The 2025 Kentucky Derby is just around the corner, taking place at Churchill Downs this Saturday. This year, the race will showcase the top 20 horses from qualifying rounds, with the winner earning a hefty $3.1 million. Right now, Journalism is the frontrunner at 3-1 odds, followed closely by Sovereignty at 5-1, and Sandman at 6-1. The race kicks off at 6:57 p.m. ET. When placing your bets, you might wonder whether to stick with the favorites or take a risk on a longshot like Luxor Cafe at 15-1 or Citizen Bull at 20-1. Recently, Rodriguez scratched, making way for Baeza, who will enter the race with 12-1 odds. With so many factors to consider, expert support might help you make the best choices.
Historically, the record for most Kentucky Derby wins by a trainer stands at six, shared by Ben Jones and Bob Baffert. Todd Pletcher holds the record for the most Derby starts, with a massive 65 horses entered over the years and two victories. Pletcher’s success continues as he preps for his 66th entry, Grande, at 20-1 odds, hoping to add to his achievements.
According to statistics from the past few races, exacta and trifecta bets can yield significant returns. In 2024, a $2 exacta paid out $258.56, while a $1 trifecta brought in an impressive $1,113.84. If you choose to go even further, a $1 superfecta returned a staggering $8,254 that same year.
Expert Jody Demling has been a prominent voice in horse racing, making strong predictions for the Derby and other major events. He has hit the Kentucky Oaks-Derby double 11 times in the last 16 years. Recently, he gave insights about Journalism but is also looking closely at longshots like Luxor Cafe, whose odds are creating buzz among insiders. His analysis includes specific combinations for exacta and trifecta bets to maximize potential wins.
The excitement surrounding the Derby has also seen a surge in social media discussions, with fans sharing their thoughts and predictions on platforms like Twitter and Facebook. The community is buzzing with anticipation, following trainer strategies and horse performances leading up to race day.
As the 2025 Kentucky Derby draws closer, it’s clear that informed betting can significantly enhance the experience. Keeping an eye on recent trends and expert recommendations will put you in a better position to make savvy bets.
For more details on expert picks and updated odds, visit trusted sites like BloodHorse or check out detailed analyses on horse racing platforms.