(Getty)
It’s the 140th Kentucky Derby, also known as “The Run for the Roses,” and we’ve got all the information you need. Read on for the odds, betting, the horses, traditions, and some details on this year’s contenders. And, to watch the Kentucky Derby live stream, click here.
1. The Derby Is Full of Traditions
Add a twist to your Mint Julep tomorrow for the #KentuckyDerby with Rebellion Bourbon & a squeeze of lime. pic.twitter.com/NbghVUB9ak
— Opici Wines (@OpiciWines) May 2, 2014
Let’s get started with the true definition of the Kentucky Derby. Wikipedia writes it as:
The Kentucky Derby is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds, held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, United States, on the first Saturday in May, capping the two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival. The race is one and a quarter miles (2 km) at Churchill Downs … The race is known in the United States as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes In Sports” or “The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports” for its approximate duration, and is also called “The Run for the Roses” for the blanket of roses draped over the winner.
Some of the well-known traditions that come along with the Kentucky Derby are serving Mint Julep drinks, ladies wearing giant hats, and eating “burgoo” stew. Other traditions associated with the event are these:
The infield, a spectator area inside the track, offers general admission prices but little chance of seeing much of the race … By contrast, “Millionaire’s Row” refers to the expensive box seats that attract the rich, the famous and the well-connected. Women appear in fine outfits lavishly accessorized with large, elaborate hats. As the horses are paraded before the grandstands, the University of Louisville Marching Band plays Stephen Foster’s “My Old Kentucky Home,” a tradition which began in 1921.
2. Here Are the Odds for Betting
If you’re looking to get in on the betting action, you can do so online by clicking here.
Betting on the Kentucky Derby is legal online for U.S. residents through the official online wagering site of the Kentucky Derby, www.twinspires.com.
If this is of interest to you, check out the odds for betting below:
1 Vicar’s In Trouble 20-1
2 Harry’s Holiday 50-1
3 Uncle Sigh 30-1
4 Danza 8-1
5 California Chrome 5-2
6 Samraat 15-1
7 We Miss Artie 50-1
8 General A Rod 15-1
9 Vinceremos 30-1
10 Wildcat Red 15-1
11 Dance With Fate 20-1
12 Chitu 20-1
13 Medal Count 20-1
14 Tapiture 12-1
15 Intense Holiday 8-1
16 Commanding Curve 50-1
17 Candy Boy 15-1
18 Ride On Curlin 15-1
19 Wicked Strong 6-1
3. Two Horses Have Been Scratched
Scratch of Hoppertunity moves AE Pablo Del Monte into field, if they want to run from post 20. Hoppertunity had post 11.
— Jay Privman (@DRFPrivman) May 1, 2014
There are two horses who have been scratched from the derby already – Hoppertunity and Pablo Del Monte. Because of Hoppertunity leaving due to an injury, positions in the line-up had to be moved. Bleacher Report wrote:
The shifts in post positions after the scratch of Hoppertunity were favorable for some horses; however, due to the history of the race, others were not so fortunate. Since Hoppertunity was originally slated in the 11th position, only the outside positions shifted after Pablo Del Monte took over the 20th position.
However, the Kentucky Derby website says that Pablo Del Monte has also been scratched because his owner’s wished to not race him. As far as the race schedules, check them out below:
Race Post Time (ET)
1 10:30 a.m.
2 11:01 a.m.
3 11:31 a.m.
4 12:04 p.m.
5 12:38 p.m.
Churchill Distaff Turf Mile 1:19 p.m.
Humana Distaff 2:08 p.m.
American Turf 2:59 p.m.
Churchill Downs 3:46 p.m.
Woodford Reserve Turf Classic 4:44 p.m.
Kentucky Derby 6:24 p.m.
12 7:20 p.m.
13 7:50 p.m.
4. California Chrome Is Dominating Thus Far
California Chrome
California Chrome is being ridden by Victor Espinoza and here’s some of the background on the contender, provided by the Kentucky Derby:
California Chrome is the first registered foal from Love the Chase, who scored her only win in a low-level maiden claimer going a mile at Golden Gate Fields … California Chrome hails from the family of Hall of Famer Swaps, a Cal-bred himself who successfully shipped East to plunder the 1955 Kentucky Derby.
California Chrome’s odds are 5-2 and this horse is the favorite, according to OddsShark.
California Chrome is the horse to watch this year. Bleacher Report writes:
California Chrome has been absolutely dominant this year and could increase that number to tie the 10th position with nine. The stage is set at Churchill downs, and this year’s race features a very strong field. The 2014 Run for the Roses should certainly be one for the ages.
For more information on California Chrome and the rest of the horses, click the below links:
5. Jockey Rosie Napravnik Is Hoping to be the First Female to Win the Kentucky Derby
#FullStoryPETA #ourlivelihood pic.twitter.com/sva92wOq68
— Rosie Napravnik (@RosieNapravnik) March 21, 2014
There’s a female jockey in the race this year and she’s a fiery red-head named Rosie Napravnik. She’s hoping to be the first female to win the race with 20-1 long shot horse Vicar’s In Trouble. According to ABC News:
Vicar’s In Trouble drew the dreaded No. 1 spot in the starting gate. With 19 horses on his outside fighting to move inside to save ground, he and Napravnik will be under the gun when the gate springs open.
This could be a challenge for Napravnik.
