The Kentucky Derby 2025 is almost here, and horse racing fans across the globe are ready to witness “the most exciting two minutes in sports.” Held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, the Derby is the first jewel of the Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness and Belmont Stakes.
This year’s race is packed with thrilling storylines, exciting horses, and huge betting opportunities.
🗓️ When is the Kentucky Derby 2025?
The Kentucky Derby 2025 is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, 2025.
🕕 What time does the Kentucky Derby start?
- Post time: Approximately 6:57 p.m. ET
- Pre-race coverage: Begins at 12 p.m. ET on USA Network
- Main coverage: From 2:30 p.m. ET on NBC
- Live stream: Watch on Peacock
🐎 Horses in the Kentucky Derby 2025
There are 20 horses in the field, all 3-year-olds, each hoping to take home the iconic rose garland. Here are some key contenders:
📌 Top Horses to Watch
- Journalism (3-1 odds): The favorite heading into Derby Day, coming off a strong win streak.
- Burnham Square (12-1): Strong closer with excellent form in the Blue Grass Stakes.
- Final Gambit (30-1): A wise-guy pick, switching from turf to dirt, showing promise in training.
- Chunk Of Gold: Bought for just $2,500, now a Derby contender—talk about a Cinderella story!
- Luxor Cafe: A top Japanese horse, son of American Pharoah, unbeaten in four races.
🚨 Scratches and Substitutes
- Rodriguez (originally Bob Baffert’s top contender) has been scratched.
- Grande and American Promise also scratched, opening a spot for Baeza, ridden by Flavien Prat.
📊 Kentucky Derby 2025 Odds
Betting is one of the most exciting parts of Derby Day. The odds can shift significantly before post time. Here are a few early odds:
| Horse | Odds | Trainer | Jockey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journalism | 3-1 | TBD | TBD |
| Burnham Square | 12-1 | TBD | TBD |
| Final Gambit | 30-1 | Brad Cox | Luan Machado |
| Citizen Bull | 20-1 | Bob Baffert | Martin Garcia |
| Chunk Of Gold | TBD | Ethan West | TBD |
👉 Pro Tip: Don’t ignore long shots—remember Rich Strike in 2022? He paid out $163.60 on a $2 bet!
🎰 How to Bet on the Kentucky Derby
You can place bets in-person at Churchill Downs or online via platforms like:
- TwinSpires
- FanDuel Racing
- Xpressbet
🏇 Betting Types:
- Win – Horse must finish 1st.
- Place – Horse finishes 1st or 2nd.
- Show – Horse finishes 1st, 2nd, or 3rd.
- Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta – Predict the exact finishing order.
💡 Fun Fact: In 2024, the Win/Place/Show betting pool hit $104 million.
📺 Where to Watch the Kentucky Derby 2025
- TV Channel: NBC
- Streaming: Peacock
- Live Updates: Yahoo Sports, ESPN, Churchill Downs official website
If you’re looking for Kentucky Derby live coverage, check out NBC or stream online using the Peacock app. Coverage begins at 12 p.m. ET on USA Network before switching to NBC for race time.
🔥 Top Storylines to Watch
- Bob Baffert Returns: After a 3-year ban, the legendary trainer is back with Citizen Bull.
- Japanese Horses Rising: Can Luxor Cafe make history for Japan?
- Veteran Trainers Competing: From D. Wayne Lukas (age 90) to Bill Mott, experience will be on full display.
- Underdog Stories: Horses like Chunk Of Gold bring fairytale energy to the field.
🏁 Final Thoughts
The Kentucky Derby 2025 promises high drama, unexpected turns, and a thrilling finish. Whether you’re there for the fashion, the race, or just to bet, this is one event you won’t want to miss.
Get your picks ready, prep your mint julep, and tune in for the 151st Kentucky Derby!
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