Still deciding between throwing down money on heavily favored Nyquist or underdog Trojan Nation at this Saturday’s Kentucky Derby?
Well, Jimmy Fallon is here to help — with some real-life dogs — in an adorable “Puppy Predictor’s 2016 Edition of the Kentucky Derby.”
“The Tonight Show” host brought out 16 puppies representing the top 16 horses that will race in the 142nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville.
Luring the rambunctious Golden Retriever pups on was a giant trough of Kibble at the end of the racetrack.
Boasting names that would be worthy of any Triple Crown racehorse, the eager contestants were biting at the bit at the starting gate.
“No butt-sniffing, no peeing, I want a clean race,” Fallon warned the puppies.
After a controversial photo finish, number 8 was the winner — predicting that Mor Spirit, ridden by veteran jockey Gary Stevens and trained by the legendary Bob Baffert, will be this year’s winner. Currently at 12-1 odds and sharing American Pharoah’s trainer, Mor Spirit might be a smart pick from that little pup.
The 142nd running of the Kentucky Derby airs live on NBC this Saturday, May 7 from 4 p.m. ET, while Saturday’s Derby Day coverage begins at noon ET on NBCSN.
“The Tonight Show” airs at 11:35 p.m. on NBC.