The 2025 edition of the Run for the Roses is almost here, and the excitement is building.
Journalism is drawing the lion’s share (or should we say horse’s share) of the public’s money to win. Most experts feel this is the one to beat, nonetheless, this is horse racing. The betting odds only suggest Journalism has the best chance, and not close to a sure thing.
For this last Kentucky Derby article, here are the horses that should be under your consideration for wagers at our top-rated sportsbooks.Â
2025 Kentucky Derby
May 03, 2025 – 06:57 PM EDT at Churchill Downs
#8 Journalism (3-1 odds) Betting options
Since finishing third in its maiden race, Journalism has rattled off four straight wins.
He has the Top 2 speed ratings of any horse in the field at 108 and 102, and it’s hard to find fault with. Barring a completely off day or being uncomfortable being bumped around with a 20-horse field, this is the one to beat and should be bet accordingly.
You should note that the payouts will be small because of the odds.
Bet To:
- Win
- Across the Board (1-2-3)
- Exacta
- Trifecta
- Superfecta
#18 Sovereignty (5-1 odds) Betting options
Trainer Bill Mott has to like his chances in this race.
Sovereignty has two wins and two places in five starts. There is a belief that this horse could have won the Florida Derby, but Mott was thinking long-term, and his horse ran a strong second.
Based on this writer’s experience, veteran horse bettors will be backing Sovereignty on Saturday (because of better odds initially), and there’s a chance he could be the favorite by post time. This is a true close and should be running hard late.
Bet To:
- Win
- Across The Board (1-2-3)
- Exacta
- Trifecta
- Superfecta
9) Burnham Square (12-1) Betting options
Burnham Square has six starts and is (3-1-1 (WPS).
Like several horses in the field, he is a closer, and all three victories have come from off the pack. This colt’s key is not getting bunched in on the back stretch so jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. can make a move, just as he did with Mystik Dan, last year’s champion.
Bet To: Win (Optional)
- Place
- Show
- Exacta and Exacta Box
- Trifecta
- Superfecta
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#6 Luxor Cafe (15-1) Betting options
The Japanese import should not be taken lightly and is an intriguing price play.
Having been sired by the 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, Luxor Café has four victories in six outings (one 2nd). Though the competition in Japan is not the same as stakes races in the U.S., Japan-bred Forever Young finished 3rd in the Derby in 2024.
Bet To:
- Win (Optional)
- Place
- Show
- Exacta
- Exacta Box
- Trifecta
- Superfecta
#13 Publisher (20-1) Betting options
A very intriguing horse, you might hear more about on Saturday.
He’s winless in seven starts (0-2-3), nevertheless, keeps cashing tickets. Veteran trainer Steve Asmussen didn’t have to bring Publisher here, but did, and aboard will be one of the top horse riders in the world, Irad Ortiz Jr.. Finished second at the Arkansas Derby wearing blinkers for the first time.
At best, just a small wager to win, yet, could be a fascinating payout on several other options.
Bet To:
- Place
- Show
- Exacta Box (4 horses)
- Trifecta
- Superfecta
#12 Rodriguez, #14 Tiztastic (20-1) and # 17 Sandman (6-1)
Rodriguez won the Wood Memorial; however, that race has not produced a Derby winner in a couple of decades.
Tiztastic won the Louisiana Derby. He’s one of at least 10 closers, and his top speed rating is 95, nowhere near Journalism.
Sandman has potential and cannot be dismissed outright. He seems to run depending on the mood he’s in. No horse has won this race out of Gate 17.
Bet For:
- Trifecta
- Superfecta
If He Gets In, Baeza Is Live for Exotics
As stated, 20 horses run in the Derby and are chosen based on their point system. There are qualifiers, and at #21 is Baeza.
Normally, nobody would care, but Baeza ran a strong second to favored Journalism at Santa Anita, with a speed rating of 101, one of the few triple digits in the field. Currently at 12-1 odds, this is a talented late-blooming horse for a nice Show bet or any of the exotics, IF another horse pulls out.
Writers’ Picks
- 1) Journalism
- 2) Sovereignty
- 3) Luxor Cafe (if Baeza makes field, place 3rd)
- Long Shot Winner: Publisher
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*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
