The Kentucky Derby is set to run this Saturday and bettors are gearing up to put money on the prized thoroughbreds. Some Derby bettors shove the betting odds aside and make their picks based on the horses names. I like this method.
In one episode of The Sopranos, Tony Soprano bets on a horse in a race because the horse’s name is Meadow’s Gold and his daughter’s name is Meadow. It’s a valid way to go about it. Especially if Tony Soprano does it, of course.
The horses in this year’s race have some pretty solid names. One-word names are generally catchier and easier to remember, as restaurants and boutiques know very well. But longer names are intriguing and make you more interested about their origins. With all of this in mind, here is a ranking of the horses, with their odds to win, by name, best to worst.
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Important to note: The names are not the fault of the horses and this is more a critique of the owners than the horses. The horses are not to blame for their places in these rankings.
1. Soup and Sandwich, 30-1: As we know from Seinfeld, this horse’s name is a full meal (looking at you, Kenny Bania). Soup alone, not so much. I love this name. Any Seinfeld fan, food connoisseur, or fan of fun names would immediately be drawn to betting on this horse.
2. Hot Rod Charlie, 8-1: My dad’s name is Charlie so this is a winner of a name in my book. And in the sportsbooks apparently, because look at those odds. Hot Rod is also a great movie. This is the horse I’m betting on solely based on the name for all of these reasons.
3. Hidden Stash, 50-1: This makes me think of a candy drawer, even though the odds aren’t so sweet. Of course it also means weed, but I’m sure this horse’s owner isn’t so high on these odds.
4. O Besos, 20-1: Spanish for kisses, this is a lovely name. Another one I’d put money on at these odds based on the name without ever seeing the horse.
5. Highly Motivated, 10-1: This horse is definitely owned by a business person. It’s a positive name, which inspires optimism and circling back, and these short odds are a pretty good deal.
6. King Fury, 20-1: Great name. It’s as if the owner thought to take two of the mightest-sounding names and combine them. If you’re into power and royalty, you’re probably putting money on these odds.
7. Keepmeinmind, 50-1: I believe this comes from a Zac Brown Band song, with the title smushed together. I’m all for naming things after songs, so, even though he’s not favored with these odds, I’m in favor of this name.
8. Rock Your World, 5-1: Great odds, great name for a race horse. Imagine you enter your horse in a race and he has to go up against a horse named Rock Your World. That is intimidating.
9. Midnight Bourbon, 20-1: This is a great name for a horse. I love what it invokes, but, like the odds, this name is more in the middle of the pack. Though I do believe it is the better of the two bourbon-inspired names on the list.
10. Brooklyn Strong, 50-1: I’m a fan of naming horses after places. You’re guaranteed a fan base of people with pride in where they’re from. Despite the longer odds, how could someone from Brooklyn not bet on this guy?
11. Like the King, 50-1: Another regal name. These odds aren’t as short as King Fury’s and the name falls short as well.
12. Helium, 50-1: Helium is lighter than air, but these odds are a bit heavy. This one will attract the science crowd. But maybe science fans who can overlook numbers at these long odds.
13. Mandaloun, 15-1: This is an interesting one. This name will play with the architecture crowd, as a mandaloun is a traditional type of window in Lebanese architecture. This name also sounds cool, making it a fun bet at these odds.
14. Sainthood, 50-1: This is a decent name, but it reminds me of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West naming their kid Saint. If you’re religious, this is an attractive bet because you never know when a miracle could lead a horse with these odds to win the Derby.
15. Medina Spirit, 15-1: Another horse named after a place, this is a good bet for people who feel a connection to the Saudi Arabian city. With decent odds, too. Also, one of my friends from high school’s last name is Medina and she would absolutely bet on this horse because of the name.
16. Super Stock, 30-1: This name puts a lot of pressure on the horse, as it implies he comes from superior stock. But the odds aren’t the worst and the name makes me consider betting on him, though it wouldn’t be my first choice.
17. Bourbonic, 30-1: Again, a zippy, one-word name that works well to attract the casual Derby bettors. The owner defines this name as “a state of consciousness occasionally achieved upon the consumption of an ample sufficiency of bourbon.” I’m sure there are people who can relate to this and will be moved to put money on Bourbonic.
18. Dynamic One, 20-1: If I was choosing a name for a race horse, I would consider how it sounds when an announcer says it. Especially coming down the stretch. And this one sounds a little clunky to me. The odds aren’t terrible but the name would deter me from betting on him.
19. Essential Quality, 2-1: Similar to Dynamic One, this name doesn’t have the zip that other ones have. The odds are spectacular, but the name alone doesn’t entice me to put money on him.
20. Known Agenda, 6-1: He’s near the top in odds, but last in names. It’s a fine name, but it’s nothing special. Even with these odds, I’m not inspired to bet on him.
Side note, I own horses, been around horses all my life, and I know how important a show name is for a horse. And here’s what I don’t understand: why don’t race horse owners give them names like “Winner” or “First Place”? That way, no matter what, your horse gives off a winning perception and announcers have to refer to your horse as a success. Just something for owners of future Kentucky Derby horses to keep in mind.
Lucy is a sports betting content producer with Radio.com and BetQL. She has worked with WEEI and Radio.com as a writer, radio producer and podcaster. Lucy lives in Boston and loves Tom Brady and prop bets. Follow Lucy on Twitter at @LucilleBurdge.