Churchill Downs has proudly hosted the prestigious Kentucky Derby since its inception in 1875. This Saturday marks the 151st running of the iconic race, often referred to as the Run for the Roses. The 2025 Kentucky Derby is set to feature a competitive 19-horse field, with the much-anticipated post time scheduled for 6:57 p.m. ET.
Recent updates to the lineup include the scratches of both Grande and Rodriguez from the 2025 Kentucky Derby. This opens the door for the talented Baeza to join the race at attractive 12-1 odds. Positioning is likely to play a crucial role in this year’s derby, especially considering that many of the 2025 Kentucky Derby contenders share similar running styles.
Among the contenders, Journalism has emerged as a prominent favorite, boasting a 3-1 odds rating after winning four consecutive starts. According to the latest 2025 Kentucky Derby odds, Journalism could potentially break a longstanding trend, as the morning-line favorite has not clinched victory since Justify’s win in 2018. Should you place your bets on Journalism, or consider other contenders like Sovereignty at 5-1 or Sandman at 6-1?
With the Kentucky Derby known for its large and competitive field, insights from seasoned analysts are invaluable. Michelle Yu, a Santa Anita-based racing reporter and analyst, has a proven track record in handicapping this race. In 2021, she correctly selected Medina Spirit as the winner at 12-1 odds, and in the 2023 Future Wager, she predicted a winner with All Other 3-Year-Olds at a staggering 18-1 when Rich Strike triumphed.
Yu has kicked off 2025 with even more successful predictions, including backing Citizen Bull in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes, as well as correctly forecasting victories for Forever Young in the $20 million Saudi Cup and Journalism in the San Felipe Stakes. Her followers on popular betting platforms like FanDuel Racing, TwinSpires, and 1/ST BET have seen considerable success, making her insights essential for anyone looking to place informed bets.
As the post positions are set and odds are finalized, Yu is ready to share her 2025 Kentucky Derby betting picks over at SportsLine. One notable prediction is her complete fade of Sandman, despite his recent victory in the Arkansas Derby. Yu highlights that while Sandman possesses significant closing speed, his performance at Churchill Downs has been less than stellar, finishing no better than third in previous races there.
Another standout prediction from Yu is her high regard for Luxor Cafe, a 15-1 longshot. Following the impressive performances of Japanese horses like Derma Sotogake and Forever Young, Luxor Cafe has made waves by clinching his spot in the derby with a commanding five-length victory in the Fukuryu Stakes. Yu believes that Luxor Cafe's experience and recent form could make him a formidable contender.
Yu is also focusing on a double-digit longshot that has been adapting well to the Churchill Downs surface this week. She recommends including this horse in your 2025 Kentucky Derby bets for a competitive edge. For those eager to find out which horses Yu is backing and how she has structured her wagers, visiting SportsLine for her expert selections is a must.
Here is the comprehensive list of post positions and odds for the 2025 Kentucky Derby:
1. Citizen Bull - 20-1 2. Neoequos - 30-1 3. Final Gambit - 30-1 4. Rodriguez - Scratched 5. American Promise - 30-1 6. Admire Daytona - 30-1 7. Luxor Cafe - 15-1 8. Journalism - 3-1 9. Burnham Square - 12-1 10. Grande - Scratched 11. Flying Mohawk - 30-1 12. East Avenue - 20-1 13. Publisher - 20-1 14. Tiztastic - 20-1 15. Render Judgment - 30-1 16. Coal Battle - 30-1 17. Sandman - 6-1 18. Sovereignty - 5-1 19. Chunk of Gold - 30-1 20. Owen Almighty - 30-1 21. Baeza - 12-1As the excitement builds for the 2025 Kentucky Derby, make sure to stay informed and make your bets wisely with the insights from experts like Michelle Yu.
