One of the most highly anticipated, and arguably one of the most profitable sporting events in the country will take place on Saturday - the Kentucky Derby 2014.
The 140th Kentucky Derby will take place at Churchill Downs and will feature 19 of the best horses in the country today in the most anticipated horse race this year.
Originally, there were 20 horses entered in the event, but Hoppertunity scratched out from the race due to foot issues. Pablo Del Monte was supposed to take the vacant place before the owners decided not to enter the race.
California Chrome is favored to win the race as he is listed as a 5-2 morning-line favorite. He is unbeaten as a 3-yer-old and has listed six wins and a runner-up finish in 10 starts.
California Chrome will look to become the first California-bred horse to win in the annual Derby in 52 years, which would also make 77-year-old trainer Art Sherman the oldest trainer to win in the Derby.
Wicked Strong is considered as the biggest threat to California Chrome, but trainer Jimmy Jerkens expressed concern about how their post position will affect Wicked Strong's chances.
"It might be that speed is quick and they get to rolling in a clump and he can draft in behind them and it'll work out OK," Jerkens told Syracuse.com. "The one positive is that he's not in the gate very long. I'm trying to convince myself that it's not a bad post, but I don't know if I can."
The event will start at 10:30 a.m. ET featuring the first 12 races before the main event kicks off later in the day around 6:24 p.m. ET.
For those who will not at the Churchill Downs, NBC will not let you miss the action. NBC Sports will broadcast the initial stages of the event until 4 p.m. ET, while NBC will cover the main races of the day. Horse racing fans can also catch the action through online live stream via NBC Sports Live Extra.
Below is the complete list of post position and morning-line odds:
- Vicar's In Trouble (20-1)
- Harry's Holiday (50-1)
- Uncle Sigh (30-1)
- Danza (8-1)
- California Chrome (5-2)
- Samraat (15-1)
- We Miss Artie (50-1)
- General a Rod (15-1)
- Vinceremos (30-1)
- Wildcat Red (15-1)
- Hoppertunity (SCR)
- Dance With Fate (20-1)
- Chitu (20-1)
- Medal Count (20-1)
- Tapiture (8-1)
- Intense Holiday (8-1)
- Commanding Curve (50-1)
- Candy Boy (15-1)
- Ride On Curlin (15-1)
- Wicked Strong (6-1)
