The 151st iteration of the “Fastest Two Minutes in Sports” begins May 3rd at the world famous Churchill Downs with much anticipation. As far as upsets go, the Kentucky Derby has proven itself a must-watch in the last three years. In fact, the betting favorite hasn’t won in six years.
In 2024, +1800 longshot Mystik Dan shocked the sports world in one of the most dramatic Derbies in its century-and-a-half history. The epic three-horse photo finish was a sight the famed track in Louisville hadn’t seen since the 1940s. Suited-up spectators hope for such a spectacular finish this May.
View the latest Horse Racing odds at Bovada
Sometimes the biggest storylines in horse racing come from those with two legs instead of four. Decorated trainer Bob Baffert makes his return to the Kentucky Derby after serving his three-year ban. In 2021, his winning horse, Medina Spirit, was disqualified after failing a post-race drug test. Should Baffert win this May, he would be the only trainer to do so seven times.
Let’s get to know the field of competition.
Kentucky Derby Odds
Journalism +350
Journalism is the favorite at +350 and riding a hot streak; having won his last 4 races. He is coming off a victory in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby by three-quarters of a length. The Kentucky-bred Bay Colt is trained by Michael McCarthy and was sired by Curlin, who won the 2007 Preakness and finished third in the Kentucky Derby.
Sovereignty +700
Sovereignty, winner of the Street Sense and the Fountain of Youth stakes, is peaking at the right time. He’s improved his speed in each start around two turns. Sovereignty is currently sitting at +700.
Luxor Café +1000
Luxor Cafe is +1000 who came up through the Japanese racing system, qualifying for the Kentucky Derby with wins at the Hyacinth Stakes and Fukuryu Stakes. Last year’s run for the Roses featured two top-5 finishes from Japan. Much of the excitement around Luxor Cafe is due to his good breeding. He was sired by Triple Crown champion American Pharaoh, thought by some to be the greatest thoroughbred in history.
Sandman +1000
Sandman won his maiden race at Saratoga, and has developed and evolved consistently since then. His measured, stalking style is well-suited to the Derby’s 1 1/4-mile distance. The ghostly look of this colt will also be a fan-favorite.
Rodriguez +1200
Rodriguez is led by famed trainer Bob Baffert, coming in at +1200 odds. He has finished in the top three in all 5 of his career races, as recently as the Wood Memorial in early April. He finished third at the San Felipe Stakes behind Journalism and Barnes.
Tappan Street +1200
Tappan Street has won 2 of his 3 career starts. At +1200 odds, he is a serious contender in this year’s Derby after an impressive 1 1/8 mile stakes at Gulfstreak Park where he defeated Sovereignty. Look for this impressive horse of Blue Heaven Farm to make a name for itself on the biggest stage.
Burnham +1400
Burnham Square is next at +1400. He has 3 wins in 6 career starts and 130 qualifying points, the most of any Kentucky Derby horse this year, including wins in both the Holy Bull and Blue Grass. He is trained by Ian Wilkes, winner of the 2012 Breeders Cup and a part of the team behind 2007 Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense. His jockey is Brian Hernandez, who surely was the happiest man in Louisville this time last year as he won in both the Kentucky Oaks and Derby on consecutive days.
Twenty horses will compete in the May 3rd race, with post-position draw taking place on April 26th. Which horse will win? Will any make the fastest Kentucky Derby runs in history? We’ll find out when the action begins.
