Kentucky Derby 2025: The Favorites, the Dark Horses, and the Race Time You Can’t Miss

The 151st Kentucky Derby gallops into Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 3, 202, promising another dramatic chapter in horse racing’s storied tradition. The race post time is set for 6:57 p.m. ET, with live coverage beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBC and streaming on Peacock

This year’s field features 20 contenders, led by the favorite Journalism (3-1), who enters with a four-race winning streak and high expectations Other top picks include Sovereignty (5-1) and Sandman (6-1), the latter fresh off a victory in the Arkansas Derby but drawing skepticism from some experts for his inexperience Luxor Cafe (15-1), sired by Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, is a longshot generating buzz for his international pedigree and recent winning streak

For those looking to wager, odds and post positions are available on official Derby platforms, and betting is open via sites like FanDuel and TwinSpires. Whether you’re tuning in for the spectacle or placing a bet, the 2025 Kentucky Derby is set to deliver the “most exciting two minutes in sports” once again