2024 Kentucky Derby set for May 4th with record purse and field of 20

Horse Racing Nations previews the upcoming race and contenders

The 150th running of the Kentucky Derby is just around the corner, and Horse Racing Nation is here to provide you with all the latest news and analysis leading up to the big race.

This year's Derby will be held on Saturday, May 4th at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The race will feature a field of 20 horses, and the purse has been increased to a record $5 million. The previous purse of $3 million had been in place since 2019.

The clear favorites in this year's race are Fierceness (5-2) and Sierra Leone (7-1). Both horses have been dominant in their respective races this year, and they will be looking to add the Kentucky Derby to their list of accomplishments.

However, there are a number of other horses in the field who could make a run for the roses. Here is a look at the top contenders, along with their pros and cons:

• Fierceness (5-2): The clear favorite, Fierceness has won his last four races by a combined margin of over 20 lengths. He is the fastest horse in the field, and he has a proven ability to win from any post position.
• Sierra Leone (7-1): Sierra Leone is another horse who has been very impressive this year. He has won three of his four races, and he has finished second in the other race. He is a very versatile horse who can win from the front or the back of the pack.
• Epicenter (8-1): Epicenter is a horse who has been improving steadily throughout his career. He finished second in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile last year, and he has won two of his three races this year. He is a very talented horse who could be a major threat in this year's Derby.
• Zandon (10-1): Zandon is a horse who has a lot of potential. He is a son of Curlin, who won the Preakness Stakes and the Breeders' Cup Classic in 2007. Zandon has won two of his three races this year, and he finished second in the other race. He is a very talented horse who could be a major threat in this year's Derby.
• Mo Donegal (12-1): Mo Donegal is a horse who has been very consistent throughout his career. He has won two of his four races this year, and he has finished second in the other two races. He is a very talented horse who could be a major threat in this year's Derby.

The 2024 Kentucky Derby is shaping up to be a very exciting race. There are a number of horses who could win, and it is sure to be a close finish.