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Official 2025 Kentucky Derby Betting Guide: Top Horses, Best Picks & Expert Analysis
The 2025 Kentucky Derby Betting Guide by TwinSpires is here! The official wagering sponsor of the Kentucky Derby, bet anywhere with the trusted app and website in betting discovery.
Kentucky Derby
2025 Kentucky Derby News and Notes
2025 Kentucky Derby complete coverage from expert racing analyst picks to engaging rich features and original studies with new knowledge to consider when handicapping.
Kentucky Derby
LIVE Kentucky Oaks Day: Expert Picks, LIVE odds, entries, results, horse racing news, & handicapping analysis
Kentucky Oaks day has arrived! We'll be here all day with up-to-minute updates, LIVE odds, expert picks, horse racing news, and in-depth handicapping analysis.
Racing
Hanson: The best longshot to bet in the 2025 Kentucky Derby
Determining the best longshot to play in the Kentucky Derby (G1) is very much like choosing your top selection.
Kentucky Derby
Experts vs. AI Revisited: Who will win the 2025 Kentucky Derby?
Fast forward to 2025, what does this year’s Kentucky Derby (G1) look like?
Kentucky Derby
Scully: Pick 3 play on Kentucky Oaks Day
Friday’s program at Churchill Downs features plenty of star quality.
Features
Dosage Index and birthdates for 2025 Kentucky Derby contenders
I regard it as more akin to reading tea leaves than offering meaningful insights into a horse’s genetic inheritance, or aptitude for 1 1/4 miles on the first Saturday in May.
Racing
2025 Kentucky Derby Brisnet Late Pace rating report
Brisnet Late Pace ratings have done well in identifying potential Kentucky Derby (G1) winners in recent years.
Racing
Jockeys and weight in the Kentucky Derby
Being the most identifiable human participants on average in Thoroughbred racing, jockeys will be a major focus in this week’s 150th edition of the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Betting for Beginners: The Best Way to Bet $10 on the Kentucky Derby
You don't have to be a seasoned pro or bet a lot to wager on the Kentucky Derby. Here is the best way for beginners to bet $10 on the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
LIVE
LIVE Thurby Kentucky Derby Week: Expert Picks, LIVE odds, schedule, horse racing news & handicapping analysisKentucky Derby 2025 is only a day away. Stay with us all day as we keep you updated on all the latest horse racing news for Thurby all while preparing you for one of the two biggest race days of the year the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks.
Racing
How has the winning time of the Kentucky Derby changed over time?
Below we explore how the average winning Kentucky Derby time has transformed over history.
Kentucky Derby
2025 Kentucky Derby Brisnet Speed Rating report
We will focus on the final two prep races, ranking the Kentucky Derby field by last-out number.
Kentucky Derby
STUDY: Do Kentucky Derby winners earn more per second than other athletes?
When Mystik Dan battled to a narrow victory in the 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1), he claimed a first-prize purse worth $3.1 million.
Analysis
Who was the biggest underdog ever to win the Kentucky Derby?
Most recent underdogs weren’t facing an overwhelming favorite or toppling a budding superstar or two. In fact, many underdog winners can be judged less on how much they paid, but by who they beat.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby International Scouting Report: Luxor Cafe, Admire Daytona
After Japan came closer than ever in the 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1), the two Japanese shippers for the 2025 Run for the Roses will attract plenty of attention.
Racing
STUDY: Is the Kentucky Derby's Apollo Curse a negative or positive?
Is a lack of juvenile racing experience a detriment in the Kentucky Derby, or is the Apollo Curse a myth resulting from an insufficient sample size of horses?
Racing
STUDY: Is the average age of Kentucky Derby-winning jockeys rising?
Anecdotally, it appears the average age of Kentucky Derby-winning jockeys has increased over the past 100 years. Does this hold up under closer scrutiny?
Racing
LIVE
2025 Kentucky Derby post position draw with LIVE handicapping commentaryJoin our expert panel as they comment on the contenders post positions prior, after, and during the draw, and so much more!
Analysis
Horse Racing This Weekend: Key Races, Top Horses & Best Bets [April 26-27]
Find out everything you need to know about key races, top horse, and best bets with TwinSpires horse racing this weekend.
