Whether you’re at Churchill Downs today (May 6) or just watching from the comfort of your own home, the 143rd running of the Kentucky Derby will be nothing short of high drama. (They don’t call it the “greatest two minutes in sports” for nothing.)
Now, if you read RealClearLife‘s billionaire’s guide to the Derby and beyond, you’ll be more than prepared for the event itself. But the betting? It would’ve been irresponsible of us to provide any insight into that aspect of the race, given that we’re not professional handicappers or horsemen. So we left that task up to the experts at The New York Times and Daily Racing Form.
Below, find out who the Times‘ top horseplayers have chosen to win, place, and show on Derby Day. (If you’re at home, post time for the Derby is 6:34 p.m. Eastern; if you’re stuck in the office, NBC will be streaming the race live here.)
The Times‘ Joe Drape:
Win: Tapwrit
Place: Irish War Cry
Show: Always Dreaming
Drape says: “Here’s your winner: This colt has quietly been growing into a racehorse in the shadow of his stablemate Always Dreaming. Excuse the Blue Grass, he blew the start. He’s won on a wet track and, yes Mom, he is gray.”
The Times‘ Melissa Hoppert:
Win: Classic Empire
Place: McCracken
Show: Irish War Cry
Hoppert says: “Injuries aside, the Pioneerof the Nile colt has been the class of this mediocre 3-year-old crop, and his Arkansas Derby performance was enough to put me back on the bandwagon.”
For deeper analysis of the Derby field, watch this advance handicapping video from the Daily Racing Form.
Whether you’re looking to get into shape, or just get out of a funk, The Charge has got you covered. Sign up for our new wellness newsletter today.
