The 151st edition of the Kentucky Derby is set to take place on May 3rd, 2025, and there has never been a better time to make your Kentucky Derby predictions. The odds for the upcoming race are far closer than recent Kentucky Derbys in the past, as this is a wide open field of 20 horses. This is the most prestigious horse racing event of the year, and the Kentucky Derby promises to be an action-packed event. Just 1 1/4 miles separate these horses from having their names etched in the history books, and you have found the right place for your expert Kentucky Derby predictions. Sportzino offers the best lines and odds for the 2025 Kentucky Derby, and the ability to make free Kentucky Derby picks and predictions makes it the clear choice for Saturday night.
Journalism: 3-1
Journalism has quickly become the buzz of the 2025 Kentucky Derby. This colt is undefeated and already has some big wins under his belt, including a standout performance at the Santa Anita Derby. He’s trained by Michael McCarthy and comes from strong bloodlines, as his dad, Curlin, is a racing legend. What makes Journalism special is how smooth he looks even when he’s flying down the stretch. The 1 1/4 mile race will be one of the longest of his career, but his early speed, combined with excellent stamina, has made him the current favorite heading into Churchill Downs.
Sandman: 6-1
Sandman might not be the flashiest name on the list, but he’s a grinder of a competitor, and that’s exactly the kind of horse that can surprise everyone on Derby Day. Trained by veteran Steve Asmussen, Sandman turned heads with a gutsy win in the Arkansas Derby. He can adjust to different track conditions and doesn’t give up easily. The weather looks promising for Saturday night, but if things take a turn for the worse, Sandman is a horse you need to keep an eye on.
Sovereignty: 7-1
Sovereignty is one of those horses that gets better every time he races. He wowed fans with a big win at Churchill Downs in the fall, and he’s trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott. Needless to say, he’s in good hands. Sovereignty doesn’t usually jump out in front early, but he closes strong, which is exactly what you want in a long race like the Derby. He’s not the outright favorite, but his excellent stamina makes him the perfect contender at odds like these.
Rodriguez: 8-1
Rodriguez is one of those horses that could easily surprise the favorites at the Kentucky Derby. He’s trained by Bob Baffert, a name you’ll hear a lot during Derby season, and he’s been building a nice resume on the prep race circuit. Baffert is the greatest trainer of all time as he looks to jump into sole possession of most Kentucky Derby wins with seven. What stands out is how balanced Rodriguez looks. He has the ability to keep pace early on and has the stamina needed to survive this lengthy race. If he keeps progressing as he has over the last few months, he could peak at just the right time on the first Saturday in May.
Tappan Street: 10-1
Tappan Street has come on strong lately, especially after a big win in Florida that put him on the Derby radar. He was a late addition to the race, but since he is trained by Brad Cox, he’s shown that he can run up front and still have energy left in the tank when it counts. Fans like him because he’s consistent and seems to be getting better with every race. He’s not a flashy pick, as his stamina is a concern, but he just may be able to ride out an early lead to an upset Kentucky Derby victory.
Luxor Cafe: 10-1
Luxor Cafe brings an international flavor rarely seen in Louisiana to this year’s Derby. Bred in Japan and trained by Yoshito Yahagi, he’s a son of 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, so he’s got racing royalty in his blood. Luxor Cafe has already shown he has a chance to win big, with a nice victory in the Hyacinth tournament, and he’s been impressing fans with his steady improvement. He has speed, smarts, and experience on different tracks, and is used to traveling internationally to compete.
Burnham Square: 12-1
Burnham Square made a big splash with a thrilling come-from-behind win in the Blue Grass, going from last place to first with a powerful late run. Trained by newcomer Ian Wilkes, this horse has a cool blend of speed and stamina, and he’s proven he can handle big moments. With three wins and nearly a million dollars in earnings, Burnham Square is flying under the radar according to the morning line odds, but he’s got the heart and ability to pick up the win at Churchill Downs. A late dash for Burnham Square, similar to his Blue Grass victory, would not be surprising to see.
