Kentucky Derby 2018 Post Time, TV Schedule and Weather Forecast for 144th Race
Justify and Mendelssohn are the favourites to win the 2018 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville on Saturday. However, rain could be an issue for the field, with showers possible on race day.
The co-favourites are unbeaten entering the 144th edition of the Run for the Roses, but they will face strong competition from a loaded field that features talented colts such as Audible and Magnum Moon.
There are also some tempting outside bets race watchers should consider, including Good Magic and My Boy Jack.
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Date: Saturday, May 5
Post Time: 6:46 p.m. ET / 11:46 p.m. BST
TV Info: NBCSN
Live Stream: NBC Sports App.
Weather Forecast
Kristina Pydynowski of Accuweather.com noted there is more than a fair chance of wet conditions at Churchill Downs on Saturday.
The site noted how thunderstorms on Friday could affect conditions: "The slow-moving nature of the storm system may result in the damp conditions continuing for the 'Run for the Roses' on Saturday."
Roys offered a more grim view, as he talked up what anticipated showers will do for the track in Louisville: "The rain may cause the track to be classified as 'muddy' or 'sloppy' ahead of the Run for the Roses in the evening."
Rain and mud would combine to slow the track, although that needn't be bad news for the favourite.
NJ.com's Keith Sargeant believes Justify will handle any effects caused by the weather, having run well in the Santa Anita Derby, "winning by three lengths on a surface that trainer Bob Baffert said was playing slow all afternoon."
Justify and Mendelssohn are both worthy favourites at +350 (wager $100 win $350) with oddsmakers. OddsShark relayed the rest the main contenders' odds:
Odds are for the whole field are available on OddsShark.
If the track at Churchill Downs isn't hit hard by adverse weather, Mendelssohn possesses the speed and power to leave the rest trailing. Like Justify, the colt also has the pedigree to leave as a winner.
However, not everybody is convinced the favoured duo will have it all their own way.
In Mendelssohn's case, the Lexington Herald-Leader's Ben Roberts noted how "the last 36 Kentucky Derby starters that raced outside of the United States or Canada before loading into the starting gate on the first Saturday in May have failed to finish in the money."
Mendelssohn's recent foray on to foreign soil saw the son of Scat Daddy win the UAE Derby back in March. Aidan O'Brien's presence as trainer and having Ryan Moore in the saddle give this impressive horse a strong chance to win the fight against history.
Meanwhile, Justify will need to overcome the perception he's not ready for the big time after only appearing in three races. Trainer Bob Baffert isn't concerned, though, according to Ed McNamara of Newsday.
Instead, Baffert believes Justify's talent is sufficient to overcome any inexperience. Baffert has trained four previous winners, so his confidence speaks volumes about Justify's raw ability.
The rest of the field will need some form of equaliser, something they may get from the weather, to help slow the favourites down and let a surprise winner emerge.
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