Analysis
How to Calculate Fair Odds for the 2025 Kentucky Derby
Calculating a fair odds line for the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) is a multi-step process, but it helps determine which horse(s) to bet and is worth the effort.
Analysis
Growth in Kentucky Derby Day betting virtually unabated in its modern history
Growth in Kentucky Derby Day is not up for debate. Betting virtually is firmly a part of modern history.
Racing
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem for April 24, 2025
Jason discusses 'wise guy' and 'narrative' horses that might get bet in this year's Kentucky Derby.
Racing
The Official EARLY 2025 Kentucky Derby Betting Guide
The EARLY 2025 Kentucky Derby Betting Guide focuses on getting to know the contenders probable to enter the Kentucky Derby.
Analysis
Render Judgment – Kentucky Derby Context
Runner-up in the Virginia Derby, Render Judgement will face a tall challenge if he makes the 20-horse Kentucky Derby field.
Kentucky Derby
Racing Roundtable: Easter weekend review and appealing longshots for the Kentucky Derby, Oaks
The Racing Roundtable of Ashley Anderson, James Scully, and Vance Hanson congregate to go over what caught their eye over the weekend in racing, but mostly to look ahead to the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1).
Racing
STUDY: How many prep races are ideal for Kentucky Derby horses?
How many prep races are ideal to prepare a horse for victory in the Kentucky Derby? Let’s crunch the numbers and find out.
Racing
Built - Kentucky Derby Context
Built established himself as a promising prospect over the winter, recording a pair of commendable stakes efforts at Fair Grounds, but his last two performances raise doubts about his affinity for the 1 1/4-mile Kentucky Derby distance.
Kentucky Derby
Rodriguez – Kentucky Derby Context
After placing in his first two stakes, Rodriguez shipped east to record a convincing win in the Wood Memorial (G2)—the speedy colt figures to add speed to the Kentucky Derby for six-time winner Bob Baffert.
Kentucky Derby
Luxor Café – Kentucky Derby Context
A winner of four straight, Luxor Cafe qualified for the Kentucky Derby via the Japan Road and the late runner will bring a strong turn of foot to his first international appearance at Churchill Downs.
Kentucky Derby
Admire Daytona – Kentucky Derby Context
After setting the pace, Admire Daytona dug in gamely to win the U.A.E. Derby by a nose, and he will be third consecutive Japanese-based winner of the race to contest the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
Kentucky Derby
Baeza – Kentucky Derby Context
After a fine second in the Santa Anita Derby (G1), Baeza counts 2023 Kentucky Derby winner Mage as a half-brother and rates as a serious win contender if he draws into the 20-horse field.
Kentucky Derby
Coal Battle - Kentucky Derby Context
Trained by 72-year-old Lonnie Briley, Coal Battle swept three consecutive Kentucky Derby qualifiers and will try to rebound after finishing third in the Arkansas Derby (G1).
Kentucky Derby
Neoequos – Kentucky Derby Context
Third in the Florida Derby (G1) and Fountain of Youth (G2), Neoequos will bring tactical speed to the Kentucky Derby (G1) if he draws into the main body of the 20-horse field.
Kentucky Derby
East Avenue - Kentucky Derby Context
A juvenile Grade 1 winner, East Avenue figures to show speed in the Kentucky Derby (G1) after earning a spot in the 20-horse field with a nose second in the Blue Grass S. (G1).
Kentucky Derby
Grande – Kentucky Derby Context
Trained by two-time Kentucky Derby winner Todd Pletcher, Grande will enter the Kentucky Derby off an encouraging runner-up finish in the Wood Memorial (G2) at Aqueduct.
Kentucky Derby
Final Gambit - Kentucky Derby Context
An upset Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) winner, Final Gambit, will bring a strong closing kick to his first dirt start in the Kentucky Derby (G1).
Kentucky Derby
Journalism - Kentucky Derby Context
After sweeping three consecutive stakes races in California, Journalism will be an imposing favorite in the 151st Kentucky Derby (G1) on May 3.
Kentucky Derby
Tappan Street - Kentucky Derby Context
Tappan Street captured the Florida Derby (G1) in his third career start, establishing himself as a serious Kentucky Derby contender, and the progressing colt will look to get first run on the deep closers at Churchill Downs.
