Kentucky Derby racing picks: Best free bets and tips from Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 3
Brian Hernandez Jr. rides Mystik Dan, right, to the finish line to win the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby
The Planet Sport tipsters have hopped across the pond to cast their expert eye over the runners and riders for Kentucky Derby day. Can they find you some big winners on Saturday, May 3?
The Kentucky Derby is one of the biggest races in the world. A huge event not just in the USA but across the globe.
But it's not all about the 151st running of one race, there's plenty of other great contests jostling for glory on derby day, worth some big prize money.
American racing loves a packed card, so we begin with a quick run through of our tips, with some more detail on a handful of the bigger races further down the page.
If you fancy a punt or two, visit Betway which will show you all the live odds, racecards and results.
Good luck and please gamble responsibly.
(Please be aware selections could become non-runners after article's latest update)
*All times listed below are BST
Saturday Kentucky Derby Day picks:
16:00 (Churchill Downs) - Bourbon Society
1632 (Churchill Downs) - Generous Lover
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17:05 (Churchill Downs) - Bracket Buster
17:38 (Churchill Downs) - Liberal Arts
18:12 (Churchill Downs) - Sacred Wish
18:53 (Churchill Downs) - Madaket Road
19:38 (Churchill Downs) - Think Big
20:23 (Chuchill Downs) - Banishing
21:06 (Churchill Downs) - New Century
21:50 (Churchill Downs) - Ways And Means
22:39 (Churchill Downs) - Integration
23:57 Kentucky Derby (Churchill Downs) - Journalism
20:23 (Chuchill Downs) - Banishing
Banishing is a seven-time winner who has been performing well, beaten 2 lengths into second last time out over 1m1f at Oaklawn Park. Unbeaten over this journey and is sure to prove tough to beat.
Mindframe is back at the races for the first time since March 1. Scored over 1m at Gulfstream Park at the start of last prep. Has ability and should be right in the finish.
21:06 (Churchill Downs) - New Century
New Century has switched yards since resuming with a fifth over 1m at Newmarket. Did score at this stage when last in work at Doncaster over 7f.
Racing for the first time under a new trainer Brendan P Walsh. Will prove tough to beat for the new barn.
Test Score is a speedy colt who was a winner when resuming in the G3 Transylvania Stakes at Keeneland (Turf). Takes on tougher opposition this time but is expected to be in the finish.
Zulu Kingdom was an impressive when resuming winner last time out in an easier race over 1m at Listed level at Tampa Bay Downs (Turf), getting home by 0.3 lengths.
21:50 (Churchill Downs) - Ways And Means
Ways And Means is a promising type who hasn't raced since finishing 1.2 lengths away in fifth over 7f in the G1 Breeders' Cup FM Sprint at Del Mar (Dirt) on November 2. Has never missed the frame when fresh from a lay-off in two starts.
Flavien Prat who has four wins when partnering stays on. Should be hard to stop.
Emery is a genuine four-year-old filly who resumed with a solid second last time out in the G1 Madison Stakes at Keeneland (Dirt) over 7f. Among the leading chances.
Scylla is back from a lay-off of six months. Turned in a fair effort in the G1 Breeders' Cup FM Sprint at Del Mar (Dirt) over 7f at her only run last prep, finishing fourth and beaten 1.1 lengths. Drawn to go forward. One of the main contenders.
22:39 (Churchill Downs) - Integration
Integration was in contention on the turn and finished 4 lengths away from the winner in second when resuming last start in the G1 Makers 46 Mile Stakes at Keeneland (Turf) over 1m Form over this journey is strong, boasting three wins from six starts.
Frankie Dettori has registered three minor placings when on board. Leading contender.
Spirit Of St Louis was a winner in a in the G1 Pegasus World Cup Turf at Gulfstream Park (Turf) then was competitive last time when fourth over 1m1f in the G2 Mervin H. Muniz Jr.
Memorial Handicap at Fairgrounds (Turf), beaten only 1.75 lengths. Change of rider to Manuel Franco who has an excellent strike rate when in the saddle, including seven wins. Should be in the finish.
Running Bee is back from a lay-off of three months. Scored a good win at his only run last campaign in the G3 Tampa Bay Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs (Turf) over 1m1/2f. Has a strong record at this journey with two wins and a placing from four starts and is expected to run well.
23:57 Kentucky Derby (Churchill Downs) - Journalism
Journalism continued a hot streak of form, winning over 1m1f in the G1 Santa Anita Derby (Dirt) last start to make it four straight.
Umberto Rispoli aboard again and expected to go very well in the Kentucky Derby
Sandman built on a nice third two starts back in the G2 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park (Dirt) with success over 1m1f in the G1 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park (Dirt) five weeks ago, getting home by 2.5 lengths. Finds a tougher race but he has the ability to test this field.
Sovereignty dug deep to score in a then was beaten 1.3 lengths into second over 1m1f in the G1 Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park (Dirt) last time five weeks ago. Has good early toe so he should be handy in the run. Solid claims on best form.
You can place a bet on all these races with Betway here.
Where to watch the Kentucky Derby?
You can follow the Kentucky Derby in the UK on UK Racing TV and Sky Sports Racing, and, depending on who your bookmaker is, via their live stream on their website or app.
In the US, the Kentucky Derby is shown on Cable TV by NBC and is streamed on Peacock and Fubo TV. Coverage starts at 1430 (ET).
READ MORE: Best strategies for successful horse racing betting
READ MORE: Nap of the Day - Today’s best free horse racing tips
READ MORE: Horse racing betting terminology
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