We’re just a few days away from running of the 143rd Kentucky Derby. The post positions were drawn this morning, and the field is set. The running of the 2017 Kentucky Derby kicks off the Triple Crown of Horse Racing, with The Preakness and Belmont Stakes to follow later.
The field of the 143rd Kentucky Derby is one of the most stacked horse races we’ve seen in years. So, just like last year, I figured I’d throw together a quick guide on which horses to watch, what to drink, and what to wear. I’ll be in Vegas this Saturday for the Kentucky Derby watching from the casino, and I plan on being dressed like a complete asshole in my blazer full of roses (see below). I’ll invite you bros to join me this year in dressing to the nines and getting ham boned to watch the running of the 2017 Kentucky Derby because it is, and will always be, the most exciting 2 minutes in sports.
The 143rd Kentucky Derby Race Info
LOCATION: Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky
DATE: May 6th, 2017
Post Time: 6:34pm EST
PURSE: US$2 million guaranteed (1st Prize: $1,240,000, 2nd $400,000, 3rd $200,000)
FAVORITES TO WIN: Always Dreaming, Classic Empire, McCracken, Irish War Cry
OFFICIAL COCKTAILS: Mint Julep and Blush Lily
Which Horses To Watch For In The 2017 Kentucky Derby
There are 20 horses slotted to run in the 143rd Kentucky Derby. We’re still a few days away so there is always a chance that some horses back out between now and then. But here’s how the field looks from post position 1 through 20, with Horse, Jockey, and Odds respectively. I’ve marked the favorites in bold to make them easier for you to see.
1. Lookin at Lee, Corey Lanerie, 20-1
2. Thunder Snow, Christophe Soumillon, 20-1
3. Fast and Accurate, Channing Hill, 50-1
4. Untrapped, Ricardo Santana Jr, 30-1
5. Always Dreaming, John Velazquez, 5-1
6. State of Honor, Jose Lezcano, 30-1
7. Girvin, Mike Smith, 15-1
8. Hence, Floren Geroux, 15-1
9. Irap, Mario Gutierrez, 20-1
10. Gunnevera, Javier Castellano, 15-1
11. Battle of Midway, Flavien Prat, 30-1
12. Sonneteer, Kent Desormeaux, 50-1
13. J Boys Echo, Luis Saez, 20-1
14. Classic Empire, Julien Leparoux, 4-1
15. McCraken, Brian Hernandez Jr, 5-1
16. Tapwrit, Jose Ortiz, 20-1
17. Irish War Cry, Rajiv Maragh, 6-1
18. Gormley, Victor Espinoza, 15-1
19. Practical Joke, Joel Rosario, 20-1
20. Patch, Tyler Gafflione, 30-1
What To Drink During The 2017 Kentucky Derby
Godinger Beaded Barware Beaded 4-1/4″ Mint Julep Cup (SILVER)
Mint Juleps are meant to be drank out of silver cups, and if you’re ready to get classy as fuck you can pick up a set for yourself. Or just buy one and drink out of a silver cup like a baller.
The basic ingredients of the Mint Julep are as follows:
— 10 sprigs of mint
— 1 teaspoon sugar
— 3 ounces whiskey — bourbon
— old-fashioned glass
If you’re unclear on how to mix those then you need some help. The only hint I’ll give you is you should consider going heavy on the mint. In terms of bourbon, I like to mix it up, and these are the three bourbons I suggest you drink during the 2017 Kentucky Derby (follow the links for tasting notes):
Cass Anderson
Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (The new Basil Hayden’s Rye is also divine)
Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey Aged 10 Years
‘Tommy’s Batch’ by Bookers — Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (128.5) Proof.
These, in my opinion, are the three best bourbons on the market at the moment.
What To Wear At The 143rd Kentucky Derby
Floral Printed Sportcoat From Vineyard Vines
In addition to being called ‘the most exciting 2 minutes in sports’ the Kentucky Derby is also referred to as ‘The Run for the Roses’. That name comes from the winning horse being draped in a floral blanket made of 554 red roses. The red rose is also the official flower of the Kentucky Derby.
U.S. Polo Assn. Men’s Two-Button Nested Seersucker Suit
If you’re ever going to buy or wear a Seersucker Suit it might as well be for the Kentucky Derby, am I right? You can’t go wrong with this classic offering from U.S. Polo Association.
100% Silk Mint Julep Kentucky Derby Bow Tie
I own this one myself and I wear it to all three legs of the Triple Crown. Without fail, I get more compliments on this necktie every time I bust it out than all of the other ties in my arsenal combined.
Dockers Men’s Signature Khaki D1 Slim-Fit Flat-Front Pant
Your classic slim-fit khaki pants. You can dress these up or down depending on which shirt/tie/jacket combo you choose to go with. Just make sure to wear slim-fit pants so you don’t look like a frumpy asshole.
Men’s Brown Soft Leather Belt With Gold Buckle
Usually, I’d tell you to be very wary of wearing a brown leather belt with a gold buckle, but horse racing is one day that you can get away with it.
Polo Ralph Lauren Men’s Vintage Western D-Ring Leather Belt
Since this is vintage there’s only ONE of these available for purchase. So if you’re interested in this unique/classic piece I suggest pulling the trigger, because this one’s going to sell out QUICKLY.
I’m not ashamed to admit that I snuck in two full flasks to the Belmont Stakes two years ago. It’s not about trying to save money or anything, it’s because those lines for drinks can get insanely long at these events. Packing a flask is ALWAYS suggested.
Alright, bros, I hope you’re ready for the 2017 Kentucky Derby. If you’ve got any hot betting tips for this year be sure to drop them in the comments down below!