Peacock<\/a> <\/em><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow do Horses qualify for the Kentucky Derby?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n The 3-year-old thoroughbreds must accumulate points in the “Road to the Kentucky Derby,” a series of 36 qualifying races held mainly in the United States, with select events in Japan and Europe\/Middle East. These races are divided into the Prep Season and the Championship Series, with points awarded based on finishing positions.
Race Format and Prize Money<\/h2>\n\n\n\n The Derby is a Grade I stakes race, run on a dirt track over 1\u00bc miles (approximately 2.01 kilometers). The maximum field is 20 horses, with up to four alternates.
Recent Winners <\/h2>\n\n\n\n The past few editions of the Kentucky Derby have been full of drama and upsets: <\/p>\n\n\n\n2024<\/strong><\/td>Mystik Dan <\/em>won in a photo finish over Sierra Leone and Forever Young.<\/td><\/tr>2023<\/strong><\/td>Mage <\/em>closed strong from the back of the pack to take the crown. <\/td><\/tr>2022<\/strong><\/td>Rich Strike <\/em>stunned the racing world with 80-1 odds, becoming one of the biggest longshot winners in Derby history. <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n2025 Kentucky Derby: Top Contenders <\/h2>\n\n\n\n This year’s field includes a diverse mix of homegrown talent and international challengers. Journalism has emerged as the leading favorite heading into Derby Day. <\/strong>A product of strong bloodlines\u2014by Curlin out of a Nyquist mare\u2014this colt has won four straight races, including two Grade 1 events. His tactical speed and stamina make him well-suited for Churchill Downs’ demanding course. Along with Citizen Bull and Coal Battle, it was the horse with the most victories in the Road to the Kentucky Derby (3). Citizen Bull was the Champion 2-Year-Old of 2024, with victories in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and the American Pharoah Stakes. <\/strong>Though starting from the rail (a tough spot), the real spotlight is on Bob Baffert, who returns to the Derby after serving a two-year ban. Baffert’s horses always demand respect, especially with a colt of this caliber. They are not one of the favorites, but their last results make them a serious contender. Despite long odds, Rodriguez’s closing kick and experienced connections make him a serious threat. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n2025 Kentucky Derby Outside Picks <\/h2>\n\n\n\n Aside from the big three, here are a few horses flying slightly under the radar but capable of pulling off an upset like Admire Payton (Japan). Winner of the UAE Derby, bringing international flair and a powerful finish. Japan’s horses are no longer outsiders\u2014they’re contenders.
2025 Kentucky Derby Podium Pick<\/h2>\n\n\n\nJournalism<\/em><\/td><\/tr>Sovereignty <\/em><\/td><\/tr>Tiztastic <\/em><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The 151st edition of the Kentucky Derby, also known as “The Run for the Roses,” will take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the iconic Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky. As the first jewel of the Triple Crown, the Derby is much more than a horse race\u2014it’s a cultural spectacle filled with tradition, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":41293,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":"","_wpscp_schedule_draft_date":"","_wpscp_schedule_republish_date":"","_wpscppro_advance_schedule":false,"_wpscppro_advance_schedule_date":"","_wpscppro_dont_share_socialmedia":false,"_wpscppro_custom_social_share_image":0,"_facebook_share_type":"","_twitter_share_type":"","_linkedin_share_type":"","_pinterest_share_type":"","_linkedin_share_type_page":"","_instagram_share_type":"","_medium_share_type":"","_threads_share_type":"","_google_business_share_type":"","_selected_social_profile":[],"_wpsp_enable_custom_social_template":false,"_wpsp_social_scheduling":{"enabled":false,"datetime":null,"platforms":[],"status":"template_only","dateOption":"today","timeOption":"now","customDays":"","customHours":"","customDate":"","customTime":"","schedulingType":"absolute"},"_wpsp_active_default_template":true},"categories":[208],"tags":[264,258],"class_list":["post-42310","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-horse-racing","tag-betting-odds","tag-kentucky-derby"],"aioseo_notices":[],"modified_by":"Erwin Noguera","aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t