We are just a few days away from the 101st running of the Indy 500 at historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The race is scheduled for Sunday, May 28 at roughly 12:20 EST. It will be televised nationally on ABC. The event takes place over Memorial Day weekend and has done so since 1965. It’s a racing fans dream come true, as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series follows this race with the longest race of the season at the Coca-Cola 600.

Let’s see just how Rossi’s repeat bid stacks up to the rest of the 2017 Indy 500 field as we take a look at the latest odds and assess the top betting targets: 2017 Indy 500 Odds Formula One superstar Fernando Alonso understandably enters this year’s Indy 500 as the odds on favorite to win.

• 2017 Indy 500 odds: Scott Dixon the betting favorite to win the Indianapolis 500 Scott Dixon, Will Power, and Formula One veteran Fernando Alonso top the Indianapolis 500 betting lines at the.
• Indy 500 Betting Picks. Our staff picks: Alexander Rossi to win Indy 500 at +800 odds. While there may be plenty of options, there is one driver whose chances stand out at the Indianapolis 500. Rossi is a former champion who has raced well this season and looked good in qualifying.

All the drivers in the field are out to have their name etched into history on the famous Borg-Warner Trophy and receive the bottle of milk that has become a staple tradition of the Indy 500 champion since it was started back in 1936 by Louis Meyer. There’s also the traditional wreath that is awarded to the winner in victory lane and the opportunity to kiss the bricks at the start/finish line. Kissing the bricks is a NASCAR tradition that Indy 500 winners have adopted since 2003.

Last year’s race provided fans with a thrilling finish, as Alexander Rossi crossed the finish line with an empty tank of gas. Coasting the final quarter-lap to take home the special 100th anniversary of this event. Rossi became the 9th driver to win the Indy 500 as a rookie. The previous to do so was Helio Castroneves back in 2001. It just so happens Castroneves is also the last to win this event in consecutive starts (won his first two races here).

Rossi is one of seven past champions in the field on Sunday. The only drivers with multiple wins are Castroneves (3) and Juan Pablo Montoya (2). Castroneves can tie the all-time record with his 4th win. A feat that is currently shared by three of the all-time greats in A.J. Foyt, Al Unser Sr., and Rick Mears.

Scott Dixon, who won the 2008 Indy 500, has earned the pole position for the second time in the last three years and third time overall. He previously did so in 2015 (finished 4th) and 2008 (won). There was a stretch from 2004-09 where the pole winner won 4 of 6 starts at this race, but it hasn’t happened since Castroneves last accomplished it in 2009.

No a big surprise that Dixon is currently listed as the odds on favorite at +600. He’s followed by Fernando Alonso at +800 and a whole bunch of guys listed at +900.

For those of you thinking about placing a wager on this race, here’s a look at the two drivers I will be betting to bring home the checkered flag.

2017 Expert Picks & Predictions on Winner of the Indy 500

Helio Castroneves (+900)

Castroneves came up painfully short of tying the all-time record of 4 wins at the Indianapolis 500 in 2014 (runner-up) and has continued to race well here despite not entering the winner’s circle since 2009. I got a gut feeling here that the 42-year-old still has quite a bit left in the tank. His worst finish since 2012 is 11th. He’s yet to win in 2017, but hasn’t finished outside the Top 10 in 5 starts and is coming off 3 straight Top 5 showings.

Simon Pagenaud (+1200)

If you like value, there’s plenty of it here with Pagenaud. He’s racked up a Top 5 finish in each of his first 5 races of 2017, including a win at the Desert Diamond West Valley Phoenix Grand Prix. There’s no question that he’s struggled to perform up to his potential on the big stage here, but as far as talent is concerned, he’s right there with the best in the field. This will be his 6th start at this event and I believe it’s only a matter of time before he masters this track and takes home the title.

Live Vegas Betting Odds to Win the Indianapolis 500

Indianapolis 500: Sunday, May 28, 2017 at 12:00 pm (Indianapolis Motor Speedway)

The Line: -- Over/Under:Click to Get Latest Betting Odds

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One of the highlights of Memorial Day weekend is the Indianapolis 500, a legendary race that is arguably the biggest motorsports event in the world. It doesn't get much better than being awarded the Borg-Warner Trophy and getting to drink the milk. This year will be the 101st Indianapolis 500 and four of the last six races have finished under three hours, so this is a quick chance to make some money in between eating some great food.

Well, it's about time to get down to business.

Here are five drivers to consider throwing on your card this weekend.

Scott Dixon - Scott Dixon is the overall favorite to win the Indianapolis 500 because he has pole position and a storied history in this event. Of course, Dixon won in Indy back in 2008, but he's also finished eighth or better in nine of his last 11 appearances. Dixon was runner-up in the 2012 Indy 500. So, while I like to lean towards longer odds when I can, Dixon’s +500 odds are low for a reason. He has by far the best chance to win, and it's still a chance to make five times your money.

Ryan Hunter-Reay - Ryan Hunter-Reay is coming off his best race of the season in which he finished third in the IndyCar Grand Prix, and he now has two top-five finishes overall. Hunter-Reay has to like the way he’s racing right now and should be able to carry that confidence into an event he’s had success at as well. Hunter-Reay won the Indianapolis 500 in 2014 and was third back in 2013, and he was sixth in his first appearance in this event in 2008. Hunter-Reay is more of a longshot with +1200 odds, but it's a play that could pay off.

Alexander Rossi - We’re getting +1400 odds with Alexander Rossi, who won this race last year as a rookie. That's something that's worth a look even if nobody has won the Indianapolis 500 back-to-back years since Helio Castroneves in 2001-02. Rossi should be confident heading into this week and is riding some decent form after posting two top-10 finishes in his last three races. Rossi has a chance to make even more history at just 25 years old, and with these odds, I think he's worth a shot in the dark.

Betting Odds 500 Mean

Will Power - Will Power is bringing in odds of +800 this week, which is worth a look given his current form. Power won the Grand Prix and was runner-up in the Desert Diamond West Valley Phoenix Grand Prix. needless to say, Power is in better form than anybody heading into this week, and he's posted three straight top-10 finishes at the Indianapolis 500, which includes a runner-up spot in 2015. This is a decent shot to make eight times your money.

Indy 500 Odds 2020

Tony Kanaan - Tony Kanaan is an Indy 500 veteran and has some decent starting position to help set the tone early. Kanaan made his Indianapolis 500 debut 15 years ago and has the results to show, which includes a win in 2013 and a fourth place finish last year. Kanaan has finished fourth or better in four of his last six appearances on this track. Kanaan also has two top-10 finishes in his last three races overall. Hard to turn down an experienced driver such as Kanaan with odds of +1200.

Indy 500 Betting Odds 2017 Week