Pennsylvania horse goes to the Derby

Favorites to take home the gold trophy are Forte (3-1) and Tapit Trice (5-1).

The intrigue: Angel of Empire’s trainer — Brad Cox — and jockey — Flavien Prat — have each won a Kentucky Derby in the last four years.

• Plus: The 3-year-old is coming off victories at the Arkansas Derby and Risen Star Stakes earlier this year.

Details: Angel of Empire is a rideable horse with winning experience in front of a big crowd and large field, Christian Black, who bred the horse along with his wife Christina at Blackstone Farm, tells Axios.

• But don’t expect to hear much about him during the race until the middle of the final turn, says Black, who'll be in the stands at Churchill Downs.

• The thoroughbred is “kind of boring," he explains. "We kind of like it like that. He’s very professional and mature for his age.”

How to watch: Race time is 6:57pm on NBC.

What’s next: Angel of Empire’s finish at the Derby will likely determine whether he takes part in the Preakness Stakes on May 20, Black says.

• He expects the horse to run in the Belmont Stakes in June.