Louisville, Kentucky — The 2025 Kentucky Derby promises an exhilarating contest as horses and jockeys prepare for the iconic race at Churchill Downs. Spearheading the pack is Rodriguez, boasting a remarkable Equibase Speed Figure of 111. Yet, despite his speed, he sits at 12-1 odds and is not among the top early favorites. Leading the charge is Journalism, the clear frontrunner at 3-1, closely followed by Sovereignty at 5-1 and Sandman at 6-1.
With the race scheduled for Saturday at 6:57 p.m. ET, the anticipation is mounting. Churchill Downs is known for hosting a massive field for the Derby, and enthusiasts are eager to learn from experts such as Michelle Yu, a seasoned racing analyst based in Santa Anita. Yu has a solid track record in making accurate predictions for the Derby, including her selection of Medina Spirit in 2021, who won as a 12-1 outsider.
Her skills shine through in recent successful picks, including bets on both Citizen Bull at the Robert B. Lewis Stakes and Forever Young in the Saudi Cup. With the post positions finalized, Yu is prepared to share her insights and betting strategies for this year’s Derby, directing fans to SportsLine for her expert opinions.
A notable surprise is Yu’s decision to overlook Sandman as a betting option. Although he recently triumphed in the Arkansas Derby, Sandman’s performance history raises questions. Having secured fewer than half of his eight career races, he does not seem to match the consistency of his competitors. Journalism and Sovereignty have exhibited more impressive stats with four wins each from five races, leaving Sandman’s potential as a risky bet. Highlighting that Sandman’s top Equibase Speed Figure of 104 falls short against others, Yu expresses skepticism about his chances.
On the other end of the spectrum, Yu has cast her eye on Grande, a longshot at 20-1. Grande’s training team boasts impressive credentials, led by Todd Pletcher, who has more Kentucky Derby starters than anyone in recorded history. Pletcher, a Hall of Famer, and legendary jockey John Velazquez, who has three Derby victories, have previously teamed up for glory in 2017 with Always Dreaming. Grande remains undefeated under Velazquez’s leadership, positioning him as a dark horse for this year’s race.
Grande was sired by Curlin, who has an illustrious history in Grade 1 racing, notably excelling across various distances. Although Grande faced a setback with a runner-up finish in the Wood Memorial, Yu believes that performance was stronger than it initially appeared, further adding to his allure as a potential winner.
Beyond Grande, Yu has additional surprises in store, including a double-digit longshot that has adapted well to the Churchill Downs track this week. She emphasizes this horse as a must-consider for bettors aiming to diversify their picks.
As the excitement builds for the 2025 Kentucky Derby, analysts and fans alike are keen to see how strategies unfold in this unpredictable race. For those looking to refine their betting strategies, Yu’s selections and insights are available at SportsLine, promising to shed light on the various contenders vying for the prestigious title. The stage is set for what is sure to be an unforgettable day of racing in Louisville.