Derby Party Winner's Tips: Horse Race Is Saturday

The Derby is upon us and fans are taking in any last-minute tips for a winning Derby party ahead of Saturday's action at Churchill Downs in Louisville.

All eyes are on the favorites tipped to steal the show at the prestigious 144th edition of the Kentucky Derby although, based on previous events, there is always the possibility that the race will produce a surprise hero.

To ensure you do not miss out on any of the thrills, spills and drama, there are a few key tips to keep in mind ahead of the big day.

The race itself lasts only two minutes and is scheduled for 6:34 p.m. Eastern, although Sporting News noted the start is set at 6:46 p.m.

Those watching from the comfort of their own lounges can tune in to NBC's live TV broadcast, or via an online live-stream at NBCSports.com or through the NBC Sports app.

Competition is stiff this year and spectators are in for a day of excitement ahead of the race.

As of Friday, oddsmakers were picking Justify as their overwhelming favorite but Mendelssohn has been dubbed another top contender for the winning title and, according to Bleacher Report, has produced perhaps the best overall performance of any horse in the field in 2018.

However, Daily Racing Form's Brad Free pointed out that horses prepared for Churchill Downs in Dubai do not necessarily deliver sterling performances on the big day.

Can runaway UAE Derby winner Mendelssohn become the first Dubai shipper to win the Kentucky Derby? Or, will he join list of top horses that fell short? Notwithstanding Meydan bias on Saturday, Mendelssohn sure looks like the real deal. (Daily Racing Form graphic) pic.twitter.com/lflirRWD7u

— Brad Free (@BradFree1) April 1, 2018

Meanwhile Audible is shaping up to be another top contender, with Bleacher Report even highlighting similar trends between the horse and 2017 Derby winner Always Dreaming, which won at Holy Bull and in the Florida Derby.

For now, Audible is resting up and settling in well, according to a tweet by Daily Racing Form's Barbara Livingston.

AUDIBLE settles in comfortably to his @ChurchillDowns digs with a rolling session. Trainer Todd Pletcher. #KentuckyDerby pic.twitter.com/RngPTktAKp

— Barbara Livingston (@DRFLivingston) April 23, 2018

Of course, many are wondering whether the likes of Magnum Moon or one of the other favorites would finally shatter the 136-year-old Apollo Curse that has not seen a winner without having raced as a two-year-old.

According to Bleacher Report, Justify made his debut as a 3-year-old and the odds are in his favor, so perhaps it will be his day.

Will Magnum Moon or Justify break Apollo's Curse?

our #KyDerby experts discuss.... pic.twitter.com/gE7AMcMtC5

— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) April 21, 2018

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