Louisville, Kentucky - The 150th Kentucky Derby is set to take place at Churchill Downs amidst much anticipation and a wide-open race. With the post time scheduled for 6:57 p.m. EDT on Saturday, the event promises a thrilling spectacle for the 150,000-strong crowd in attendance.

The weather forecast for the iconic horse racing event predicts overcast skies with a 20% chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms, all set against a backdrop of 79 degrees (26 Celsius) temperature and 82% humidity. Earlier in the day, the dirt surface was upgraded to good from a muddy start, adding an extra layer of unpredictability to the competition.

As fans flocked to Churchill Downs, the vibrant atmosphere was palpable, with attendees sporting colorful outfits and extravagant hats adorned with plumage. The air was thick with the smell of cigars, further adding to the event's unique ambiance.

The potential for wet weather has led to speculation about its impact on the outcome of the race. For six of the contenders, including early favorites Fierceness and Sierra Leone, experience on muddy or sloppy surfaces could work in their favor. Other horses with a history of performing well on such conditions are Dornoch, Just a Touch, Mystik Dan, and Society Man.

The Kentucky Derby is renowned for determining the 3-year-old that can best handle the grueling 1 ¼ mile race in front of the largest crowd they will ever encounter. With jockey John Velazquez aboard, Fierceness will start from the No. 17 post, a position that has never produced a Derby winner.

The stage is now set for a thrilling clash, with anxious spectators eagerly awaiting the legendary "Run for the Roses." As the 150th Kentucky Derby gets underway, only time will tell which horse and jockey combination will emerge victorious and etch their names into the annals of horse racing history.