Kentucky Derby 2015 Post Time: Race Schedule, Live Stream and NBC TV Info
The Kentucky Derby is always a fantastic spectacle that captures the attention of the sports world, but the 141st Run for the Roses is even more intriguing than usual.
Due to the fact that the 2015 field is so deep and stacked with top-flight horses, this year's Kentucky Derby could be one of the fastest and most hotly contested races in recent memory. Add in the continued quest for a Triple Crown winner, and it is clear that observers are more ready than ever for a truly great horse to emerge.
It may very well happen on Saturday evening, and here is everything you need to know about when and where to watch "the most exciting two minutes in sports."
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Schedule, Viewing Info and Derby Field
Where: Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky
When: Saturday, May 2, at 6:24 p.m. ET
Watch: NBC
Live Stream: NBC Sports Live Extra
| 1 | Ocho Ocho Ocho | Elvis Trujillo | Jim Cassidy |
| 2 | Carpe Diem | John Velazquez | Todd Pletcher |
| 3 | Materiality | Javier Castellano | Todd Pletcher |
| 4 | Tencendur | Manny Franco | George Weaver |
| 5 | Danzig Moon | Julien Leparoux | Mark Casse |
| 6 | Mubtaahij | Christophe Soumillon | Mike de Kock |
| 7 | El Kabeir | Calvin Borel | John Terranova II |
| 8 | Dortmund | Martin Garcia | Bob Baffert |
| 9 | Bolo | Rafael Bejarano | Carla Gaines |
| 10 | Firing Line | Gary Stevens | Simon Callaghan |
| 11 | International Star | Miguel Mena | Mike Maker |
| 12 | Itsaknockout | Luis Saez | Todd Pletcher |
| 13 | Keen Ice | Kent Desormeaux | Dale Romans |
| 14 | Frosted | Joel Rosario | Kiaran McLaughlin |
| 15 | War Story | Joe Talamo | Tom Amoss |
| 16 | Mr. Z | Ramon Vazquez | D. Wayne Lukas |
| 17 | American Pharoah | Victor Espinoza | Bob Baffert |
| 18 | Upstart | Jose Ortiz | Rick Violette Jr. |
| 19 | Far Right | Mike Smith | Ron Moquett |
| 20 | Frammento | Corey Nakatani | Nick Zito |
Contenders to Watch
American Pharoah
Although much of the Derby field seemingly has a legitimate chance to come out on top, there is little doubt that American Pharoah is the horse to beat at Churchill Downs.
The dominant colt has won four consecutive races leading up to the Kentucky Derby, and he has done so against some pretty stiff competition. The Bob Baffert-trained horse has been so impressive, in fact, many seem to believe that no other Derby entrant is on his level.
D. Wayne Lukas is among those who appear to feel that way, as he thinks American Pharoah is significantly better than undefeated Dortmund, according to Jonathan Lintner of The Courier-Journal:
Baffert happens to be the trainer for both American Pharoah and Dortmund, which could create an interesting situation down the stretch in the Kentucky Derby.
The expectation is that Baffert will leave Churchill Downs a winner due to entering two great candidates, and he relishes the opportunity in front of him, as reported by Lintner.
"I think there's always pressure, but there's a lot of anxiety that goes with having the two Derby favorites," Baffert said. "Fortunately, I have a lot of horses on the undercard that will keep me busy. There's always that pressure, but it's a good pressure, to me."
There are several factors that will come into play for Baffert and American Pharoah during the race, but provided the horse gets a good trip and is put in position to win, he has all the tools needed to close the deal on the big stage.
Carpe Diem
He may not be receiving quite as much hype as American Pharoah, but with four victories in five career races, Carpe Diem is undoubtedly a contender leading up to the Kentucky Derby.
Todd Pletcher's top Derby entrant is coming off a win in the Blue Grass Stakes, but he is somehow still managing to fly under the radar. Sleeping on Carpe Diem isn't a good idea, though, as he is perfectly capable of vying for the win.
In fact, Keeneland Race Course Media Relations Manager Matt May believes Carpe Diem has what it takes to compete with both American Pharoah and Dortmund:
It isn't often that Pletcher is forced to take a backseat to anyone at the Kentucky Derby, but with Baffert having two potential winners on his hands, it could definitely take the pressure off both Pletcher and Carpe Diem.
While Carpe Diem isn't aware of the circumstances surrounding the race, he could benefit from an aggressive, throw-caution-to-the-wind ride at Churchill Downs.
Mubtaahij
One of the biggest wild cards in the Kentucky Derby field is undoubtedly Mubtaahij, but the supremely talented colt may very well be a household name by the time the race reaches its conclusion.
Mubtaahij is an outsider of sorts as an Irish-bred horse, so there is some degree of mystery surrounding him. After his win in the UAE Derby, though, it is clear that he is capable of hanging with and beating high-level competition.
A big part of that, in the opinion of trainer Michael de Kock, is the horse's mental acumen, according to KY Derby Contenders:
It is no secret that many of the horses that have made the leap from Dubai to the Kentucky Derby have struggled. But Mubtaahij is supremely talented, and it wouldn't be wise to discount his chances.
The expectation by many is that American Pharoah or perhaps Dortmund will dominate the field; however, Mubtaahij is among the handful of horses that can pose a true threat.
Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter.
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