The 142nd running of the Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday at Churchill Downs, and while Nyquist is the favorite there are a number of horses seen as challengers to win the most prestigious race in the sport.
Kentucky Derby 2016 picks and predictions: Nyquist the favorite, but field is wide open
Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports
When American Pharoah won at Churchill Downs in 20015 en route to the sport’s first triple crown in 37 years, he was the third consecutive favorite to win the race, at 5/2 odds just as California Chrome was in 2014. The 2013 winner, Orb, was the favorite at 5/4 odds.
Nyquist comes in on Saturday at 3/1 odds, and enters the Kentucky Derby undefeated in seven career races, including the San Vicente Stakes and Florida Derby in 2016. However, he will be challenged by several others, including Exaggerator at 8/1, as well as Creator, Gun Runner, and Mohaymen, the latter trio coming in at 10/1.
Here are some expert picks entering Saturday, including our own Kurt Mensching picking Exaggerator to emerge victorious.
| Expert | Outlet | Kentucky Derby pick |
| Kurt Mensching | SB Nation | Exaggerator (8/1) |
| John Asher | Churchill Downs | Mohaymen (10/1) |
| Jill Byrne | Churchill Downs | Mor Spirit (12/1) |
| Joe Drappe | New York Times | Mor Spirit (12/1) |
| Chris Fallica | ESPN | Majesto (30/1) |
| Trixie Hammer | Lady & The Track | Creator (10/1) |
| Melissa Hoppert | New York Times | Nyquist (3/1) |
| Jonathan Lintner | Louisville Courier-Journal | Nyquist (3/1) |
| Laffit Pincay | NBC Sports | Outwork (15/1) |
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