Nyquist enters the 2016 Kentucky Derby as the betting favorite (3-1 odds) looking to remain undefeated, but attaining that feat will be difficult for a number of reasons. Besides the fact that Nyquist drew a less-than-ideal starting position, he'll also be facing some stiff competition with the likes of Exaggerator (8-1) and a trio of colts in Creator, Gun Runner and Mohaymen (all at 10-1) all in contention for a victory at the 142nd running of the Derby.
Post time for the main event is set for 6:34 p.m. ET, and pre-race coverage of the Derby will begin at 4 p.m. ET on NBC. Prior to then, you can catch all of the build-up and early races on NBCSN from noon to 4 p.m., with the entire day's coverage available to be streamed via NBC Sports Live Extra.
Exaggerator, under the tutelage of the Desormeaux brothers, brings one of the best pedigrees in the field, having been sired by two-time Horse of the Year Curlin. His most recent race was an impressive one, a six-and-a-quarter-length win on a sloppy track at Santa Anita. Creator is the only contender in the field by a Peruvian mare, and his trainer Steve Asmussen seems to think he is coming into form at the right time ahead of the Derby. Gun Runner is coming off a four-and-a-half-length win at March's Louisiana Derby, while Mohaymen comes in with unfortunate memories of an eight-and-a-quarter-length dusting at the hands of Nyquist in the Florida Derby still fresh.
The most exciting two minutes in sports never fails to deliver on entertainment or drama, and the result on Saturday evening from Churchill Downs will set into motion another bid for a Triple Crown for whichever horse is able to best the full, 20-horse field this weekend in Louisville.
Kentucky Derby day coverage
Start: 4 p.m. ET
Kentucky Derby: 6:34 p.m. ET
TV: NBC
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra
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Explaining the Kentucky Derby
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