Derby Line-Up for 2025: Position, Steeds, Handlers, and Jockeys Revealed

Derby Line-Up for 2025: Position, Steeds, Handlers, and Jockeys Revealed

Kentucky Derby 2025: Contenders, Odds, and Rafael's Take

Gear up for the 151st Running of the Roses on May 3! With a post time of 6:57 PM ET, the action kicks off in Race 12 of 14 at Churchill Downs. Here's an uncensored look at this year's contenders and their standings.

Securing the 8th post, Journalism (3-1 odds) makes its mark. Boasting a 9.6% win rate at the Kentucky Derby, this spot has produced winners before (cf. 2023). Umberto Rispoli will pilot Journalism's charge.

As for the inside track, it may not be as advantageous for Citizen Bull (20-1 odds). Bob Baffert's prized entry, last year's Horse of the Year, will break from the rail but faces stiff competition.

Now let's dive into the odds and top contenders:

1. Journalism (3-1): Post 8. This spot has historically performed well.
2. Sovereignty (5-1): Post 18. Not the most ideal starting position.
3. Sandman (6-1): A strong contender, though Griffin Johnson, the popular TikTok influencer, is not mentioned as an owner (yet).
4. American Promise: Labelled a "monster" contender by Drew Dinsick of NBC Sports. Odds unspecified.

Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse and jockey Jose Ortiz will attempt their first Derby wins with Sandman. Analyst Jody Demling, known for his trustworthy predictions, also endorses this horse.

Fans of country music will be tickled by the connection between Render Judgment (30-1) and the late Toby Keith. Dream Walkin’ Farms, owned by Keith before his passing in February 2024, fields this entrant.

In contrast to last year's popular Japanese contender Forever Young, Admire Daytona and Luxor Cafe are relatively low-key entries from Japan.

Keep an eye out for our Kentucky Derby Betting Guide, dropping Wednesday morning, and check out our array of horse racing content. Don't miss our VSiN At The Track live broadcast from Churchill Downs on May 3!

Sources

1. CBS Sports: Kentucky Derby 2025: Odds, field, post positions, expert picks, Jody Demling’s (SportsLine) predictions
2. NBC Sports: Griffin Johnson, TikTok star whose Statik Selektah collaboration "3x" has more than 27 million views, is part owner of potential Kentucky Derby contender Sandman selling at 8-1
3. Bloodhorse.com: Sandman settles for second at Oaklawn Park jamboree
4. Trust The Prophets YouTube: 2025 Kentucky Derby - Post Positions and Contenders
5. SportsLine: 2025 Kentucky Derby Preview: Odds, Expert Picks, Betting Tips, Best Bets, Activities, and More
6. Rafael, known for his takes on racing events, is expected to share his insight on contenders for the 2025 Kentucky Derby, particularly Journalism with 3-1 odds, who will be starting from the 8th post position.
7. In the 2025 Kentucky Derby, Umberto Rispoli will be piloting Journalism, a horse with a 9.6% win rate at the Kentucky Derby, aiming to secure a victory from the 8th post position.
8. American Promise, a monster contender according to Drew Dinsick of NBC Sports, doesn't have specific odds listed yet for the 2025 Kentucky Derby.
9. Sandman, a strong contender in this year's Kentucky Derby, has 6-1 odds, and jockey Jose Ortiz and trainer Mark Casse aim to secure their first Derby wins with this horse. Analyst Jody Demling also endorses Sandman as a top pick.
10. Render Judgment, a 30-1 longshot in the 2025 Kentucky Derby, has a connection to country music legend Toby Keith, who owned Dream Walkin’ Farms, the stable this horse is competing from before Keith's passing in February 2024.

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