NBC’s Steve Kornacki became a star during the 2020 presidential election coverage, and he took the same style of data analysis to cover NFL playoff odds during Football Night in America in December. And on Saturday, NBC put Kornacki’s skills to use to cover horse racing at the 147th Kentucky Derby.
The Kornacki Derby. ?@NBCNews' @SteveKornacki is here at the 147th Kentucky Derby to break down all the latest odds for the big race. pic.twitter.com/i9JqKLm0i5
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) May 1, 2021
Shortly ahead of the race, 11 NBC personalities made their predictions for the winner, and only Kornacki made the correct pick: Medina Spirit (12-1 odds).
“So, who am I going to go with? I scoured the board. I have 11 different theories. But here’s one: Bob Baffert. Six-time Kentucky Derby winner, has a horse that can get at or near the front of this race, and has double-digit odds: 12-1. I can’t have my King Fury. I’ll take a shot on Baffert at 12-1. Medina Spirit.”
.@SteveKornacki picks the winner of the Kentucky Derby, Medina Spirit. No one else on NBC got the pick right. https://t.co/wTM4YYMZ2G
— Ken Fang — Wear a mask and get vaccinated! (@fangsbites) May 1, 2021
There were 11 NBC personalities (2 not shown here) who gave their picks on the winner of the Kentucky Derby. Only one — @SteveKornacki picked the winner. pic.twitter.com/yaljM0GfWH
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) May 1, 2021
Medina Spirit wins the Kentucky Derby! ? pic.twitter.com/unXwl64BCF
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) May 1, 2021
Not only did Kornacki make the prediction, but he also placed $100 on Medina Spirit.
As I said on the air, if you’re giving me double digit odds on Baffert, I’ll take it! pic.twitter.com/0s4UMbNUCA
— Steve Kornacki (@SteveKornacki) May 1, 2021
Well done by Kornacki, and expect NBC to continue finding more use for his analysis.
