NBCBy Matt Clapp on

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.

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.”

Not only did Kornacki make the prediction, but he also placed $100 on Medina Spirit.

Well done by Kornacki, and expect NBC to continue finding more use for his analysis.

About Matt Clapp

Matt is an editor at The Comeback. He attended Colorado State University, wishes he was Saved by the Bell's Zack Morris, and idolizes Larry David. And loves pizza and dogs because obviously.

He can be followed on Twitter at @Matt2Clapp (also @TheBlogfines for Cubs/MLB tweets and @DaBearNecess for Bears/NFL tweets), and can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.

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