See the moment Mattress Mack bet $1.2 million and shifted the Kentucky Derby odds
If you’re wondering how Angel of Empire became the clear favorite just moments before the post time for the 2023 Kentucky Derby, look no further than Mattress Mack.
The Houston furniture magnate placed a $1.2 million bet on the Brad Cox trained colt about an hour before the run for the roses at Churchill Downs as NBC cameras were rolling just behind him.
That gave viewers and bettors alike a live look at what such a massive wager does to the odds in parimutuel betting. Before Mack’s wager went through, Angel of Empire and Tapit Trice were co-favorites at 9-2.
Once the bet hit, Angel of Empire became a 4-1 favorite while Tapit Trice remained behind at 9-2.
.@SteveKornacki explains why Angel Of Empire will become the #KyDerby favorite after Mattress Mack places a $1.2 million wager on the horse. pic.twitter.com/b52ou2VvPL
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) May 6, 2023
MATTRESS MACK JUST PLACED A $1.2 MILLION DOLLAR BET ON ANGEL OF EMPIRE TO WIN THE KENTUCKY DERBY
(@gallerysports) pic.twitter.com/y9AbDjWWKp
— br_betting (@br_betting) May 6, 2023
We’ll see if channeling the spirit of Secretariat and bringing his own team of analysts leads to a payday for Mack. The favorite typically wins about a third of time, but that hasn’t been the case lately at the Kentucky Derby — which Mattress Mack knows about all too well.