It’s almost post time for the 2016 Kentucky Derby. After last year’s excitement, the big question is, will we have another Triple Crown winner?

The Derby is always a bit of a scramble, with 20 young horses breaking from the gate and vying for position — none of these horse have ever run in such a crowded field. Add to it the long wait at the starting gate for some of the horses and you’re never sure how they are going to break — a bad start can ruin the trip for even the most promising horses

The two favorites going into the Derby are Nyquist (starting from gate #13) and Exaggerator (starting from gate #11).

Nyquist is going into the Derby undefeated (seven for seven). Some people say that since the Derby favorites have won the last three years, it won’t happen a fourth time. Since Nyquist can’t read, I don’t think that will be what keeps him out of the winner’s circle. Here’s Nyquist winning the Florida Derby a month ago, running up front wire to wire.

Exaggerator has a very different running style. Check out his win in the Santa Anita Derby. He comes around the final turn with an amazing burst of speed having been eight lengths off the leader. Will it be possible in such a large field for him to make a move like this?

Some of the long(er) shots to watch?  Jockey Victor Espinoza had the choice of several Derby mounts and he chose Whitmore.

Creator is getting some love from the pundits. He won the Arkansas Derby just two weeks ago (after trailing the field last) and has been training well at Churchill Downs. Maybe he’ll peak at the right time.

Where are you putting your money? Even it if it’s just in theory. I’m thinking Exaggerator.