) and the $400,000 Stonestreet Lexington (G3) on April 11. Both the Toyota Blue Grass and the Stonestreet Lexington are among the final opportunities on the calendar offering qualifying points toward a berth in the 152nd running of the $5 million Kentucky Derby (G1) Presented by Woodford Reserve on May 2.
The Spring Meet also will debut a range of digital tools and wagering enhancements designed to provide horseplayers with information and compelling betting opportunities. Among the offerings are a new $3 Late Pick 3, increased minimums, faster odds refresh and a dedicated web page at Keeneland.com/wagering-experience that includes a new wagering online hub featuring a projected odds dashboard and additional resources for bettors.
Expanded broadcast coverage
Fans can watch the entire Spring Meet through Keeneland’s livestream, available on Keeneland.com, the Keeneland YouTube channeland the Keeneland Race Day app.
Throughout the Spring Meet, racing fans can turn to FanDuel TV for daily on-site coverage and expert analysis from Keeneland, with coverage beginning at noon ET on race days.
In addition, the first two Saturdays will feature expanded national broadcast coverage:
- On April 4, NBCSN and Peacock will present live coverage of the Toyota Blue Grass from 6-8 p.m. ET. Post time of the race is 6:22 p.m. The program will also feature live coverage of the Santa Anita Derby (G1).
- On April 11, FS1 will air live coverage from Keeneland as part of America’s Day at the Races from 4:30-6:30 p.m. ET, featuring the Jenny Wiley and the Stonestreet Lexington. The broadcast also will include racing from Aqueduct and from Oaklawn Park on the day of the Apple Blossom (G1).
New tools and information for horseplayers
Keeneland will debut several new resources for horseplayers of all levels while continuing several popular offerings designed to enhance the wagering experience:
- Faster odds refresh: Keeneland’s tote operator, United Tote, will refresh odds every five seconds within two minutes to post to provide close to real-time views for bettors tuning in on Keeneland’s simulcast and streaming coverage. United Tote’s previous odds refresh rate was 10 seconds.
- Projected odds dashboard: Keeneland will offer a live web dashboard of projected odds provided by DRF Formulator and Horse Racing Nation. This tool will allow bettors to view expected odds movement before post time and evaluate wagering opportunities.
- Morning workout videos: Daily video of horses training at Keeneland will be available on the wagering section of Keeneland.com. The sortable database – made possible by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund (KTDF) – will be updated daily at Keeneland.com/workouts and be a valuable tool for horsemen and handicappers.
- Complimentary past performances: Keeneland again will provide fans with complimentary digital programs powered by the KTDF.
“Wagering is a central part of the Keeneland racing experience, and we’re continually looking for ways to provide horseplayers with better information and more compelling wagering opportunities,” Keeneland Vice President of Racing Gatewood Bell said. “This Spring, we’re rolling out some new tools and refining our wagering menu, and at the same time, we’re expanding our national coverage to share Keeneland racing with new fans. This gives everyone a chance to see what we love about the sport, and we’re thrilled to offer more ways for people to tune in and enjoy the races."
Wagering menu enhancements
Keeneland has made several adjustments and added new wagers to its menu to provide attractive pricing and payouts to bettors.
- New is a $3 Late Pick 3 at 15% takeout, offered on the final three races of the day.
- The minimum Superfecta wager has been increased from 10 cents to 50 cents, and the minimum Pick 3 wager has been increased from 50 cents to $1.
- The Show Bet Bonus continues for on-track patrons. Those wagers placed at Keeneland or Red Mile are subject to a 10% takeout versus the standard 16% takeout off-track.
- The popular Turf Pick 3 continues at 15% takeout with a $3 minimum.
“Keeneland strives to offer wagers with attractive pricing and strong value for horseplayers,” Keeneland Director of Wagering Development Jim Goodman said. “Options such as the Rolling Doubles, Late Pick 3, Turf Pick 3 and Pick 5 at 15% takeout provide appealing options for bettors.”
Handicapping contests
Keeneland will also host several handicapping events and contests during the Spring Meet:
- WINS-Day Challenge Presented by Malone’s: April 8, 15 and 22
- $400 Spring Challenge: April 10
- Grade 1 Gamble: April 11
Click here for details on the $400 Spring Challenge and the Grade 1 Gamble.