Blue Grass Stakes 2015: TV Schedule, Post Positions, Odds, Contenders and More

As one of the key races on the path to the 2015 Kentucky Derby, this year's iteration of the Blue Grass Stakes features a handful of noteworthy contenders.

While it hasn't occurred since 2007, the Blue Grass Stakes winner has gone on to win at Churchill Downs 19 times. A first-place finish on Keeneland’s dirt track rewards 100 points, ensuring a spot in the Kentucky Derby's 20-horse field.

With names such as Ocho Ocho Ocho and Carpe Diem in the fold with post positions set, one of the weekend's top affairs fits right in with March Madness.

Below is a look at all the pertinent info surrounding the event.

Where: Keeneland, Lexington, Kentucky

When: Saturday, April 4

Post Time: 6 p.m. ET

Watch: NBC Sports Network

2015 Blue Grass Stakes

Post	Horse	Odds
1	Ocho Ocho Ocho	6-1
2	Gorgeous Bird	8-1
3	Pepper Roani	12-1
4	Unrivaled	12-1
5	Carpe Diem	1-1
6	Frammento	8-1
7	Classy Class	6-1
8	Danzig Moon	8-1

Order and odds courtesy of HorseRacingNation.com.

Contenders to Watch

Ocho Ocho Ocho (6-1)

Bettors on the hunt for a solid bet with good payout may want to pay close attention—Ocho Ocho Ocho doesn't tout a ton of momentum going into this weekend's event.

But here's the thing—Ocho Ocho Ocho's sire, Street Sense, was the last horse to flip a victory at the Blue Grass Stakes into a Kentucky Derby triumph way back in 2007.

Yes, an eighth-place finish in the San Felipe Stakes won by Dortmund leaves a sour taste in the mouths of bettors. But it's important to understand Ocho Ocho Ocho wasn't 100 percent healthy.

Trainer James Cassidy explained after, per Jonathan Lintner of The Courier-Journal: "Both front legs have some lacerations on them. He had a rough trip. It happened from the gate and then at the first turn. Mike (Smith) said, 'Just throw the race out. I never got a chance.'"

Now back to full strength, Ocho Ocho Ocho has the lineage and is a winner in three of four, the loss perhaps due to injury.

Classy Class (6-1)

Jacob de Golish/Getty Images

The last time fans saw Classy Class, the Cheyenne Stables' three-year-old finished in third place in the Withers and Gotham Stakes.

Heck, the last time Classy Class came in first place was last October.

Alas, the field this year is a tad weak with the Blue Grass Stakes moving back on the calendar from its usual spot just nine days away from the Kentucky Derby. It's a big deal for horses such as Classy Class, though.

As trainer Kiaran McLaughlin points out, the track in Lexington bodes well for Classy Class, per Alicia Wincze Hughes of Kentucky.com:

The fact is, this year's race is wide-open, and a straight shooter such as Classy Class has the firepower to upend the last name on this list if it leaves the gates well.

Carpe Diem (1-1)

Garry Jones/Associated Press

While the payout isn't great, Carpe Diem is the best way to go Saturday.

Trainer Todd Pletcher has done a great job with Carpe Diem, who is a winner in three of four. He blew away the field in Saratoga last year before winning the Claiborne Farm Breeders' Futurity by more than six lengths. This year, a triumph at the Tampa Bay Derby came by more than five lengths.

Stonestreet Stables' bloodstock adviser John Moynihan told Claire Novak of BloodHorse.com that Pletcher has had his sights on this race for quite some time:

"

When we won (the Breeders' Futurity) last year, Todd even mentioned to me, 'You know, the Blue Grass would be a good spot next year for this horse.' After the Breeders' Cup we gave him some time, he came back at Tampa Bay and ran a super race, and since that time he's been doing phenomenal.

"

Not only is Carpe Diem the best horse in Saturday's field, he's built for long-distance races and has a wealth of experience in high-traffic areas.

A strong burst and composure when things get messy, not to mention great training and a proven track record, are just a few of the reasons Carpe Diem stands out as a favorite.