Gray horses: Gray horses look different, so they generate some excitement from people who might not care about a horse’s pedigree or speed rating. No gray horse has won the Kentucky Derby since 2005. There are three grays running this year: Sandman, Final Gambit, and Chunk of Gold.

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According to Sportsline's Jody Demling, a $2 exacta bet (first- and second-place finishers in the correct order) in 2024 paid $258.56. A $1 trifecta wager (first-, second- and third-place finishers in the correct order) paid $1,113.84.