Head to the Races: Gold Cup, Kentucky Derby

The first Saturday in May means two big races for horse fans.  In Kentucky, it's the Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs.  In Virginia, it's the Gold Cup Races at Great Meadow.

This year marks the 87th annual steeplechase race in The Plains.  Race day features six hurdle and timber horse races, Jack Russell Terrier races and vendor booths for shopping.  Gates open at 10 a.m. 

General admission car passes are $85 and allow entry of a car with up to 6 occupants.  For more information, visit the 87th Virginia Gold Cup Races website.

A field of 20 thoroughbred horses are set to run the 139th Kentucky Derby.  The famous race is the first in the series followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes to form the Triple Crown. 

Verrazano, Orb, Revolutionary, Normandy Invasion and Goldencents are among the top contenders in the starting gate for 2013, according to Channel Guide Magazine.

Each horse's post position, early odds and jockey are on this list.

NBC airs the race live beginning at 4 p.m. ET.  Post time is 6:24 p.m.  The purse is $2.18 million.

Forbes provides Six Rules About Betting on The Kentucky Derby

U.S. News and World Report provides The Origin of Your Favorite Kentucky Derby Traditions

Who's your favorite to win the Kentucky Derby?  Tell us in the comments section below.