Kentucky Derby 2016: TV Schedule, Post Time, Undercard and Weekend Race Info

Whether you are just a casual fan of horse racing or have been studying every top race for months, the Kentucky Derby has something for everyone.

The 2016 Run for the Roses will have a lot to live up to after American Pharoah took home the first Triple Crown since 1978. Fans are no longer looking for just a winner but a transcendent champion that can put itself in the history books.

Although it remains to be seen if Nyquist or any of the other contenders can win all three major races in a row, fans are rooting for it to happen once again. With this always being a possibility, you don't want to miss the first part of history.

To keep you in the loop, here is a look at what you need to know heading into the weekend at Churchill Downs.

Date	Event	Time (ET)	TV
May 6	Kentucky Oaks 142	12:30 - 6 p.m.	NBC Sports
May 7	Kentucky Derby Undercard	12 - 4 p.m.	NBC Sports
May 7	Kentucky Derby 142	4 - 7:30 p.m.	NBC

Weekend Preview

		Friday, May 6
		Saturday, May 7
Race	Post Time (ET)	Event	Grade
1	10:30	MdSpWt	-
2	11:00	MdSpWt	-
3	11:30	MdSpWt	-
4	12:05	OC $75k/N1X	-
5	12:43	OC $75k/N1X	-
6	1:26	Edgewood	-
7	2:08	Eight Belles	Grade 2
8	3:02	La Troienne	Grade 2
9	3:52	Alysheba	Grade 2
10	4:44	American Turf	Grade 2
11	5:45	Kentucky Oaks	Grade 1
12	6:21	OC $80k/N3$	-
Race	Post Time (ET)	Event	Grade
1	10:30	MdSpWt	-
2	11:00	MdSpWt	-
3	11:30	OC $75k/N1X	-
4	12:04	OC $75k/N1X	-
5	12:38	OC $100k/N2X	-
6	1:19	Twin Spires Sprint	Grade 3
7	2:08	Humana Distaff	Grade 1
8	2:59	Churchill Distaff Turf Mile	Grade 2
9	3:51	Churchill Downs	Grade 2
10	4:46	Woodford Turf Classic	Grade 1
11	6:24	KENTUCKY DERBY	Grade 1
12	7:20	OC $80k/N3$	-
13	7:50	Allowance N2$	-

Aside from the Kentucky Derby itself, the biggest event of the weekend takes place Friday with the Kentucky Oaks.

Rachel's Valentina comes in as the 7-2 favorite after finishing no lower than second in any of her four career starts, three of which were Grade 1 events. Despite a second-place finish at the Ashland Stakes, she has the ability to cruise past the competition in this field.

The big story is her pedigree as the daughter of Rachel Alexandra, who won both the Kentucky Oaks and Preakness Stakes, among other top events, in 2009. Rachel's Valentina has a lot to live up to, but at least winning this first event is not out of the question.

Churchill Downs announcer Travis Stone actually believes the line might be too low for the favorite:

Weep No More will have something to say about this after beating Rachel's Valentina the last time out as part of a three-race winning streak. Cathryn Sophia, Lewis Bay and others will also have a chance to pull off the upset at the anticipated event.

Beyond the Kentucky Oaks, other races during the weekend will be exciting to watch while featuring different styles. The Humana Distaff is only seven furlongs and will represent the top sprinters around, while the Woodford Turf Classic is obviously a top grass event as the lead-in to the Derby itself.

Whether you are able to get to Churchill Downs or are just watching on television, there is plenty to keep you entertained throughout the two days.

Of course, this all leads up to the Kentucky Derby, which is set to start at 6:24 p.m. ET on Saturday.

Nyquist comes in as the favorite as an undefeated horse in seven career starts. The thoroughbred turned heads at the Breeders' Cup Juvenile last fall and continued to build on his legacy with an impressive showing at the Florida Derby.

Garry Jones/Associated Press

Trainer Doug O'Neill is also confident after the draw was announced with Nyquist being placed in No. 13.

"We like it," O'Neill said, per the Kentucky Derby website. "We see a good sign. We were post No. 13 when we won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile."

O'Neill and jockey Mario Gutierrez teamed up in 2012 when I'll Have Another won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes before being scratched at the Belmont Stakes. With Nyquist, this group will have another shot at glory.

Meanwhile, there are a number of contenders who could make this an interesting battle. Trainer Steve Asmussen has two horses that should contend for the first-place finish in Creator and Gun Runner. According to Katherine Terrell of NOLA.com, Asmussen is looking to make history over the weekend:

Exaggerator is another experienced challenger that should be in the mix down the stretch, while a speedster such as Danzing Candy could make things interesting right out of the gate.

Even with all of the projections, this remains an unpredictable sport. One misstep out of the gate could derail an entire run, and any of the contenders could run a perfect race and end up in the winner's circle.

That is all part of the fun and the reason this event is the "most exciting two minutes in sports."

Follow Rob Goldberg on Twitter for year-round sports analysis.