Santa Anita Derby 2014: TV Schedule, Post Positions, Odds, Contenders and More

The Santa Anita Derby is one of the most thrilling horse races each year, and the 2014 edition of the event promises to be exciting as the sport of horse racing prepares for the Kentucky Derby and the entire Triple Crown.

With a prize purse worth $1 million and seven previous Santa Anita Derby winners going on to win the Kentucky Derby, the excitement surrounding this year’s race has whipped hardcore and casual horse racing fans into a frenzy.

Here is all the vital viewing information, the post positions for Saturday’s race, all the betting odds and a preview of the action.

Where: Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, Calif.

When: Saturday, April 5

Post Time: 6:30 p.m. ET

Watch: NBC Sports Network

Live Stream:Horse Racing TV (subscription required)

Post	Horse	Odds
1	Rprettyboyfloyd	20-1
2	Friendswith K Mill	20-1
3	Hoppertunity	3-1
4	Big Tire	20-1
5	California Chrome	6-5
6	Candy Boy	9-5
7	Schoolofhardrocks	10-1
8	Dublin Up	30-1

Top Contenders to Watch

California Chrome

Saturday’s favorite in the 2014 Santa Anita Derby is California Chrome. Led by trainer Art Sherman and jockey Victor Espinoza, bettors have flocked to one of the hottest horses in the sport.

After winning just two races through his first six starts in 2013, California Chrome has found his stride and is running well now. Over his last three races—the King Glorious Stakes, California Cup Derby and San Felipe—this horse has been victorious each time.

California Chrome’s owner Steven Coburn told The News and Observer about the strength of his horse:

"

When this colt breaks and runs, he's just like he's pushbutton. He changes his lead so fast, unless you're looking for it, you'll never see it. Then he's got a beautiful long stride on him. He's very well balanced. Since we've changed jockeys to Victor Espinoza, those two have connected quite well. Victor talks to him when he rides him and the horse listens.

"

Race announcer Ed Burgart breaks down California Chrome’s chance on Saturday:

The biggest issue that the horse faces this weekend will be the length of the track. With Santa Anita Park running at 1 1/8 miles long, it will be the longest race of California Chrome’s short career (previous longest was 1 1/16 miles).

If Stamina isn’t an issue, California Chrome will bring home the win.

Candy Boy

While California Chrome is stealing all the headlines, one of the top contenders for this year’s Kentucky Derby precursor is Candy Boy.

As high as expectations have been under the tutelage of trainer John W. Sadler, it will be veteran jockey Gary Stevens who will be Candy Boy’s biggest asset. Stevens is one of the most decorated jockeys in the world and will have his horse running a great time.

Candy Boy lacks the experience that some of the other top horses possess, but a second-place finish in the CashCall Futurity and a win in his last run (February’s Robert B. Lewis Stakes) have momentum on his side.

You can’t go wrong with Candy Boy to show.

Hoppertunity

The best bet of the entire race is Hoppertunity. While this horse lacks the mainstream notoriety that the other two top contenders possess, the 3-1 odds are incredible for a horse that could easily run to a victory.

Led by one of the most respected trainers in Bob Baffert and ridden by legendary jockey Mike Smith, Hoppertunity has the right mixture of experience and talent to run his way into contention at the end of the derby.

While a tough run in the Risen Star Stakes resulted in a fourth-place finish, Hoppertunity bounced back with an incredible race to win the Rebel Stakes on March 15. If the short layoff in between races doesn’t cause a stamina issue, this horse will contend for the victory.

*Stats via HorseRacingNation.com.

Follow @Donald_Wood