2024 Kentucky Derby and Triple Crown Preview

The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the Triple Crown of American horse racing, dating back to 1875. It is held annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. 

Ahead of the 150th Kentucky Derby in 2024, the Thoroughbred world is excited about a talented field of 3-year-old contenders vying for the garland of roses. Two horses have emerged as the early betting favorites: Fierceness and Sierra Leone. 

Fierceness comes into the Derby undefeated in 4 career starts. His sire was a Belmont Stakes winner’s medal, which gave him breeding for the 1 1/4-mile Derby distance. Sierra Leone also boasts an impressive resume, with three wins in his last four races. His pedigree also indicates stamina, with multiple 1 1/8 mile wins to his credit. 

While Fierceness and Sierra Leone lead the field, several other contenders aim to defeat the favorites. Catching Freedom, Just a Touch, and Japanese import Forever Young have the talent to make an impact. With a field of 20 horses, luck and strategy will play a role in determining whether any of these colts can defeat the top choices on the first Saturday in May.

The Derbi is expected to have an honest, but not blistering pace. It is not obvious that you need the leading sprinter in this field. Early fractions should be around 23 seconds for the quarter mile, 46 seconds for the half-mile, and 1:10 for six furlongs. The pace will pick up heading into the stretch, and the final time should be between 2:02 and 2:05. None of the top horses wants a breakneck pace scenario.

2024 Triple Crown

Although it is the most important event of the series, the Kentucky Derby is just the first challenge for those who aspire to win the Triple Crow, the highest price for horse racing in the world. 

For this year’s events, there will be some changes, as the Saratoga Race Course will receive the Belmont Stakes due to Belmont Park receiving a new grandstand and further changes.

The challenge is always surrounded by controversy, as the tight schedule makes it too hard for horses and jockeys alike. Commonly, Kentucky Derby winners don’t feature at the other two races, but we have to wait to see this year’s event’s development.

When and Where:

Saturday, May 4, 6:57 pm ET (Estimated) at Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky

Where can I watch it? 

NBC

Where can I watch it on stream? 

Peacock and NBC Sports app

Kentucky Derby 2024 – Betting odds

Sierra Leone 4.00

Fierceness 4.33

Forever Young 9.00

Catching Freedom 11.00

Mindframe 11.00

Stronghold 17.00

Just a Touch 17.00

Honor Marie 21.00

Endlessly 26.00

Domestic Product 26.00

Society Man 34.00

Just Steel 34.00

Encino 34.00

Resilience 34.00

Track Phamton 34.00

Dornoch 34.00

T O Password 34.00

Catalytic 51.00

West Saratoga 51.00

Grand Mo The First 101.00

Heading into the 2024 Kentucky Derby, several top contenders have a legitimate shot at winning the first leg of the Triple Crown. 

Sierra Leone looms as one of the favorites after three wins in his last four races. His pedigree and experience at the 1 1/8-mile distance make him well-suited for the 1 1/4-mile Derby. However, he has yet to prove he can handle a 20-horse field in a crowded race like the Derby. There are doubts about whether he has the tactical speed to get a good early position.

Fierceness is the other big favorite, with an undefeated record and impressive speed figures. But he has limited experience going long distances, and will likely compete for the early lead from an outside post, which could tire him out. He is talented but inexperienced.

Just A Touch has steadily improved in 2024 and has the breeding to excel at the Derby distance. He has shown versatility in his running style and has one of the best riders aboard. Just a touch is primed for a big effort.

Finally, we have our prediction as being between Sierra Leone and Fierceness.