The 151st Kentucky Derby gallops into Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky, on Saturday, May 3, 2025. This iconic event, known as "The Run for the Roses," showcases the finest three-year-old Thoroughbreds competing over 1¼ miles of dirt track. With a purse of $5 million, the stakes are as high as ever.
🗓️ Event Details
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Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
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Location: Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky
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Post Time: 6:57 PM ET (4:27 AM IST on May 4)
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Broadcast: NBC, Peacock, and USA Network
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Race Distance: 1¼ miles (10 furlongs)
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Surface: Dirt
🐎 Top Contenders for 2025
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Journalism (3-1): The morning-line favorite, entering with a four-race winning streak, including the Santa Anita Derby.
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Sandman (6-1): Known for a powerful late-closing style; winner of the Arkansas Derby.
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Sovereignty (5-1): Consistent performer with solid past races.
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Baeza (12-1): Recently added to the field after Rodriguez's scratch; runner-up in the Santa Anita Derby.
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Burnham Square (12-1): Impressed in the Blue Grass Stakes; considered a valuable bet.
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Citizen Bull: Boasts victories in the G1 American Pharoah and G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.
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Coal Battle: Emerging contender with wins in the Smarty Jones and Rebel Stakes.
⚠️ Notable Scratches
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Rodriguez: Withdrawn due to a foot bruise.
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Grande: Scratched following a veterinary decision regarding a cracked heel.
💰 Betting Odds Snapshot
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Journalism: 3-1
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Sovereignty: 5-1
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Sandman: 6-1
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Baeza: 12-1
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Burnham Square: 12-1
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Tiztastic: 20-1
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Publisher: 20-1
Note: Odds are subject to change as race day approaches.
📺 Viewing Information
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TV Coverage: NBC and USA Network
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Streaming: Peacock
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Start Time: Live coverage begins at 12 PM ET (9:30 PM IST)
🎉 Derby Day Festivities
Beyond the racetrack, Derby Day is celebrated with grandeur:
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Fashion: Attendees don elaborate hats and stylish attire.
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Cuisine: Traditional Southern dishes and mint juleps are staples.
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Music & Entertainment: Live performances and parties abound.
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Betting: Fans engage in wagering, adding excitement to the races.