Kentucky Derby Odds and Betting Favorites: Betting Lines for Churchill Downs

We are now just days away from one of the top betting events on the sports calendar. The famed Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday, May 3. The 2025 Kentucky Derby odds are available to view below, along with our analysis of this year's field and the history of the Run for the Roses. 

Top horses expected to be in the field include Journalism (3-1) and Sandman (8-1). The 20-horse field will become official on the day of the Kentucky Derby draw, which will occur on Saturday, April 26 this year.

🐎 Kentucky Derby odds

Check out odds from the best Kentucky Derby betting sites below. Odds for the 2025 "Run for the Roses" are not yet live.

📊 Opening Kentucky Derby odds

Here are the opening Kentucky Derby odds.

• Journalism (3-1)
• Sandman (8-1)
• Sovereignty (8-1)
• Rodriguez (10-1)
• Tappan Street (10-1)
• Burnham Square (15-1)
• Luxor Cafe (15-1)
• Citizen Bull (20-1)
• East Avenue (20-1)
• Grande (20-1)
• River Thames (20-1)
• Tiztastic (20-1)
• American Promise (30-1)
• Chunk of Gold (30-1)
• Coal Battle (30-1)
• Final Gambit (30-1)
• Publisher (30-1)
• Admire Daytona (50-1)
• Flood Zone (50-1)
• Flying Mohawk (50-1)

🎯 Kentucky Derby betting favorites

Here is a look at the likely betting favorites for the 2025 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Odds are from the best horse racing betting sites.

Journalism (3-1)

Journalism (3-1) is expected to be the Kentucky Derby betting favorite when morning line odds are released. The 3-year-old Colt has elite pedigree (Curlin, Mopotism) and recent form. His top race was a victory in the Santa Anita Derby on April 5. Journalism’s trainer is Michael McCarthy.

Sandman (8-1)

Sandman is 3-1-2 in eight starts. The 3-year-old Colt also has top-notch pedigree (Tapit, Distorted Music). His trainer is Mark Casse. Jose Ortiz will likely be Sandman's jockey on Kentucky Derby day. Sandman’s top win came at the Arkansas Derby on March 29.

Sovereignty (8-1)

Sovereignty (8-1) is yet another 3-year-old Colt who will be looking for victory at Churchill Downs. The son of Into Mischief and Crowned has a top equibase speed figure of 99. Of note, Into Mischief has sired two of the last five Kentucky Derby winners. Sovereignty's trainer is Bill Mott and he has experience winning at Churchill Downs as he won the Street Sense Stakes back in October.

📜 Kentucky Derby betting odds history

Below is a look at Kentucky Derby betting history. Mystik Dan won last year with +1800 Kentucky Derby odds.

• 2024 Mystik Dan: +1800
• 2023 Mage: +1700
• 2022 Rich Strike: +8000
• 2021 Medina Spirit: +1200
• 2020 Authentic: +800
• 2019 Country House: +6500
• 2018 Justify: +250
• 2017 Always Dreaming: +450
• 2016 Nyquist: +200
• 2015 American Pharoah: +250
• 2014 California Chrome: +250

🤖 AI prediction: Which horse will win the Kentucky Derby in 2025?

We asked ChatGPT about Journalism’s chances of winning the 2025 Kentucky Derby. Here is what the AI response came up with:

As of April 16, 2025, Journalism is a leading contender for the 2025 Kentucky Derby, having demonstrated impressive performances in key prep races. The colt secured a decisive victory in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes on March 1, 2025, at Santa Anita Park, defeating the previously undefeated favorite, Barnes, by 1¾ lengths. Ridden by jockey Umberto Rispoli, Journalism completed the 1 1/16-mile race in 1:42.24, earning 37.5 qualifying points for the Derby .​

Following this win, Journalism was installed as the 3-1 morning-line favorite in the fifth Kentucky Derby Future Wager pool, reflecting strong support from bettors. His pedigree, by two-time Horse of the Year Curlin, and his versatility on the track further enhance his Derby prospects 

With the Kentucky Derby scheduled for May 3, 2025, at Churchill Downs, Journalism's recent form positions him as a top contender, though the final outcome will depend on his performance in the upcoming races leading up to the Derby.

Kentucky Derby winner post position history

Here is a look at the post position history for recent Kentucky Derby winners.

• 2024 Mystik Dan post position: 3
• 2023 Mage post position: 8
• 2022 Rich Strike post position: 20
• 2021 Medina Spirit post position: 8
• 2020 Authentic post position: 18
• 2019 Country House post position: 20
• 2018 Justify post position: 7
• 2017 Always Dreaming post position: 5
• 2016 Nyquist post position: 13
• 2015 American Pharoah post position: 18
• 2014 California Chrome post position: 5

🔢 Why are Kentucky Derby odds different than regular sports betting odds?

A common question from novice horse racing bettors this time of year is, “why are Kentucky Derby odds different than regular sports betting odds. 

Simply put, American odds represent how much money you would win on a $100 wager - or, in some cases, how much money you would need to wager to return $100.

Let's refer to an example. Mystik Dan closed with +1800 odds to win last year's Kentucky Derby. That means a winning $100 bet at those odds would return $1800 in profit, or a $10 bet would return $180, or even $1 for an $18 return.

According to our odds converter, he was getting only a 5.26% implied probability of winning the prestigious race.  

Fierceness finished with +300 odds, which carry an implied 25% win percentage. A $100 wager would get you $300 if he won. Despite being seen as more likely to win according to the odds, we know he didn't win the race.

You'll want to be careful staking too much on long-shot bets, as the low implied win probabilities indicate the unlikelihood of a victory.

⏰ What time does the Kentucky Derby start and end?

The 2025 Kentucky Derby is scheduled to start at approximately 6:57 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 3.

The race is nicknamed “The Most Exciting 2 Minutes in Sports,” and that moniker always comes to fruition. Derby winners typically cross the finish line around the 2 minute and 2 second mark. So, expect the Kentucky Derby to end at approximately 6:59 p.m. ET.

❓ Kentucky Derby FAQs

Where can I bet on the Kentucky Derby 2025?

Americans can legally wager on horse racing in the following states:

Kentucky sports betting is up and running, so Kentucky horse racing fans should be able to bet from anywhere in the state for the 2025 Kentucky Derby. You can also check out our list of the best Kentucky Derby betting sites here!

Who is the 2025 Kentucky Derby favorite?

The field is not yet official for the 2025 Kentucky Derby. But expect Journalism (3-1) and Sandman (8-1) to be among the betting favorites.

How long is the Kentucky Derby track?

The race distance for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs is 1 and 1/4 miles, or 10 furlongs.

When is the 2025 Kentucky Derby this year?

The 2025 edition of the Kentucky Derby will be held Saturday, May 3.

Where is the 2025 Kentucky Derby held?

The Kentucky Derby is held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.

Here are our best Kentucky Derby betting sites:

Looking to bet on the Kentucky Derby? Here are the top-rated Kentucky Derby betting sites as determined by our expert team at Sportsbook Review, along with the best sportsbook promos ahead of the 2025 Run for the Roses:

• Caesars Promo Code: SBRBONUSDYW | Read our Caesars Review
• BetMGM Bonus Code: SBRBONUS | Read our BetMGM Review
• bet365 Bonus Code: SBRBONUS | Read our bet365 Review
• FanDuel Promo Code | Read our FanDuel Review
• DraftKings Promo Code | Read our DraftKings Review

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