2025 Kentucky Derby Betting Odds and Free Picks

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—it’s a cultural spectacle filled with tradition, fashion, and millions in prize money.

The Kentucky Derby is as much a social and cultural event as a sporting one. With over 150,000 spectators expected, Churchill Downs will once again be buzzing with oversized hats, mint juleps, and Southern flair.

2025 Kentucky Derby Betting Odds and Info

How do Horses qualify for the Kentucky Derby?

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.

The top 20 point-earners secure a spot in the race. If one of the 20 drops out, horses from the “also eligible” list can take their place. Additionally, the top finishers in Japan’s and Europe’s designated qualifying paths can earn invitations.

Race Format and Prize Money

The Derby is a Grade I stakes race, run on a dirt track over 1¼ miles (approximately 2.01 kilometers). The maximum field is 20 horses, with up to four alternates.

In 2024, the total purse was increased to $5 million, with the winner taking home $3.1 million, and will repeat the same values this year. This makes the Kentucky Derby the richest race in the Triple Crown series.

Recent Winners

The past few editions of the Kentucky Derby have been full of drama and upsets:

2025 Kentucky Derby: Top Contenders

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. A product of strong bloodlines—by Curlin out of a Nyquist mare—this 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. 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.

Rodriguez is other than can give the surprise. The winner of the Wood Memorial is another Baffert trainee with a serious upside. He’ll be ridden by Mike Smith, who, at 58, is aiming to become the oldest jockey to win the Derby. Despite long odds, Rodriguez’s closing kick and experienced connections make him a serious threat.

2025 Kentucky Derby Outside Picks

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—they’re contenders.

Other from this Asian country is Luxor Café, a son of American Pharoah, another Japanese runner with talent and pedigree. He’s flown under the radar but has real stamina.

Lastly, we have to mention Grande, trained by Todd Pletcher, a two-time Derby-winning trainer. Grande’s recent performances have been strong, and he could peak

2025 Kentucky Derby Podium Pick