There is a lot going on in the world of sports right now, but at 6:57 p.m. ET on the first Saturday in May, one event will dominate the ratings: the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby. The most popular and prestigious horse race in the world, the annual “Run for the Roses,” is more than just a sporting event; it’s now a social festival that celebrates culture, fashion, betting, and, of course, the fastest horses in the world. Nothing compares to the Derby. The picturesque 1 1/4-mile dirt track of Churchill Downs; the enormous 20-colt field; the all-in mentality of home viewers and in-person spectators, from mint juleps to Derby hats; and, of course, the bets, pools, and parlay contests—we can’t forget about those!
Nearly 17 million people watched the Derby last year, and they all saw one of the most close finishes in the race’s 150-year history. In the end, Sierra Leone, one of the top two favorites, was just defeated by 20-to-1 sleeper Mystik Dan in a picture finish. A spectacular end to a legendary occasion. A horse at +2000 who eventually defeated a +300 behemoth after drawing the No. 3 post? What better illustration of why the Kentucky Derby is one of the hardest sporting events to forecast? Due research must be done in advance because there are a lot of variables on race day. As usual, gamblers will seek to support horses with strong closing burst, endurance, and top speed.
It doesn’t seem likely that the winner will be a true pace-setter, but in a competition as open as “the Fastest Two Minutes in Sports,” you never know what to expect. Before the 2025 Kentucky Derby, which horses ought to be added to your betting card? The Sporting News lays down the odds and best bets to win this year’s Run for the Roses.
