Kentucky Derby Start Time: Critical Information for Race at Churchill Downs

The 2013 Kentucky Derby takes place this weekend as the world turns its attention to horses and mint juleps. The first leg of the Triple Crown sets the stage for the two remaining big races of the year: the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes. 

Here is a breakdown of the critical information you need for the anticipated race:

Complete Kentucky Derby Week Television Schedule (via KentuckyDerby.com)

The 139th Kentucky Derby	Saturday, May 4	4-7 p.m. ET	NBC
Derby Classics	Wednesday, May 1	4-5 p.m. ET	NBCSN
Draw	Wednesday, May 1	5-6 p.m. ET	NBCSN
Derby Classics	Thursday, May 2	4-5 p.m. ET	NBCSN
Derby Access	Thursday, May 2	5-6 p.m. ET	NBCSN
Derby Classics	Friday, May 3	4-5 p.m. ET	NBCSN
Kentucky Oaks	Friday, May 3	5-6 p.m. ET	NBCSN
Derby Prep	Saturday, May 4	11-4 p.m. ET	NBCSN
Derby Post	Saturday, May 4	7-7:30 p.m. ET	NBCSN

Favorites (All odds via bovada.com as of April 30)

Heading to the finals days leading up to the Kentucky Derby, the favorites are Verrazano (7/2), Orb (5/1), Goldencents (7/1) and Revolutionary (7/1). The last time the overall favorite won the race was in 2008 when Big Brown took the crown. 

While Verrazano is the favorite as of the 30th, Orb has gained traction with strong results in the pre-race workouts. It woudn't be shocking to see Orb take over the favorite role sometime before the start of the race. 

Key Storylines

Kevin Krigger Looking to Make History as African-American Jockey

The last time an African-American jockey rode the winning horse at the Kentucky Derby was in 1902 when Jimmy Winkfield completed the feat for the second straight year. Since 1921, there has only been one African-American to compete. 

Krigger has a strong chance to have success in the race with Goldencents, which is owned by Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino. Winning the race would be a great feat for Krigger, who grew up in the U.S. Virgin Islands with a dream of riding the Kentucky Derby winner. 

Todd Pletcher's Somewhat Dominance

Assuming 20 horses race, trainer Todd Pletcher will have 25 percent of the field. including the favorite Verrazano. In addition to his ace, Pletcher will also have Revolutionary, Overanalyze, Palace Malice and Charming Kitten. With Verrazano and Revolutionary among the top contenders, Pletcher will be looking to win his second Derby. 

Throughout his career, Pletcher's horses have a combined record of 1-31. He's had plenty of good horses, but they've come up short when it mattered most. While Pletcher will have at least four losses regardless, he just wants to see that first number jump to two. 

Rosie Napravnik Looking to Make History as Well

No woman has ever won the Kentucky Derby, but Rosie Napravnik will be looking to chance that in the 139th edition of the Derby. Napravnik currently has the highest finish for a woman the race when she finished ninth in 2011 with Pants on Fire. 

In this race, Napravnik will be riding Mylute. The horse enters the race ranked 15th on the Kentucky Derby Leaderboard with 42 points. Mylute hasn't had the most success leading up the race, but is capable of pushing through to victory with a splendid blend of speed and power.