Kentucky Derby
Burnham Square - Kentucky Derby Context
Burnham Square came on when adding blinkers this winter, breaking his maiden and winning the Holy Bull (G3) at Gulfstream. The fast-closing gelding then jumped to the top of the Kentucky Derby leaderboard, winning the Blue Grass (G1).
Kentucky Derby
Owen Almighty – Kentucky Derby Context
Owen Almighty will bring speed to the 20-horse Kentucky Derby field, going gate-to-wire in two of his three stakes wins. The 1 1/4-mile distance will be a challenge, however.
Kentucky Derby
Horse Racing This Weekend: Key Races, Top Horses & Best Bets [April 19-20]
Find out everything you need to know about key races, top horse, and best bets with TwinSpires horse racing this weekend.
Analysis
Madaket Road - Kentucky Derby Context
Runner-up in the Rebel S. (G2) two starts back, Madaket Road figures to revert to stalking tactics in the Kentucky Derby (G1).
Kentucky Derby
Publisher - Kentucky Derby Context
Following an encouraging runner-up in the Arkansas Derby (G1), Publisher will look to earn his first career win in the Kentucky Derby (G1).
Kentucky Derby
Sandman – Kentucky Derby Context
Sandman established himself as a major Kentucky Derby (G1) contender with a rallying win in the Arkansas Derby (G1).
Kentucky Derby
2025 Kentucky Derby Trackside Coverage: Expert picks, odds, and all-access coverage
The 2025 Kentucky Derby is quickly approaching! Catch all the horse racing news directly from the race track for Kentucky Derby 2025. Stay up-to-date with exclusive interviews, picks, live odds and more.
Kentucky Derby
Flying Mohawk – Kentucky Derby Context
Flying Mohawk earned a Kentucky Derby berth finishing second in the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) at Turfway Park, and the confirmed closer will make his first dirt start at Churchill Downs on Derby Day.
Kentucky Derby
Tiztastic – Kentucky Derby Context
Kentucky Derby Context for Louisiana Derby (G2) winner Tiztastic, who promises to bring a late kick to the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby on May 3.
Kentucky Derby
American Promise – Kentucky Derby Context
Virginia Derby romper American Promise will represent the legendary D. Wayne Lukas, a four-time Kentucky Derby winner, and the speedy colt promises to add to the Kentucky Derby pace.
Kentucky Derby
Chunk of Gold - Kentucky Derby Context
After making his first two starts at Turfway Park, Chunk of Gold recorded consecutive runner-up finishes in the Risen Star S. (G2) and Louisiana Derby (G2) to guarantee himself a Kentucky Derby spot.
Kentucky Derby
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem for April 17, 2025
Jason talks about how to balance and respond to a bad day at the races.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Neoequos
Speed is a strong suit for Neoequos. But does he have the stamina to stretch out over 1 1/4 miles in the Kentucky Derby (G1)?
Racing
Citizen Bull – Kentucky Derby Context
Champion two-year-old male Citizen Bull did not turn in his best effort in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) and is a candidate to rebound for six-time Kentucky Derby winner Bob Baffert at Churchill Downs.
Kentucky Derby
Racing Roundtable: Early Horse of the Year debate, Kentucky Derby top 5, and Keeneland stakes
The Racing Roundtable of Ashley Anderson, James Scully, and Vance Hanson conduct an early debate on potential Horse of the Year contenders following Thorpedo Anna's Apple Blossom (G1) victory, then look over Keeneland stakes action from the weekend, and give out their Kentucky Derby (G1) top five.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Render Judgment
Render Judgment’s pedigree suggests he’ll stay 1 1/4 miles without issue, but does the stretch-running colt have enough speed to win the Kentucky Derby?
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Madaket Road
Does Madaket Road have the requisite stamina to race 1 1/4 miles in the Kentucky Derby? His pedigree suggests classic distances might be a little longer than ideal.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Gosger
The final leg of the 2024-25 Road to the Kentucky Derby was the 1 1/16-mile Lexington (G3) at Keeneland, in which maiden winner Gosger successfully stepped up in class to win by two lengths.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Grande
Grande qualified for the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) via a strong runner-up finish in the 1 1/8-mile Wood Memorial (G2) at Aqueduct.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Flying Mohawk
Can Flying Mohawk successfully switch from synthetic to dirt for the Kentucky Derby? His pedigree suggests it’s not a guarantee.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: River Thames
A review of River Thames' pedigree suggests stretching out over classic distances for the Triple Crown series could be a question mark.
