Context:

The 151st Kentucky Derby is facing a rainy forecast that could turn the Churchill Downs track into a muddy challenge for the 19 competing 3-year-olds, impacting both the race and the event's fashion festivities. With a $3.1 million prize at stake, many horses, including the favored Journalism, have little to no experience on wet tracks, potentially complicating their performance. Trainer Bob Baffert returns from suspension to aim for his seventh Derby win with Citizen Bull, who must overcome the challenging No. 1 post position. Other trainers, such as Steve Asmussen and Todd Pletcher, face their own hurdles with scratched entries and long-standing losing streaks. Despite these challenges, the Derby remains a vibrant spectacle, with a diverse field ranging from high-priced entries like Sandman to underdogs like Chunk of Gold, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the race.

Dive Deeper:

• Rain is expected to turn the Churchill Downs track into a muddy surface, presenting additional challenges for the 151st Kentucky Derby, with 19 horses competing for a $3.1 million prize.

• Many of the Derby contenders, including the 3-1 favorite Journalism, have never raced on a wet track, raising concerns about their performance in muddy conditions.

• Bob Baffert, aiming for a record seventh Derby victory, returns with Citizen Bull, who will race from the difficult No. 1 post position after another of Baffert's horses, Rodriguez, was scratched.

• Trainer Steve Asmussen seeks to end a 0 for 26 streak at the Derby with two 20-1 shots, Publisher and Tiztastic, while Todd Pletcher's entry was scratched due to a bruised foot.

• The field includes a diverse range of horses, such as the expensive Sandman and the low-cost Chunk of Gold, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the competition.

• The event also serves as a major social gathering, with rain potentially impacting the traditional fashion displays, as ponchos replace umbrellas to protect attendees' attire.

• Journalism, named for the importance of responsible reporting, has been a standout in training and is expected to be a prominent contender, breaking from the No. 8 post.