The 151st Kentucky Derby rides into Churchill Downs this Saturday, May 3, 2025, and this year’s race could be one of the most unpredictable on record. With early favorite Rodriguez scratch, the door is open wide — and a new star, Journalism, is positioned as the leader with 7-2 odds.
For Pakistani fans, the race is live early Sunday morning, May 4 at 3:57 AM PKT, on NBC Sports and streaming outlets around the globe.
Updated 2025 Kentucky Derby Odds – Top Contenders
Below are the current odds for the most discussed horses:
| Horse | Odds | Trainer |
|---|---|---|
| Journalism | 7-2 | Michael McCarthy |
| Sovereignty | 5-1 | Todd Pletcher |
| Sandman | 6-1 | Brad Cox |
| Luxor Café | 15-1 | Yoshito Yahagi (Japan) |
| Burnham Square | 12-1 | Mark Casse |
| Final Gambit | 30-1 | Brad Cox |
Rodriguez has been pulled from the 2025 Kentucky Derby lineup with a foot bruise, reshaping the odds and stirring fresh uncertainty among bettors.
Expert Analysis: Journalism Leads, But Is He Untouchable?
Journalism enters with a perfect mix of speed, tactical positioning, and elite training. His three-race winning streak is impressive, and now, with Rodriguez out, he’s the clear favorite.
But don’t rule out Sovereignty, who has been steadily improving his way up the ranks with persistence and stamina — required in a 1 1/4 mile race. Sandman has raw closing power, while Luxor Café, the Japanese horse, is the dark horse with overseas support and top-class bloodlines.
Our Pick:
Journalism is the safe bet, but Sandman might surprise the field with a late kick. For value, watch Burnham Square, a tough closer with a heart.
Full Field and Odds Snapshot
Take a look at the full lineup of 20 contenders set for the 2025 Kentucky Derby — plus one standby alternate ready to step in.
| Post | Horse | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Citizen Bull | 17-1 |
| 2 | Neoequos | 57-1 |
| 3 | Final Gambit | 17-1 |
| 5 | American Promise | 13-1 |
| 6 | Admire Daytona | 39-1 |
| 7 | Luxor Café | 15-1 |
| 8 | Journalism | 7-2 |
| 9 | Burnham Square | 19-1 |
| 10 | Grande | 19-1 |
| 11 | Flying Mohawk | 36-1 |
| 12 | East Avenue | 33-1 |
| 13 | Publisher | 30-1 |
| 14 | Tiztastic | 20-1 |
| 15 | Render Judgment | 13-1 |
| 16 | Coal Battle | 30-1 |
| 17 | Sandman | 5-1 |
| 18 | Sovereignty | 10-1 |
| 19 | Chunk of Gold | 30-1 |
| 20 | Owen Almighty | 30-1 |
| 21 | Baeza (Alternate) | 29-1 |
Race Time & How to Watch
Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky
⏰ Post Time: 6:57 PM ET / 3:57 AM PKT (May 4 in Pakistan)
Broadcast: NBC, Peacock, and some international streaming sites
Final Thoughts: Look for Surprises in an Open Derby
The 2025 Kentucky Derby is anyone’s bet. Although Journalism is the stand-out, the upset in odds with Rodriguez’s departure leaves this one of the most unpredictable Derbies in recent years. Will we see another long-shot miracle like Rich Strike in 2022? Or will the favorite finally hold firm?
No matter what, the world will be watching. And so will we — with updates, reactions, and post-race analysis at SportSnip.com.