Racing
Horse Racing This Weekend: Key Races, Top Horses & Best Bets [April 12-13]
Find out everything you need to know about key races, top horse, and best bets with TwinSpires horse racing this weekend.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Publisher
Although Publisher has yet to win a race, he qualified for the Kentucky Derby (G1) via a runner-up finish in the Arkansas Derby (G1) and aims to become the first maiden to win the Kentucky Derby since 1933.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Chunk of Gold
Homestretch rallies carried Chunk of Gold to runner-up finishes in the Louisiana Derby (G2) and Risen Star (G2) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, earning the gray colt a spot in the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) starting gate.
Racing
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem for April 10, 2025
Jason discusses Keeneland having Blue Grass Day on a Tuesday and whether or not we should start moving some big days to non-Saturdays.
Racing
Meet the Contenders: 2025 Lexington Stakes
Meet the horses running in the 2025 Lexington S. (G3) at Keeneland. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Racing
Racing Roundtable: Final round of major Kentucky Derby and Oaks in the books
In this week’s edition of the Racing Roundtable, Ashley Anderson, James Scully, and Vance review the final round of major Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1) preps at Aqueduct, Keeneland, Meydan, providing analysis of the races' impact and any vulnerabilities of the projected Kentucky Derby favorite.
Racing
Kentucky Derby preps: How productive is the Wood Memorial?
The productivity of the Wood Memorial (G2) as a Kentucky Derby (G1) prep race has always been cyclical, rising, falling, and rising again across decades.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Rodriguez
Rodriguez emerged as a top-tier 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) contender when leading from start to finish in the Wood Memorial (G2) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Admire Daytona
Japanese raider Admire Daytona displayed unwavering tenacity when taking his game on the road to the UAE Derby (G2) at Meydan in Dubai.
Racing
Is the Kentucky Oaks more predictable than the Kentucky Derby?
It stands to reason that the Kentucky Oaks, which is limited to 14 starters, is an easier race to handicap than the 20-horse Kentucky Derby. But is this true?
Racing
Wood Memorial Stakes & Santa Anita Derby: Picks, race entries, analysis & LIVE horse racing news
Enjoy live odds for all the upcoming stakes races, including the Wood Memorial and Santa Anita Derby entries. Watch replays of those important stakes, and discover Arkansas Derby and Florida Derby results and for each stakes race.
Live
Horse Racing This Weekend: Key Races, Top Horses & Best Bets [April 5-8]
Find out everything you need to know about key races, top horse, and best bets with TwinSpires horse racing this weekend.
Racing
2025 Dubai World Cup: Top selections and price plays
Even in races with such lopsided favorites as Forever Young and Romantic Warrior, there’s no shortage of quality rivals who can outperform market expectations.
Racing
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem for April 3, 2025
Jason's Thursday Thoughts on the new Netflix show that was announced this week on horse racing.
Racing
Tipsheet: 2025 Santa Anita Derby
A compact, but sensational, field of five three-year-olds will go 1 1/8 miles on the dirt in Saturday’s $500,000 Santa Anita Derby (G1).
Wagering
Tipsheet: 2025 Wood Memorial Stakes
A well-matched field of 12 sophomores will travel 1 1/8 miles over the Aqueduct dirt in Saturday’s $750,000 Wood Memorial S. (G2).
Analysis
Meet the Contenders: 2025 Blue Grass Stakes
Meet the horses running in the 2025 Blue Grass S. (G1) at Keeneland. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Racing
4 jockey stats to know for Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs
If you’re a bettor who factors jockey assignments into your handicapping, we’ve got a handful of stats and facts for you to keep in mind during Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs:
Racing
Meet the Contenders: 2025 Wood Memorial Stakes
Meet the horses running in the 2025 Wood Memorial Stakes (G2) at Aqueduct. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Analysis
Racing Roundtable: Kentucky Derby and Oaks preps at Oaklawn and Gulfstream, Pool 6 of the KDFW
In this week’s edition of the Racing Roundtable, Ashley Anderson, James Scully, and Vance review last weekend’s Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1) preps at Oaklawn Park and Gulfstream Park, plus look ahead to the sixth and final pool of the 2025 Kentucky Derby Future Wager.
