Churchill Downs, Ky. — This Saturday, the anticipation will reach a fever pitch as the 2025 Kentucky Derby takes center stage at 6:57 p.m. ET. As the opening event of horse racing’s prestigious Triple Crown, the Derby is followed by the Preakness Stakes on May 17 and the Belmont Stakes on June 7. The last horse to claim the coveted Triple Crown title was Justify in 2018, and this year’s frontrunner, Journalism, is generating considerable buzz as the favorite, currently holding odds of 3-1.
Close behind are Sovereignty at 5-1 and Sandman at 6-1, setting the stage for a competitive race. With odds for other contenders exceeding 12-1, bettors will need to make strategic choices, either backing favorites or identifying potential dark horses to secure winning bets. Insights from esteemed horse racing analyst Gene Menez could prove invaluable for those weighing their options in this high-stakes environment.
Menez, a former Sports Illustrated reporter and editor with extensive experience covering horse racing, has built a reputation for accurate predictions. He correctly identified Super Saver as the Kentucky Derby champion in 2010, and in subsequent years, he delivered impressive results, including a notable superfecta payout of $1,268.20 in 2015 and a successful Pick 4 bet in 2017.
Last year, Menez identified 18-1 longshot Mystik Dan as a contender, which turned out to be a winning call. His recent successes also include notable wins in the Holy Bull Stakes and the Florida Derby, showcasing his ability to read the field. Those who follow his insights via betting platforms like TwinSpires and 1/ST BET have seen significant returns on their investments.
For the 2025 Derby, Menez has conducted a thorough analysis of the contenders and made his selections. Among his predictions, he suggests caution with Sandman, despite the horse’s impressive performance in the Arkansas Derby. Menez argued that Sandman benefited from a favorable pace during that race, a situation unlikely to reoccur in the Derby’s high-pressure environment. He forecasts that a third-place finish might be the best outcome for Sandman.
Menez’s top pick is a horse that thrives with longer distances, suggesting it may excel on Derby day. He also points to a double-digit longshot that possesses an exceptional burst of speed, making it a potential dark horse. His insights and strategies are available for bettors interested in maximizing their chances of winning.
As the clock ticks down to post time, excitement builds around which horse will take home the iconic garland of roses. With odds continually shifting, now is the time for enthusiasts to finalize their picks and place their bets ahead of this thrilling event. The Kentucky Derby not only showcases the best in thoroughbred racing but also offers everyone a chance to be part of its storied tradition.