Everything You Need to Know About the 2025 Kentucky Derby
The 151st Kentucky Derby is almost here! Set to take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the iconic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, this race is one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year. Known as "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports," the Kentucky Derby brings together the best horses, trainers, and jockeys for an unforgettable race.
With a $5 million purse up for grabs, the Kentucky Derby will feature a field of 19 horses, all vying for glory. Whether you're a seasoned fan or a first-time viewer, there’s plenty to get excited about. Here’s everything you need to know.
🏇 Top Horses to Watch in the Kentucky Derby 2025
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Journalism (3-1): The morning-line favorite, Journalism has won four consecutive races, including the prestigious Santa Anita Derby. This horse is a strong contender and has impressed everyone with its consistent performance. Expect Journalism to put on a thrilling show at the Kentucky Derby.
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Sovereignty (5-1): Trained by Bill Mott, Sovereignty has been performing well across the board. After a strong finish in the Florida Derby, Sovereignty is expected to be a serious challenger at the Kentucky Derby.
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Sandman (6-1): Trained by Mark Casse, Sandman enters the Kentucky Derby with momentum, having won the Arkansas Derby. This horse is known for its strong finishes and should be a tough competitor.
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Luxor Café (15-1): This Japanese-trained horse, sired by the legendary American Pharoah, has shown promise despite not having raced in the U.S. yet. Luxor Café adds an international flair to the Kentucky Derby and could be a surprise contender.
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Baeza (12-1): Originally an alternate, Baeza has earned its spot in the field and could make an impact. After an impressive performance behind Journalism in the Santa Anita Derby, Baeza could be ready to shock the competition.
📺 How to Watch the Kentucky Derby
The 2025 Kentucky Derby will be broadcast live on NBC, with coverage starting at 2:30 p.m. ET. For those looking to stream, the race will be available on Peacock, NBCSports.com, and the NBC Sports app. Whether you're at home or on the go, you won't miss a moment of the action.
💰 Kentucky Derby Betting Odds
Here’s a quick look at the morning-line odds for the Kentucky Derby horses:
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Journalism | 3-1 |
| Sovereignty | 5-1 |
| Sandman | 6-1 |
| Luxor Café | 15-1 |
| Baeza | 12-1 |
| Final Gambit | 30-1 |
| Admire Daytona | 30-1 |
| Tiztastic | 20-1 |
| Burnham Square | 12-1 |
| Citizen Bull | 20-1 |
🏆 Race Day Schedule
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12:00 p.m. ET: Pre-race coverage on USA Network and Peacock
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2:30 p.m. ET: Coverage switches to NBC and Peacock
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6:57 p.m. ET: Post time for the Kentucky Derby
Get ready for an unforgettable afternoon of horse racing!
🌟 Expert Picks and Predictions
Experts are already predicting that Journalism, with its strong winning streak, is the favorite to win the Kentucky Derby. However, don't count out Sovereignty or Sandman, as both horses have shown they have what it takes to compete at the highest level.
While Journalism might be the favorite, long-shot horses like Luxor Café and Baeza are also generating plenty of buzz. The Kentucky Derby is known for surprises, so anything can happen when the gates open.
🌟 Why the Kentucky Derby is a Must-Watch Event
The Kentucky Derby isn't just about the horses—it’s a cultural phenomenon. The excitement, the pageantry, the hats, and the mint juleps all come together to create an unforgettable atmosphere. It's a race that brings people from all over the world, making it a must-watch event for sports fans and casual viewers alike.
Whether you’re placing bets or simply enjoying the spectacle, the Kentucky Derby is one of the most thrilling sporting events of the year. So, mark your calendars and get ready for an afternoon full of drama, excitement, and the thrill of watching history in the making.
Get Ready for the Kentucky Derby!
The 2025 Kentucky Derby promises to be another exciting chapter in this storied event. From the early favorites to the surprise underdogs, there’s plenty to keep an eye on. So, tune in, enjoy the race, and make sure you don’t miss a moment of the action!