Racing
Meet the Contenders: 2025 Santa Anita Derby
Meet the horses running in the 2024 Santa Anita Derby at Santa Anita. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Analysis
Top storylines for 2025 Dubai World Cup: Forever Young bids for historic double
Storylines for the big night at Meydan - Forever Young, Romantic Warrior, Rebel's Romance, Straight No Chaser, Kentucky Derby implications and more!
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast April 1, 2025
Jason looks ahead to the Wood Memorial and also welcomes in Joe Bianca from West Point Thoroughbreds and the Rail Talk podcast to talk Sandman, the Derby trail, podcasting, silks, and much more!
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Sandman
An eye-catching rally from behind a fast pace carried Sandman to victory in the 1 1/8-mile Arkansas Derby (G1) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Tappan Street
A well-timed rally carried Tappan Street to victory in the 1 1/8-mile Florida Derby (G1) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, stamping the bay colt as the latest top-tier Kentucky Derby (G1) contender sired by Into Mischief.
Racing
2025 Takamatsunomiya Kinen: One-line assessments
Turf sprinters scramble about six furlongs in the Takamatsunomiya Kinen (G1) at Chukyo late Saturday night stateside (2:40 a.m. ET), the first top-level turf race of the year in Japan.
Racing
Florida Derby & Arkansas Derby: Picks, race entries, analysis & LIVE horse racing news
Enjoy live odds for all the upcoming stakes races, including the Florida Derby and the Arkansas Derby entries. Watch replays of those important stakes, and discover Arkansas Derby and Florida Derby results and for each stakes race.
Racing
Horse Racing This Weekend: Key Races, Top Horses & Best Bets [March 29-30]
Find out everything you need to know about key races, top horse, and best bets with TwinSpires horse racing this weekend.
Analysis
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem for March 27, 2025
It's opening day for baseball and Jason discusses his two childhood favorite sports, baseball and horse racing.
Racing
Racing Roundtable: Louisiana Derby (G2), Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3), Good Cheer's dominance and more
Ashley Anderson, James Scully, and Vance Hanson evaluate the winners of the Louisiana Derby (G2) and Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby (G1) as well as Good Cheer's unbeaten record coming out of the Fair Grounds Oaks (G2).
Racing
Meet the Contenders: 2025 Florida Derby
Meet the horses running in the 2025 Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Racing
Meet the Contenders: 2025 Arkansas Derby
Meet the horses running in the 2025 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Analysis
Kentucky Derby preps: How productive is the Blue Grass?
During the 20th century, the Blue Grass (G1) at Keeneland was a preeminent steppingstone to the Kentucky Derby (G1).
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem for March 24, 2025
Jason discusses the season end at the Fair Grounds and some favorite Fair Grounds memories.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Tiztastic
Of all the horses taking aim at the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1), Tiztastic boasts one of the most interesting pedigrees.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Final Gambit
A terrific homestretch rally allowed Final Gambit to overcome a bumping start and dominate the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3), his Road to the Kentucky Derby debut.
Racing
Louisiana Derby & Jeff Ruby Steaks: Picks, race entries, analysis & LIVE horse racing news
Enjoy live odds for all the upcoming stakes races, including the Jeff Ruby Steaks and Louisiana Derby entries. Watch replays of those important stakes, and discover Jeff Ruby Steaks and Louisiana Derby results for each stakes race.
Racing
Horse Racing This Weekend: Key Races, Top Horses & Best Bets [March 22-23]
Find out everything you need to know about key races, top horse, and best bets with TwinSpires horse racing this weekend.
Racing
POPULAR ARTICLES
2025 Kentucky Derby News and Notes
LIVE Kentucky Oaks Day: Expert Picks, LIVE odds, entries, results, horse racing news, & handicapping analysis
Hanson: The best longshot to bet in the 2025 Kentucky Derby
Experts vs. AI Revisited: Who will win the 2025 Kentucky Derby?
Scully: Pick 3 play on Kentucky Oaks Day
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