LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The excitement is building as the 2025 Kentucky Derby approaches, set to take place at Churchill Downs this Saturday. Among the 19 contenders, Journalism stands out as the early favorite, boasting an impressive streak of four consecutive victories and accumulating 122.5 points in the lead-up races. With odds currently sitting at 3-1, many are eager to see if this frontrunner can navigate the competition and secure a place in Derby history.
While Journalism holds the spotlight, several challengers are anticipated to disrupt his bid for glory. Notably, Sovereignty, who comes in as the second choice with odds of 5-1, and Sandman, sitting at 6-1, have attracted significant betting interest. Both horses have shown promise, but only time will reveal who will don the coveted blanket of roses.
Sovereignty recently finished strong in the Florida Derby, albeit losing by a narrow margin of a length and a quarter to Tappan Street, who won’t compete due to injury. Trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, Sovereignty has emerged as a serious contender with a solid record of two wins and two second-place finishes in five starts. Regular jockey Junior Alvarado will ride, and given the anticipated race dynamics, he is likely to make a late push after conserving energy through the early stages.
On the other hand, Sandman, trained by Mark Casse, brings experience to the Derby field, despite a checkered history in this prestigious race. With a record of 3-1-2 from eight starts and earnings exceeding $1.25 million, Sandman recently showcased his potential with a dominant performance in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby. However, the tight competition of the Kentucky Derby could pose challenges for him, particularly as deep closers often struggle on this stage.
At the forefront of Derby predictions is Jody Demling, a seasoned horse racing analyst with an enviable track record. Demling has accurately forecasted the Derby-Oaks double 11 times in the past 16 years, in addition to forecasting several significant race outcomes, including multiple Belmont Stakes winners. His expertise is invaluable for those looking to place bets, as he delves into the intricacies of each horse’s performance leading up to the race.
Demling’s analysis of Journalism highlights the horse’s pedigree, being the son of renowned stallion Curlin. Journalism, after finishing third in his maiden race at Santa Anita last fall, has not looked back. His subsequent wins, including a triumph at the Santa Anita Derby, have cemented his status as a formidable opponent.
As the anticipation builds, many eyes are also on potential longshots who could upset predictions. While Demling remains focused on proven contenders, he notes a lesser-known horse generating considerable buzz among enthusiasts. Details of this emerging contender, along with his complete Derby leaderboard, will be made available through Demling’s insights.
With post positions finalized and the Derby odds posted, all eyes will be on Churchill Downs Saturday evening at 6:57 p.m. ET, when the gates swing open, signaling the start of this storied race. As fans place their bets, the thrill of the unknown remains, encapsulating the essence of the Kentucky Derby.