Horse racing expert Barry Abrams from the ESPN 'In the Gate' podcast breaks down the 142nd Run for the Roses and make his selection - plus throws in a few dark horses for the race.

Interesting storylines for today race:

- Nyquist (7-for-7 lifetime) takes a perfect record into the Kentucky Derby.  Only seven horses have won the Derby with an unblemished record. He is the first Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner to enter the Derby with an undefeated record.

- Only four horses have entered the Derby undefeated and with more wins than Nyquist. Of the previous 6 horses to enter the Derby with at least 7 wins, just 2 won the race.

Most Wins Entering Kentucky Derby
Undefeated Horses
Finish
1990 Mister Frisky 16 8th
1953 Native Dancer 11 2nd
1922 Morvich 11 Won
1940 Bimelech 8 2nd
2016 Nyquist 7 ???
1988 Private Terms 7 9th
1969 Majestic Prince 7 Won

- Last year, American Pharoah made it three years in a row in which the favorite won the Derby. Prior to this stretch, the last time three straight favorites won the Derby was a stretch from 1972-75 when the favorite won the Derby four straight years. Seven of the last 16 Derby (and 5 of the last 9) winners were the post-time favorite. From 1980-1999, favorites were 0-for-20.

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