Kentucky Derby 2021: Time, Odds, Top Contenders, How To Watch

LOUISVILLE, KY — Mint juleps and Oak Lilies sipped beneath jubilant, oversized hats will be on full display this first Saturday in May when the 147th Kentucky Derby returns to Churchill Downs in Louisville.

The $3 million, mile-and-a-quarter marquee race is back on after being delayed to Labor Day weekend last fall because of the pandemic. Post time on Saturday is 6:57 p.m. ET.

Essential Quality is the 2-1 morning line favorite and will start from the No. 14 post for Saturday’s race, according to The Associated Press.

Rock Your World is the 5-1 second choice from the No. 15 slot, with Known Agenda the 6-1 third choice despite drawing the rail in the 20-horse field, The AP reported. Hot Rod Charlie drew 8-1 odds as the fourth choice from the No. 9 slot.

See the full Kentucky Derby field and Derby Day schedule.

Around 15,000 fans will be permitted infield, Churchill Downs announced in early April. Meanwhile, reserved seating options will fill the stands to between 40-60 percent capacity. This means about 45,000 spectators are expected to attend the annual Run for the Roses.

Churchill Downs put in place several health and safety guidelines for the 147th run. Masks will be required at all times, according to the Louisville Courier Journal citing a guide released by the racetrack, except when race attendees are actively eating or drinking. Hand-washing and sanitizing stations will be available throughout Churchill Downs. Social distancing will be encouraged as well.

Whether Saturday spectators will comply with the guidelines has yet to be seen. If Thurby Day on Thursday was a preview, Saturday could be a gamble.

The 2021 Kentucky Derby will be broadcast live from noon to 2:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports and from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. EST on NBC.

For those who don't have cable, the race can also be streamed via the NBC Sports website or through a mobile device using the NBC Sports app. The event can additionally be streamed using fuboTV.