NBC is "adding an online betting program" to NBCSports.com and its app for the net's coverage of Saturday's Kentucky Derby, according to Andrew Marchand of the N.Y. POST. NBC Sports has also added the 30-minute show, "NBC Sports Bet: Derby Special" at 5:00pm ET Saturday as a "digital companion to its regular TV coverage." NBC Sports Bay Area's Ahmed Fareed will "host the NBCSports.com show," which will "have many guests" including Eddie Olczyk. Compared to the regular broadcast, Olczyk will have "expanded time as he tries to match his success from last year, when he picked the top three finishers." The idea is to "give the latest information prior to bettors deciding where to put their money" (N.Y. POST, 5/1).
ROSE RACE ROOKIES: The AP's Jenna Fryer noted Dale Earnhardt Jr. will work his first Derby on Saturday as part of his "expanding role with NBC." Earnhardt will "work alongside reporter Rutledge Wood at Churchill Downs as the duo roams the infield, Millionaires Row and interacts with fans in attendance" (AP, 5/1). In Denver, Jeff Bailey noted Broncos LB Von Miller this year, after attending the Derby as a spectator in '18, will "join NBC Sports derby coverage as a lifestyle correspondent." Bailey: "For a guy who has a flair for fashion, it will be fun to see what Miller has up his sleeve for Derby Day at Churchill Downs" (DENVERPOST.com, 5/1).
