Unheralded Contenders at Indy 500: Top Underdog Wagers to Consider
The much-anticipated 109th Indianapolis 500 will take place this Sunday, May 25th, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Indiana. The event begins at approximately 12:45 pm ET, with coverage on FOX. Additionally, supplementary coverage can be found on Sirius, NBC Sports, and Peacock.
The race, notorious for its grueling challenges and unexpected developments, pushes racers to their limits. A single mistake can spell disaster, and the incident of being at the wrong place at the wrong time is common. This 200-lap event often plays out like a soap opera, testing the mettle of every participant.
Below, we present our picks for Indy 500 longshot bets, varying from just off the mark to extremely long odds:
Indy 500 Longshot Betting Odds
Marcus Ericsson remains at +2000 but did not make our cut (a probability of 4% or less of winning). At +2500 odds, Conor Daly, Colton Herta, Will Power, or Santino Ferrucci each have a 3.85% implied probability of winning the race. After that, the chances diminish substantially. Helio Castroneves stands a 3.23% chance of once again drinking the milk.
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Indy 500 Longshots To Bet
The weather forecast for Sunday calls for dry, cloudy conditions with temperatures in the 60s. The loss of a rookie pole-sitter would eliminate one of the more promising longshots. Robert Shwartzmann has moved up the odds and now sits at +1100 on DraftKings.
In conditions unlike the hot, tire-wearing spring race of previous years, the track is expected to be faster, offering more grip and consistency. This should result in fewer mistakes, potentially benefiting drivers with strong qualifying positions.
Conor Daly, in 11th, is well-qualified among our longshots. He secured a podium finish in seven races last year and is supported by Juncos Hollinger Racing. A bit of attrition could see Daly making a significant push for victory, as the last driver from outside the top 10 to win was Helio Castroneves in 2021, who qualified in 21st.
Castroneves, at +3000, has seen his odds decline since his fourth and last win in 2021. His placement slipped to 7th, then 15th, then 20th last year. With a 22nd-place qualification for this year's race, it remains to be seen whether Castroneves' car has the grip and luck to contend with the top teams over 200 laps.
While drivers like Colton Herta and Graham Rahal may boast better credentials than Daly, they also start further back on the grid. Herta, in 25th, and Rahal, in 26th, rarely win from such low starting positions. A Top 10 finish for Herta, available at +330, may be a more viable bet.
Indy 500 Longshot Prediction to Win: Conor Daly (+2500 at DraftKings).
Indy 500 Sleeper Bet To Make
For those seeking a more audacious wager, consider the Trifecta Box. Pato O'Ward is unlikely to be passed again on Lap 200 this time, paired with Alex Palou and Takuma Sato in a 1-2-3 finish. This option comes with odds of +5000. Given the volatile nature of previous years, this year may present somewhat calmer racing conditions.
Indy 500 Specials Bets FanDuel
Indy 500 Fun Facts for Betting Longshots
- Some betting sites offer bonuses and promotions for Indy 500 betting[5][6]. It is worth exploring these offers to maximize potential winnings.
- Indy 500 betting can be a thrilling and rewarding experience, offering excellent odds for longshot bets[7].
- As always, it is essential to gamble responsibly[2].
[1] DraftKings Sportsbook - https://www.draftkings.com/sportsbook[2] Responsible Gambling - https://www.responsiblegambling.org/[3] BetMGM Sportsbook - https://www.betmgm.com/sportsbook/[4] BET365 Sportsbook - https://www.bet365.com/[5] Fanatics Sportsbook - https://www.fanatics.com/sportsbook/[6] DraftKings Sportsbook Promo Code - https://www.draftkings.com/sportsbook/promos[7] Indy 500 Odds - https://www.draftkings.com/sportsbook/racing/indianapolis-500-odds
- Must be 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, IL, KS, KY, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY); (800) 327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org (MA); (877) 8-HOPENY (NY); 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ); (888) 789-7777 (CT); 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA); 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN); mdgamblinghelp.org (MD); morethanagame.nc.gov (NC); 1800gambler.net (WV)
- The 200-lap event, known for testing the limits of participants, may see longshot contenders like Conor Daly make a significant push for victory, as seen in previous years when Helio Castroneves won from a 21st qualifying position.
- In the 109th Indianapolis 500, drivers with strong qualifying positions might benefit from the expected faster track conditions and fewer mistakes due to increased grip and consistency.
- For auto-racing enthusiasts seeking a more audacious wager, the Trifecta Box featuring Pato O'Ward, Alex Palou, and Takuma Sato in a 1-2-3 finish offers odds of +5000, given the potential for somewhat calmer racing conditions this year.
