The 151st Kentucky Derby is set for Saturday at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, with live coverage starting at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBC. The race features 20 three-year-old horses competing for a $5 million purse over a distance of 1¼ miles. Notably, last year’s winner, Mystik Dan, had 18-1 odds, and fans are curious if another major upset, similar to Rich Strike’s 80-1 victory in 2022, could happen this year.
Among the contenders, notable horses include Journalism, favored at 3-1 after winning the Santa Anita Derby, and Sovereignty, at 5-1, who triumphed in the Fountain of Youth. Other horses like Sandman and Burnham Square have also shown promise, with Sandman winning the Arkansas Derby and Burnham Square taking the Blue Grass Stakes. The field includes a mix of experienced jockeys and trainers, with some horses making their first appearances on dirt.
As the Derby approaches, fans are eager to see how the updated post positions will affect the race dynamics, especially with scratches affecting the lineup. The excitement builds as viewers anticipate whether a favorite will win or if an underdog will steal the spotlight once again.
