Kentucky Derby 2025: Time, Odds, Horses, and Everything You Need to Know
3 days ago - Sports
The 151st Kentucky Derby is set to take place at the iconic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on Saturday, May 3. The highly anticipated event is expected to draw a massive crowd, with around 165,000 people attending the event at the venue. The Derby is a14 race card, with the main event scheduled for a6:57 p.m. ET post time.
**The Field of Contenders**
### The Field of Contenders
The Kentucky Derby2025 field has been narrowed down to19 horses after two scratches. Journalism, trained by Michael McCarthy, is the favorite with odds of7 2, having won four consecutive races. Other top contenders include Sovereignty, the runner up in the Florida Derby, and Sandman, who won the Arkansas Derby in April. Luxor Café, the offspring of the2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, is also in the running, having secured four consecutive wins in Japan.
**Weather and Track Conditions**
### Weather and Track Conditions
The weather forecast for the Derby is not ideal, with a100% chance of rain during the day and a60% chance of rain in the evening. The rain is expected to slow down into a steady drizzle, and Churchill Downs doesn't allow umbrellas. The soggy track conditions could significantly impact the race.
**TV Coverage and Streaming**
### TV Coverage and Streaming
The Kentucky Derby can be watched on NBC, with coverage starting at2:30 p.m. ET. For cord cutters, the event can be streamed on Peacock and Fubo, with coverage starting at noon ET. Pre race coverage will commence at noon ET on USA Network and move to NBC at2:30 p.m. ET.
**Odds and Betting**
### Odds and Betting
The top four favorites for the Derby are Journalism (3 2), Sovereignty (9 1), Sandman (5 1), and Burnham Square (8 1). The field's full odds can be found on various sports betting platforms.
**Post Positions and Win Percentage**
### Post Positions and Win Percentage
The post positions for the Derby were drawn last Saturday, with each of the20 horses given a starting spot and a gate. Post No.5 and20 generally have the best win percentage (10.5% each). Post No.17 remains the least favorable spot, having yet to produce a winner. Post No.10 is the best option for a top three placing, having a horse finish in the money during29.5% of the88 races the post has been used.
**The Mint Julep and Derby Culture**
### The Mint Julep and Derby Culture
The Mint Julep is at least100 years older than the Kentucky Derby, originating in the U.S. in the mid to late1700s. The concept of the julep traces its origins back to ancient Persia. Churchill Downs sources50,000 liters of Woodford Reserve bourbon each year and28,730 bunches of spearmint from Nelson Family Agriculture to make120,000 Mint Juleps for Derby week. The Mint Julep recipe can be made at home using Old Forester86 proof, simple syrup, mint leaves, and garnish:3 mint sprigs.
The excitement is building as the151st Kentucky Derby takes center stage this weekend. With a top class of19 horses competing for the2 year old horse to win the coveted garland of roses. If you're ready for the most memorable two minutes in sports.