Get Your Hats Ready! It's Kentucky Derby Time!
The most exciting two minutes in sports is almost here! The Kentucky Derby, the crown jewel of horse racing, is set to thrill fans and celebrities alike at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 3rd. This prestigious event kicks off the Triple Crown, showcasing the world's finest three-year-old male Thoroughbreds.
The 2025 Kentucky Derby Contenders
This year's race promises intense competition. Three horses stand out with particularly favorable odds:
- Journalism (7-2): Trained by Michael McCarthy, Journalism is the favorite, boasting four wins in five career races. He’s a powerful closer, but notably hasn't raced on dirt at Churchill Downs.
- Sovereignty (9-1): A strong contender with a win at Churchill Downs under his belt, Sovereignty is coming off a second-place finish in the Florida Derby.
- Sandman (9-2): The most experienced of the top three, Sandman enters his ninth race with a consistent record, never finishing lower than fifth. He’s raced at Churchill Downs three times.
But the race isn't just about these top three; a full field of nineteen horses will be vying for the coveted roses. Several other horses bring intriguing stories and competitive potential to the table.
- Citizen Bull: Trained by the legendary Bob Baffert, Citizen Bull's chances face the added pressure of starting from the dreaded number one post position, a position with a long history of poor results.
- American Promise: Trained by four-time Kentucky Derby winner D. Wayne Lukas, this horse has shown exceptional speed and power.
- Luxor Cafe and Admire Daytona: Representing Japan, these two horses represent the growing global presence in the Kentucky Derby and will be hoping to make history.
- Publisher: An intriguing entry that has yet to win a race, but showed strong potential in recent races.
Sadly, Rodriguez and Grande have been scratched from the Derby due to foot injuries.
When and Where to Watch the Kentucky Derby
Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
Post Time: 6:57 p.m. ET
TV Channel: NBC (Coverage begins at 2:30 p.m. ET)
Live Stream: FuboTV (Free trial available)
Radio: SiriusXM channel 85
The Kentucky Derby is more than just a horse race; it's a spectacle of tradition and excitement. The entire day features 14 races, culminating in the main event. Even with rain predicted, the atmosphere is expected to be electric.
Expert Predictions and Betting Odds
Experts are divided on the outcome, with some favoring Journalism and others considering long shots. SportsLine's expert Jody Demling is particularly high on Luxor Cafe, while cautioning against Sandman's immaturity. Michelle Yu from SportsLine also highlights Luxor Cafe's potential, while expressing reservations about Sandman’s performance history at Churchill Downs and preference for closers who can handle a muddy track. Both experts offer detailed insights and betting predictions available on SportsLine.
Conclusion: The Excitement Builds
The 2025 Kentucky Derby is shaping up to be an unforgettable race. With a field of talented horses, unpredictable weather, and the legendary presence of Bob Baffert, all eyes will be on Churchill Downs this Saturday. Whether you're a seasoned horse racing fan or a first-timer, prepare for a thrilling day of competition and celebration. Don't miss it!
