When does the 2025 Kentucky Derby take place?

The much-anticipated annual Run for the Roses is slated for Saturday, May 3, with the race expected to start at 6:57 PM ET at Churchill Downs.

Horse racing, akin to tennis, sees competitors excel on particular surfaces. In this year’s Kentucky Derby, two longshots—Flying Mohawk and Final Gambit—will compete on dirt for the first time. Interestingly, both horses have only raced on turf or synthetic tracks, and their transition to dirt could play a pivotal role in their performance. Currently, the favorites are Journalism (3-1), Sovereignty (5-1), and Sandman (6-1), all of whom have experience solely on dirt.

With the Derby featuring a large field as always, ensure you check out what racing analyst Michelle Yu has to offer before placing any bets.

In a previous Derby, Yu successfully predicted Medina Spirit as the winner and has consistently had great success with her betting selections.

Notable Picks for the 2025 Kentucky Derby

Michelle Yu is currently betting against Sandman, one of the top contestants, considering his past performances and trainer history.

Conversely, she is optimistic about Luxor Cafe, a longshot that has shown impressive results in its previous races.

How to Place Your Bets Effectively

Yu has additional insights into which horses might not only compete well but also surprise the crowd. Stay tuned for her detailed analysis on SportsLine for the complete breakdown of odds and predictions on selected horses.