2025 Kentucky Derby betting: How to bet on the Kentucky Derby with tips and strategies
(This story has been updated with news that Rodriguez and Grande were scratched from the 2025 Kentucky Derby on Thursday and Friday, respectively).
The Kentucky Derby is Saturday and the 20-horse field is set.
The race tabbed as "the most exciting two minutes in sports" will be one of several races to take place this weekend at Churchill Downs.
The big race always manages to attract viewers with a wide range of betting experience. Whether it's your first time betting on the Kentucky Derby or you're just looking to get familiar with the field, here's everything you need to know before placing a bet.
Where to bet on the 2025 Kentucky Derby
Some sportsbooks will allow betting on the big race. FanDuel has been one with several options for bettors through its sportsbook and Racing App in 29 states across the county.
Strategies for Kentucky Derby betting
Journalism is considered one of the early favorites to win the Kentucky Derby, but betting on the horse alone may not provide the payout you seek.
You can always feature the favorite as a part of an exacta or a trifecta, or explore other races within the Churchill Downs program on that day to piece together a daily double or a pick-6.
Who are the favorites in the Kentucky Derby this year?
Odds as of 1 a.m. ET on Wednesday, April 30, according to KentuckyDerby.com
As previously mentioned, Journalism has been listed as the early favorite at 3-1. Sovereignty has another popular option at 5-1, followed by Sandman at 6-1.
Full Kentucky Derby Odds:
Odds as of 1 a.m. ET on Wednesday, April 30, according to KentuckyDerby.com
Journalism (3-1)
Sovereignty (5-1)
Sandman (6-1)
Grande (10-1) — SCRATCHED
Burnham Square (12-1)
Rodriguez (12-1) — SCRATCHED
Luxor Cafe (15-1)
East Avenue (20-1)
Tiztastic (20-1)
Citizen Bull (20-1)
Publisher (20-1)
American Promise (30-1)
Admire Daytona (30-1)
Coal Battle (30-1)
Chunk of Gold (30-1)
Final Gambit (30-1)
Render Judgment (30-1)
Neoequos (30-1)
Flying Mohawk (30-1)
Owen Almighty (30-1)
Baeza (N/A)
2025 Kentucky Derby Field: horses and odds
Odds as of 1 a.m. ET on Wednesday, April 30, according to KentuckyDerby.com
| Entries | Horse | Owner | Trainer | Morning-line odds |
| 1 | Citizen Bull | SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Bashor, Dianne, Determined Stables, Masterson, Robert E., Ryan, Tom J., Waves Edge Capital LLC and Donovan, Catherine | Bob Baffert | 20-1 |
| 2 | Neoequos | C2 Racing Stable LLC, Parsard, Ian, Shining Stables LLC and Stefania Farms LLC | Saffie A. Joseph, Jr. | 30-1 |
| 3 | Final Gambit | Juddmonte | Brad H. Cox | 30-1 |
| 5 | American Promise | BC Stables LLC | D. Wayne Lukas | 30-1 |
| 6 | Admire Daytona (JPN) | Junko Kondo | Yukihiro Kato | 30-1 |
| 7 | Luxor Cafe | Koichi Nishikawa | Noriyuki Hori | 15-1 |
| 8 | Journalism | Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Elayne Stables 5 LLC, LaPenta, Robert V., Magnier-Lessee, Mrs. John, Smith-Lessee, Derrick and Tabor-Lessee, Michael B. | Michael W. McCarthy | 3-1 |
| 9 | Burnham Square | Whitham Thoroughbreds LLC | Ian R. Wilkes | 12-1 |
| 11 | Flying Mohawk | Two Eight Racing, Berry Family Racing LLC and Kaleta Racing | D. Whitworth Beckman | 30-1 |
| 12 | East Avenue | Godolphin, LLC | Brendan P. Walsh | 20-1 |
| 13 | Publisher | King, Gus and Estate of Brereton C. Jones | Steven M. Asmussen | 20-1 |
| 14 | Tiztastic | Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC, Magnier, Mrs. John, Tabor, Michael B. and Smith, Der | Steven M. Asmussen | 20-1 |
| 15 | Render Judgment | Baccari Racing Stable LLC, Dream Walkin Farms, Inc., MJM Racing and Rocket Ship Racing | Kenneth G. McPeek | 30-1 |
| 16 | Coal Battle | Norman Stables LLC | Lonnie Briley | 30-1 |
| 17 | Sandman | D. J. Stable LLC, St. Elias Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds and CJ Stables | Mark E. Casse | 6-1 |
| 18 | Sovereignty | Godolphin | William I. Mott | 5-1 |
| 19 | Chunk of Gold | Terry L. Stephens | Ethan W. West | 30-1 |
| 20 | Owen Almighty | Flying Dutchmen Breeding and Racing LLC | Brian Lynch | 30-1 |
| 21 | Baeza | C R K Stable LLC and Grandview Equine | John A. Shirreffs | N/A |
Kentucky Derby 2025: TV, streaming and where to watch
The 151st Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, 2025. The race will be broadcast on NBC and USA Network. Streaming options will be available on Fubo (which offers a free trial) and Peacock.
- Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
- Time: 6:45 p.m. ET
- TV: NBC, USA Network
- Stream: Fubo, Peacock
- Location: Churchill Downs (Louisville, Kentucky)
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