You, Too, Can Pick a Winner

Put down that mint julep: The Kentucky Derby is tomorrow, and you still don’t have a horse to bet on. But you do have a prayer, because Christina Settimi of Forbes, with help from horse racing expert Dean Keppler, outlines a winning strategy. With $118 million wagered, novices have a good shot at hefty payoffs, Keppler says.

To get started, you need $1 to wager and the Daily Racing Form, the industry bible that will help you track three key factors: speed, experience, and management. Don’t bet based on a horse’s starting position, Keppler advises, and don’t bet the favorite. But do stay hopeful, because even if you lose tomorrow, the Preakness is just around the bend.