Churchill Downs is awash with pastel colors, garish hats, and mint juleps as race-goers and jockeys alike prepare for the start of the 145th Kentucky Derby. Derby Day holds a special place in American sports, signifying the official start of beautiful spring weather across the country as the season shrugs off the rain and mud of the winter thaw. While still sought after, the Triple Crown is no longer the rarity it once was, with two horses winning all three races in two of the past four years. There are plenty of good candidates this year, and their quest for glory starts today at 6:46pm.
2019 Kentucky Derby
TV Coverage: 2:30-7:30 p.m.
Scheduled Post Time: 6:46 p.m.
TV Channel: NBC
Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)
With last year’s triple crown, legendary trainer Bob Baffert became only the second person to accomplish the feat twice. The five-time Derby winner has three chances to add to his total this year with Improbable, Roadster and Game Winner all in the 20-horse field. While there’s no questioning Baffert’s legacy, being the first to capture three triple crowns would cement him as the best trainer in the sport’s history.
Fate might be on the 66-year-old’s side this year. Entering the week, Omaha Beach, trained by Richard Mandella, was the betting favorite at 4-1. Each of the last six races have been won by the favorites. However, Omaha Beach has been scratched from the race with a trapped epiglottis, limiting his ability to breathe. This leaves Baffert’s trio as the top three favorites: Game Winner (9-2), Roadster (5-1) and Improbable (5-1).
The two horses who round out the top five betting favorites (Maximum Security 8-1, Tacitus 8-1) are both trained by trainers who haven’t won this race before. While the signs point to Baffert capturing his sixth Derby crown, there’s always a chance for a surprise, even if history doesn’t say so.
Grab your mint juleps and big hats. It’s time for The Run for the Roses.
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