Kentucky Derby 2025 of the 151st Run for the Roses

The 151st Kentucky Derby 2025 will take place on Saturday in reputable Churchill Downs at Louisville. Louisville. The historic event commences around 6:57 p.m. ET covered by NBC and streamed via several platforms-Principally Peacock and NBCSports.com. As the opening leg of the Triple Crown series, this year’s Kentucky Derby 2025 features 20 horses in the starting gate and one also-eligible entry.

At the front of the discussion is Journalism horse, listed at 3-1 odds. Trained by Richard Mandella and sired by Curlin, Journalism horse has earned attention with a consistent racing history. The colt is the only contender in this year’s lineup with three graded-stakes victories, including the Santa Anita Derby and the Los Alamitos Futurity. Many handicappers have placed him as the frontrunner due to his tactical speed and proven track record under pressure.

Following closely behind is Sovereignty, the second favorite at 5-1. Sovereignty enters with strong support based on recent performances that demonstrated his ability to hold ground and respond when challenged to Run for the Roses. Sandman, another name generating attention, holds 6-1 odds. The Arkansas Derby winner enters the field with momentum, although analysts have pointed out some gaps in consistency during the prep season.

Trainer Bob Baffert, who returns after a suspension, brings added attention with two entries: Citizen Bull and Rodriguez. Citizen Bull, who drew the No. 1 post position, carries a strong record but faces an uphill task starting from the rail, a position that has historically proven difficult. At 10-1, this colt has solid performances to reference, though the draw may affect his strategy early on.

Rodriguez is priced at 12-1 and carries some uncertainty. While he secured a win in the Wood Memorial, his results against horses like Journalism Horse and Citizen Bull suggest a gap in finishing ability under similar conditions. Jockey decisions and rest periods are also contributing to the caution surrounding his odds.

Burnham Square is another entry worth watching. With 12-1 odds, the gelding is attempting to become the first of his kind to win the Kentucky Derby 2025. Brian Hernandez Jr. takes the reins again after guiding Mystik Dan to victory in 2024. Burnham Square enters with a series of steady performances but faces a field with more decorated résumés.

Luxor Café, a 15-1 contender from Japan, enters with intrigue. Sired by American Pharoah, the colt brings international credentials and a recent win in the Fukuryu Stakes to Run for the Roses. Though racing styles often differ across regions, Luxor Café has drawn favorable comparisons to prior Japanese entries that finished strongly in U.S. events.

Among the longshots, Publisher stands out, not for his results, but for his circumstances. At 20-1, he enters as a maiden, meaning he has yet to secure a win. If Publisher crosses the wire first, he would be the first winless horse to win the Derby since Brokers Tip in 1933. Despite that, his pedigree and recent finishes suggest potential for a strong showing if the pace suits him.

Trainer Steve Asmussen will also have a pair of entries, Publisher and Tiztastic, both listed at 20-1. Asmussen holds the record for most wins in North American horse racing but remains without a Kentucky Derby 2025 title after 26 attempts. This year presents another opportunity to change that narrative, though both of his horses will need to outperform expectations to deliver.

Jody Demling, a well-known horse racing analyst, has released his picks for this year’s Derby after hitting the Oaks-Kentucky Derby 2025 double 11 times over the past 16 years. Demling has also found success in other Triple Crown races, including exacta and trifecta bets at the Preakness and Belmont. His evaluation suggests Journalism Horse is the horse to beat, but several entries, including Luxor Café and Burnham Square, could provide solid betting value.

Fans attending the Kentucky Derby 2025 can expect large crowds and a wide range of ticket options. Infield general admission starts at around $140, while reserved seating can Run for the Roses into the hundreds. Whether attending in person or following along via broadcast, all eyes will be on Churchill Downs as 20 horses take their shot at history in the most prestigious event in American horse racing.