03-05-2025
Kentucky Derby 5 best bets for 2025
Kentucky Derby 5 best bets for 2025
Happy Derby Day to all who celebrate!
The 151st Kentucky Derby is only hours away as we kick off the start of another chase for the Triple Crown.
If today is one of the few times of year you truly pay attention to horse racing, don't worry, that's exactly why we're here. If you're not going to read a program — or pick a horse based on name alone — we've got a few other options for you to consider before heading to the betting window.
Here are five ways you can find your best bet for Saturday's Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs.
Best of luck to those who tail (or fade)!
The Favorites
Journalism: The clear and consensus favorite all week long heading into Saturday was 3-1 on the Morning Line after four consecutive wins heading into the Derby.
Sovereignty: Second to Journalism on the Morning Line at 5-1, he has experience racing against multiple contenders in this year's Derby.
Sandman: The progeny of Tapit was the only other contender who opened on the Morning Line with odds better than 12-1.
The Elite Pedigrees
You might not be familiar with all of the names in the Derby field, you're more than likely familiar with some of their sires. If you want to bet on horses who descend from past Churchill Downs consider these colts.
American Promise: D. Wayne Lukas trained the progeny of Justify, which won all three legs of the Triple Crown in 2018 as well as the Santa Anita Derby.
Luxor Cafe: The progeny of another Triple Crown-winner in American Pharoah was 15-1 on the Morning Line.
Publisher: Also sired by American Pharoah and trained by Steven Asmussen.
Tiztasic: The progeny of Tiz The Law, who finished second to Authentic at the 2020 Kentucky Derby before winning the Belmont Stakes a few weeks later.
The Top Trainers
If you care more about who trained the horse than anything else, here are your best options.
Citizen Bull: Bob Baffert
Neoequos: Joseph Saffie Jr.
American Promise: D. Wayne Lukas
Publisher: Steve Asmussen
Tiztastic: Steve Asmussen
Render Judgment: Kenneth McPeek
The Famous Owners
Flying Mohawk: Owned by former MLB star Jayson Werth
Render Judgment: Owned by the late Toby Keith
The Long-shots
Just in case there's another Rich Strike moment at Churchill Downs.
Neoequos: Opened 30-1 on the Morning Line and was 41-1 on Saturday morning.
Owen Almighty: Opened 30-1 on the Morning Line and moved to 39-1.
East Avenue: Opened 20-1 on the Morning Line and moved to 37-1.
