The 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby is set for Saturday evening at Churchill Downs, and all eyes are on the starting gate as the nation's top 3-year-olds prepare to chase glory in the first leg of horse racing's Triple Crown. With a field of 20 horses ready to run for the roses, this year's race promises to add a new name to the sport's legendary roster alongside icons like War Admiral, Citation, and Secretariat.

Arkansas Derby winner Renegade enters as the 4-1 morning-line favorite, but history isn't on his side. He drew the No. 1 post position, a spot that hasn't produced a winner since Ferdinand in 1986. Adding to the drama, his outspoken owner Mike Repole jokes about a "curse" after going 0-for-8 in the Derby—a streak that doesn't even count three late scratches, including two favorites (Uncle Mo and Forte).

On the other side of the track, Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert knows victory well. At 73, he's won the Derby six times (tied with Ben Jones for the most ever), though his 2021 win with Medina Spirit was disqualified. This year, Baffert aims for No. 7 with two contenders: the $2.4 million Potente (20-1) and speedy longshot Litmus Test (50-1).

The winner on Saturday will have a shot at the Triple Crown, a feat last achieved by Justify in 2018 and only completed by 13 horses in history. After a 37-year drought between 1978 and 2015, American Pharoah broke through, and last year's champion Sovereignty followed suit by winning both the Derby and the Belmont Stakes.

Weather has been a wild card in recent Derbies, but early forecasts predict clear skies with clouds and temperatures in the 50s—just a 10% chance of rain. As the horses approach the gate, the stage is set for another unforgettable chapter in racing history.