2025 Kentucky Derby Preview: Expert Insights and Predictions
Expert Jody Demling shares his picks for the 2025 Kentucky Derby, analyzing top contenders and betting odds.
Betting on the favorites at the Kentucky Derby has not been successful for the past six years, despite six consecutive victories from 2013 to 2018. For the upcoming 2025 race, Journalism stands as the 3-1 favorite following its win at the Santa Anita Derby. Trainer Michael McCarthy and jockey Umberto Rispoli are vying for their first Kentucky Derby win. Post time is scheduled for 6:57 p.m. ET.
Other notable contenders include Sovereignty (5-1) and Sandman (6-1). Sovereignty took second place in the Florida Derby, while Sandman recently secured a win at the Arkansas Derby. There are twenty horses competing this year.
Jody Demling, known for his expertise in horse racing, has successfully predicted the Kentucky Oaks-Derby double 11 times out of 16 years and has accurately identified a winner in the Belmont Stakes four out of the last seven years. He recently shared his insights on betting strategies for the Kentucky Derby.
Top 2025 Kentucky Derby Predictions
Demling has chosen to overlook Rodriguez (12-1) in his betting projections, despite the buzz surrounding the horse due to its association with trainer Bob Baffert. Although Rodriguez showcased strong performance in the Wood Memorial, his past losses against Journalism could hinder his chances in the Derby.
Conversely, Demling is optimistic about Luxor Cafe, a 15-1 longshot, who is the progeny of the 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah. Luxor Cafe has been in good form, clinching victory in his last race and has solidified his position for a potential upset in the Derby.
Lastly, for making bets on the Derby, Demling will reveal another exciting longshot who is generating considerable interest among bettors. To stay updated with his picks, follow his insights on SportsLine.
2025 Kentucky Derby Odds and Post Positions
| Post | Horse | Odds | Projection |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Citizen Bull | 20-1 | SEE PICKS |
| 2 | Neoequos | 30-1 | SEE PICKS |
| 3 | Final Gambit | 30-1 | SEE PICKS |
| 4 | Rodriguez | 12-1 | SEE PICKS |
| 5 | American Promise | 30-1 | SEE PICKS |
| 6 | Admire Daytona | 30-1 | SEE PICKS |
| 7 | Luxor Cafe | 15-1 | SEE PICKS |
| 8 | Journalism | 3-1 | SEE PICKS |
| 9 | Burnham Square | 12-1 | SEE PICKS |
| 10 | Grande | 20-1 | SEE PICKS |
| 11 | Flying Mohawk | 30-1 | SEE PICKS |
| 12 | East Avenue | 20-1 | SEE PICKS |
| 13 | Publisher | 20-1 | SEE PICKS |
| 14 | Tiztastic | 20-1 | SEE PICKS |
| 15 | Render Judgement | 30-1 | SEE PICKS |
| 16 | Coal Battle | 30-1 | SEE PICKS |
| 17 | Sandman | 6-1 | SEE PICKS |
| 18 | Sovereignty | 5-1 | SEE PICKS |
| 19 | Chunk of Gold | 30-1 | SEE PICKS |
| 20 | Owen Almighty | 30-1 | SEE PICKS |
