HORSE RACING
The field is set and the post positions have been drawn for the 2025 Kentucky Derby, and oddsmakers and artificial intelligence agree there’s a clear favorite to win the first leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown this year.
Journalism has the best chance to win the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday at Churchill Downs according to the odds listed on the official website of the race. It was also the pick when USA TODAY Sports asked Microsoft Copilot AI to run a simulation based on the latest odds, predictions and race factors.
Journalism is unbeaten in five career races with four-straight wins, including the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby on April 5 by three-quarters of a length. It drew the favorable No. 8 starting post, which has produced the second-most Kentucky Derby winners all-time.
But AI didn’t believe the rest of the race finish would go by the initial odds. Here’s a breakdown of the Kentucky Derby predictions made by Microsoft Copilot AI, including its picks to win, show and place when the 2025 Triple Crown commences at Churchill Downs on Saturday:
2025 Kentucky Derby predictions: AI picks winner, results of Triple Crown race
Odds as of 1 p.m. ET on Monday, April 28, according to KentuckyDerby.com
- Journalism (3-1): “The favorite, known for his speed and consistency”
- Sandman (6-1): “Strong tactical speed and stamina.”
- Sovereignty (5-1): “A powerful closer with impressive past performances”
- Rodriguez (12-1): “Consistent performer with a strong track record”
- Burnham Square (12-1): “Another strong contender with good odds”
- Luxor Café
- (15-1): “Known for his endurance and finishing power”
- Citizen Bull (20-1): “Has shown potential in past races”
- Coal Battle (30-1): “A reliable performer with good stamina”
- Chunk of Gold (30-1): “Consistent in his races”
- Publisher (20-1): “Another strong contender”
- East Avenue (20-1): “Known for his speed and agility”
- Tiztastic (20-1): “Has shown promise in recent races”
- American Promise (30-1): “A longshot with potential”
- Admire Daytona (30-1): “Known for his speed”
- Final Gambit (30-1): “A deep closer with strong finishes”
- Neoequos (30-1): “Has shown potential in past races”
- Owen Almighty (30-1): “A longshot with potential”
- Flying Mohawk (30-1): “Known for his speed”
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When is the 2025 Kentucky Derby?
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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