140th Renewal of the Kentucky Derby at Church Hill Downs is Saturday

This weekend marks the “Greatest Two Minutes in Sports” as the 140th renewal of the running of the  Kentucky Derby takes place at Church Hill Downs.
Through the years, it has been a truly breathtaking experience to watch the 3-year-old thoroughbreds race around the mile-and-a-quarter track. The total purse this year is  a minimum guaranteed $2 million.
The track record of a 1:59 2/5 was set by Secretariat in 1973.
Let’s take a quick look at some of the field in the 2014 Derby:
The favorites would have to be California Chrome followed by Wicked Strong, Intense Holiday, Candy Boy and Uncle Sigh. Another outside favorite in this year’s race would be Danza.
Outside of the Super Bowl, this event is the most wagered-upon sporting event on the American calendar.  People around the country stop what they’re doing and watch the 11th race of the day at Church Hill Downs. For people who are in attendance, the attire is a “Dress-to-Impress occasion. Jeans, shorts, tennis shoes or any athletic apparel are not allowed in most spectator areas.

So for you Oxonians attending a Derby party, be sure to don your best duds, or at least elevate the attitude. Maybe a pitcher of Mint Juleps would help. Remember, horse race betting is illegal in Mississippi, but HottyToddy.com won’t tell anyone about your friendly wager.
The post time for the Derby is 5:24 p.m. CST and will be seen on NBC.

–Adam Brown, sports editor of HottyToddy.com