(Getty)
If you’re searching for a horse-racing warmup to Saturday’s Kentucky Derby, you needn’t look far. Before Churchill Downs becomes the home to the 143rd Run for the Roses on Saturday night, it will host 13 races as part of 2017 Oaks Day on Friday.
Here’s a complete look at the schedule:
2017 Kentucky Oaks Day Schedule
Note: NBC Sports Network will have TV coverage from Noon to 3 p.m. ET, and from 5 to 6:30 p.m. ET. You can also watch online at NBC Sports Live Extra, starting at Noon ET
Race 1: 10:30 a.m.
Race 2: 10:58 a.m.
Race 3: 11:26 a.m.
Race 4: 11:59 a.m.
Race 5 ($300,000 Grade-1 La Troienne): 12:35 p.m.
Race 6 ($400,000 Grade-2 Alysheba): 1:17 p.m.
Race 7 ($150,000 Grade-3 Twin Spires Turf Sprint): 2 p.m.
Race 8 ($200,000 Grade-2 Eight Belles): 2:53 p.m.
Race 9: 3:53 p.m.
Race 10 ($150,000 Grade-3 Edgewood): 5:04 p.m.
Race 11 ($1 Million Grade-1 Kentucky Oaks): 6:12 p.m.
Race 12: 6:48 p.m.
Race 13: 7:23 p.m.
Preview
The headliner, of course, is the Kentucky Oaks. The Grade-1 race, which features three-year-old fillies, may not be nearly as famous as the Derby, but it’s been running just as long and boasts a $1 million purse.
It’s a strong field, too. Paradise Woods, who absolutely obliterated the field in the Grade-1 Santa Anita last month, leads the way as the favorite, but Miss Sky Warrior, Abel Talsman, Farrell and Salty have all had moments in the last couple of months that suggest they can win this thing.
Then there’s a number of compelling races scattered throughout the undercard. The $300,000 La Troienne features a pair of Grade-1 winners in Sheer Drama and Curalina. Noble Bird will look to improve last year’s eighth-place finish in the $400,000 Alysheba. Nickname and Carina Mia will face off in the $200,000 Eight Belles. Finally, the Twin Spires Turf Sprint and Edgedwood round out the six graded stakes.
The Kentucky Derby may be the main course, but Oaks Day is going to serve as a mighty fine appetizer.