Japan sends two runners -- Admire Daytona, who won the Grade II UAE Derby in Dubai to earn his way to Louisville, and Luxor Café, winner of the Churchill Downs-sponsored "Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby," which guarantees a spot in the race to the top points-getter in the series.

Two horses are expected to scratch before post time (Grande and American Promise): This opens the door for Baeza to enter the race. He's the half-brother to both Mage and Dornoch, and reigning champion jockey Flavien Prat will ride Baeza if he gets in. He is creating a lot of buzz.