Kentucky Derby 2018: Start time, odds, and where to watch

• The 144th Kentucky Derby will run this Saturday, with 20 horses racing to win the first leg of the Triple Crown.
• Post time is set for 6:34 p.m. EST, but viewers should tune into NBC early to be safe - there's a reason they call it "The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports."
• Justify enters the race with 3/1 odds to lead the field, and will look to become the sixth consecutive favorite to take home the roses.

This Saturday the 144th running of the Kentucky Derby will take place at Churchill Downs.

Known as "The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports," the Kentucky Derby is a day when even casual racing fans can tune in and enjoy a day at the track, or at the very least, enjoy some mint juleps while watching on television.

For those looking to watch the Kentucky Derby as it happens live - as any sports fan should - you can tune into NBC and catch it. While the post time is set for 6:34 p.m. EST, the actual race isn't due to start until 6:46 p.m. EST, so stragglers will have a chance to catch the action.

That said, tune in early to get a feel for the mood at Churchill Downs and the dulcet tones of Bob Costas, who is hosting NBC's coverage of the race once again along with Mike Tirico.

The 20 horse field looks exceptionally strong this year, with five contenders standing above the rest and Justify holding at the front of the pack hoping to become the sixth consecutive favorite to take home the roses.

The odds are subject to change up right until the start of the race, but opened as follows:

1. Firenze Fire (50/1)
2. Free Drop Billy (30/1)
3. Promises Fulfilled (30/1)
4. Flameaway (30/1)
5. Audible (8/1)
6. Good Magic (12/1)
7. Justify (3/1)
8. Lone Sailor (50/1)
9. Hofburg (20/1)
10. My Boy Jack (30/1)
11. Bolt d'Oro (8/1)
12. Enticed (30/1)
13. Bravazo (50/1)
14. Mendelssohn (5/1)
15. Instilled Regard (50/1)
16. Magnum Moon (6/1)
17. Solomini (30/1)
18. Vino Rosso (12/1)
19. Noble Indy (30/1)
20. Combatant (50/1)

You can chek out more of our Kentucky Derby coverage below:

• A beginner's guide to betting the biggest horse race of the year
• Everything you need to know about the 20 horses racing in the 'Run for the Roses'
• Post positions and odds for the first race of the Triple Crown
• 5 contenders that can win at Churchill Downs this weekend

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