DERBY
The post positions are set, the race week betting lines have opened and the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby is fast approaching. It’s the most exciting time of the year at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, with the first leg of horse racing’s triple crown scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 3.
Journalism has been installed as the morning-line favorite of the 2025 Kentucky Derby and he’s a trendy pick with bettors after winning four-straight races, including the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby in April. But there are plenty of contenders who appear ready to challenge him at this year’s Run for the Roses. The pre-race favorite hasn’t won the Kentucky Derby since Justify in 2018. Perhaps Journalism can buck the trend.
Here’s how to watch the 2025 Kentucky Derby as well as a breakdown of this year’s field, with every horse ranked based on its odds and chances of winning Saturday’s race:
Kentucky Derby 2025: Power rankings based on odds
Odds as of 1 p.m. ET on Tuesday, April 29, according to KentuckyDerby.com
Kentucky Derby HQ: Latest Kentucky Derby news, betting tips, fashions, food and more.
Favorites
- 1. Journalism (3-1)
- 2. Sovereignty (5-1)
- 3. Sandman (6-1)
Journalism enters the 2025 Kentucky Derby as the betting favorite after four-straight wins, including the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby earlier this month. Sovereignty and Sandman are seen as his biggest threats.
Contenders
Burnham Square is a popular choice after winning the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland earlier this month. Rodriguez represents trainer Bob Baffert’s best chance at another Kentucky Derby following his three-year suspension. His jockey, Mike Smith, is vying to become the oldest jockey (59 years old) to win the Kentucky Derby.
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Dark horses (no pun intended)
Citizen Bull, another Baffert horse, has three wins in four races during his brief career. With a pedigree that includes former Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, Publisher captured some attention finishing in second place at the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby. Baeza finished second to the Kentucky Derby favorite at the Santa Anita Derby, but will need a late scratch to officially be included in Saturday’s field due to a lack of points.
Longshots
A thoroughbred and racing operation started by Toby Keith, the late country music superstar, is part-owner of Render Judgment and the inspiration behind its inclusion in the 2025 Kentucky Derby field. Owen Almighty won the Tampa Bay Derby in March.
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Kentucky Derby 2025: TV, streaming and where to watch
The 151st Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs is set for Saturday, May 3, 2025. The Kentucky Derby will be broadcast on NBC and USA Network. Streaming options will be available on Fubo (which offers a free trial) and Peacock.
- Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
- Time: 6:45 p.m. ET
- TV: NBC, USA Network
- Stream: Fubo, Peacock
- Location: Churchill Downs (Louisville, Kentucky)
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