How to Make an Exacta Perfecta Bet at the Kentucky Derby

When betting an exacta, also commonly called a perfecta, your goal is to determine the horses that will place first and second. The catch is that you have to bet them in the correct finishing order to win. There are three exacta perfecta bets you can make: a straight bet, box bet and wheel bet.

Instructions

  1. Place a Straight Exacta Perfecta Bet

    • 1

      Pick two horses that you think will come in first and second at the Kentucky Derby.

    • 2

      Pay $2 for a straight perfecta bet. You can bet more if you would like, but the smallest amount you can wager on an exacta is $2.

    • 3

      Tell the betting-window attendant you would like to make a two to four exacta bet if you want to bet that the number-two horse will finish first and the number-four horse will finish second.

    Make an Exacta Perfecta Box Bet

    • 4

      Choose an exacta box bet if you have a couple of horses you like but are unsure in which order they will finish. If you like the number-two horse and number-four horse, boxing those horses means you will win if they finish in first and second place.

    • 5

      Calculate your total bet by multiplying the base bet amount by the number of combinations you've chosen. For example, a box of horse number two and horse number four yields two combinations: two-four and four-two. The minimum exacta box bet is $1, so a two-horse exacta box is $2, and a three-horse box has six combinations and costs $6 for a $1 base bet.

    • 6

      Ask for a "two-four exacta box" at the betting window if you choose two horses. If you want more horses in your bet, ask for a "two, three, four exacta box."

    Place an Exacta Perfecta Wheel Bet

    • 7

      Make an exacta wheel wager if you think you know which horse will finish first but are unsure which horse will finish second.

    • 8

      Multiply the base bet amount by the number of horses you think could place second to figure out how much your bet will cost. If you go with the minimum base bet of $1 and you pick number one to win and one other horse to place, your bet will be $2. If you pick number one to win and five other horses to place, your bet is $5.

    • 9

      Bet like a pro by telling the attendant you would like an "exacta wheel one over two, three, four." To win this bet, you'll need horse number one to win and two, three or four to place.