Key Facts

• The Kentucky Derby is 1 1/4 miles long and starts the Triple Crown series.
• The field is capped at 20 horses, a rule since 1975.
• Renegade is the morning-line favorite with 4-1 odds and drew the No. 1 starting position.
• Two horses (Fulleffort and Silent Tactic) scratched from the race, allowing two others into the field.
• Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. will ride Renegade and is competing in his 10th Derby.
• Commandment and Further Ado have 6-1 odds and are among the top contenders.
• The Derby winner is decided by a combination of racing skill and post position, which can affect a horse’s chances early in the race.
• The Kentucky Derby is the first race, followed by the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes to complete the Triple Crown.