Post time, rating, TV channel

The 145th edition of the Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday, May 4th at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

Affectionately known as "the two most exciting minutes in the sport," the race is the first step of the Triple Crown, followed by Preakness Stakes on May 18 and Belmont Stakes on June 8.

The Kentucky Derby is still the most difficult race of the year to handicap, and this year has been particularly shaken by scratches from the claws of Omaha Beach – considered the favorite – and Haikal.

Here's all you need to know about this year's "Race to the Roses":

The basics

Or: Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky

Distance: 1.25 miles

Post time: 18:50 ET

TV channel: NBC – the cover starts at 14:30

Comment: Bob Costas, Mike Tirico

Diffusion: NBC Sports app and NBCSports.com

Composition, odds

More: Full details on the job here

1. Will War (18/1)

2. Tax (38/1)

3. According to my standards (14/1)

4. Magician Gray (29/1)

5. Unlikely (6/1)

6. Vekoma (22/1)

7. Maximum security (9/2)

8. Tacitus (5/1)

9. More than Perfect (50/1)

10. Cutting humor (21/1)

11. Haikal, striped

12. Omaha Beach, striped

13. Code of honor (13/1)

14. Win Win Win (15/1)

15. Master Fencer (50/1)

16. Winner of the game (6/1)

17. Roadster (9/1)

18. Long reach Toddy (44/1)

19. spin-off (54/1)

20. Country house (70/1)

21. Bodexpress (99/1)

Stories to read

Full look at the field: Breaking the horses

weather: Expect a soggy derby as forecasts call for rain and thunderstorms

The analysis of Dan Wolken: Maximum security could pay a maximum payment

More analysis: Kentucky Derby grand open after Omaha Beach defection

Brennan: Horse racing must be saved before ceasing to exist

Mike Smith takes his horse: Triple Crown-winner will be on Cutting Humor

Wolken: What does Lasix do, why is it controversial?

In the wings: Day in the life of a Derby horse

Underdogs: 5 unexpected horses that could win

L & # 39; s history: The Top 10 Kentucky Derby Horse Names of All Time

Bet right: How to make money at Derby this year

Beat the odds: How professional Mike Maloney continues to win

Perfect shot: Take pictures at Derby in the blink of an eye for the world's greatest photographer of horse racing