Unlock the 2025 Kentucky Derby: Top 3 Longshot Picks, Odds, and Expert Insights to Bet Smart!

The 2025 Kentucky Derby is almost here! On Saturday, 20 of the world’s fastest horses will race at Churchill Downs, starting at 6:57 p.m. ET. It’s an exciting time, especially since the Derby purse is $5 million, with over $3 million going to the winner.

Since last September, horses have been prepping for this moment. Four stand out with over 120 points each: Rodriguez (121.25), Journalism (122.5), Sandman (129), and Burnham Square (130). Among these, Journalism leads the betting odds at 3-1.

Interestingly, despite Burnham Square’s top points, he’s tied with Rodriguez at 12-1 odds. So, who will claim this year’s Run for the Roses? Let’s take a closer look at potential longshots to consider for your bets.

Expert handicapper Jody Demling has a solid track record in horse racing, hitting 11 Derby-Oaks doubles in the last 16 years and picking the Belmont Stakes winner four times in the last seven years. His insights can be valuable for those looking to place bets on platforms like TwinSpires or 1/ST BET.

Here are three longshots worth noting:

Burnham Square (12-1)

With jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. on board, Burnham Square shows promise. Hernandez has proven skill at Churchill Downs, having led Mystik Dan to victory as an 18-1 longshot last year. His experience and the horse’s ability to close strong in past races, like the Fountain of Youth Stakes, make Burnham a contender.

Luxor Cafe (15-1)

Luxor Cafe is notable as one of two offspring of American Pharoah in this Derby. He qualified for the race with impressive wins in Japan, even besting UAE Derby winner Admire Daytona. If he maintains his form, he could make a solid impact on the race.

Grande (20-1)

Though he has less experience, Grande, trained by Todd Pletcher, shows potential. His late charge in the Wood Memorial indicates he has what it takes. Demling believes a tighter run at Churchill Downs could work in Grande’s favor, making him a possible sleeper pick.

With the Derby rapidly approaching, it’s worth noting that historical trends show how quickly betting favorites can change leading up to the race. A recent study indicated that nearly 70% of Derby winners come from the top five in betting odds, but longshots have occasionally surprised the crowd, much to the delight of savvy bettors.

As excitement builds, keep an eye on social media for updates and potential late buzz about any dark horses that might emerge. Engaging with the horse racing community can also provide insights and reactions that enhance your betting strategy.

For the latest updates and strategies, check out expert insights on the SportsLine website.

Good luck as you prepare for the Kentucky Derby, and remember, smart betting is all about staying informed and aware of the horses’ performances up to race day!

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