Bet on The Illinois Derby

Bet on The Illinois Derby

Although the Illinois Derby was first run in 1923, it’s only recently become one of the most anticipated three-year-old races of the year. Surging interest in the Illinois Derby began in 2002 when War Emblem parlayed an Illinois Derby victory into Kentucky Derby and Preakness wins. Since that year, top connections have routinely sent some of their best three-year-olds to Hawthorne Racecourse in Stickney, Illinois to run in the prestigious 1 1/8 mile Grade III $750,000 event. Longshots usually do well in the race, making the Illinois Derby a favorite betting race for horseplayers everywhere.  

Illinois Derby Racebooks

Get online and bet the Illinois Derby! Below are racebooks that we recommend to handle your race wagering needs. We’ve personally looked into every one of these racebooks and feel certain that any of them will work for you.

* REMINDER! - you must be of legal age in your state or province to legally wager on the Illinois Derby or any other race. Please bet responsibly!

Illinois Derby Betting Odds

Find all of your horse racing betting odds at Bovada! Bovada is our #1 trusted source for all horse racing odds and betting odds on the Illinois Derby is no exception. Log onto Bovada today for Illinois Derby racing odds!

Illinois Derby Contenders

The field is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in years, with no one horse a lock to win the Illinois Derby. The favorite, Dynamic Impact, has been on a tear and looks impressive, however he will also face some impressive competition. Let's take a look at the horses expected to contend:

  • Dynamic Impact
  • Midnight Hawk
  • Irish You Well
  • Class Leader
  • King Cyrus
  • A Step Ahead
  • Emmett Park
  • Global Strike

Did you know? 

War Emblem, the only horse to win the Illinois Derby and then go on and become a Kentucky Derby winner, was the last horse to win the Illinois Derby at Sportsman’s Park. In addition, the Illinois Derby is not part of the new Kentucky Derby points rating system meaning that the winner does not earn points to participate in the Run for the Roses.

To counter that decision, the Illinois Racing Board raised the purse in the Illinois Derby from $500,000 to $750,000 in 2014. Make sure log onto one of our recommended sportsbooks and bet on the Illinois Derby!