2025 Kentucky Derby Odds & Betting Lines
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Doug Upstone
- April 28, 2025
An elite field of three-year-old thoroughbreds gather at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday of May every year to Run for the Roses. This is the most famous event in the entire U.S. racing calendar and it regularly attracts more than 15 million viewers, in addition to massive betting interest.
It is known as the first jewel in the prestigious Triple Crown, a series of events that continues with the Preakness Stakes and concludes with the Belmont Stakes. Winning all three races is one of the rarest and most coveted achievements in horse racing, accomplished by only a select few champions.
The Derby is dubbed “the most exciting two minutes in sport” due to the exhilarating nature of the event. This guide breaks down your options, so you will be fully prepared to wager on the greatest two minutes of horse racing as the Kentucky Derby approaches.
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$250 Free Bet
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1994
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$750 Cash Bonus
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2024 Kentucky Derby Overview
The 150th Kentucky Derby concluded with a thrilling photo finish, marking a historic milestone for this celebrated event. Mystik Dan, a longshot with 18-1 odds, managed to secure victory in a nail-biting finish, narrowly defeating Sierra Leone and Forever Young. This win gave trainer Kenny McPeek his first Kentucky Derby victory, and notably, the first Derby-Kentucky Oaks double for a trainer since 1952.
Sierra Leone, despite a challenging race where he was 17th at the first turn, surged late in the race but fell just short, finishing second. Forever Young, vying to be the first Japan-bred horse to win the Derby, also made a significant late push from the outside to claim third place. Catching Freedom, another notable contender, ended up fourth after being overtaken in the final stretch by Sierra Leone and Forever Young.
The race was also marked by the performance of Fierceness, the pre-race favorite at 3-1 odds, who failed to meet expectations, finishing 15th. The race dynamics were influenced by several pace-setters, including Just Steel, Epic Ride, and Track Phantom, all of whom finished out of contention.
The Derby had its share of drama and challenge, with many horses facing difficulties right from the gate, affecting their overall performance and positioning in the race. The event lived up to its reputation, providing a dramatic and memorable spectacle at Churchill Downs.
2025 Kentucky Derby Info
- Post Time: 6:57 PM ET
- Race Status: Grade 1
- Distance: 1 1/4 miles
- Conditions: Dirt
- Purse: $5,000,000
- Track: Left-handed
2024 Kentucky Derby Field Info
2024 Kentucky Derby
Field Info
| POST POSITION | HORSE | TRAINER | JOCKEY | ML ODDS | POINTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dornoch | Danny Gargan | Luis Saez | 20-1 | 155 |
| 2 | Sierra Leone | Chad Brown | Tyler Gaffalione | 3-1 | 136 |
| 3 | Mystik Dan | Kenny McPeek | Brian Hernandez | 20-1 | 125 |
| 4 | Catching Freedom | Brad Cox | Flavien Prat | 8-1 | 125 |
| 5 | Catalytic | Saffie Joseph, Jr. | Jose Ortiz | 30-1 | 110 |
| 6 | Just Steel | D. Wayne Lukas | Keith Asmussen | 20-1 | 100 |
| 7 | Honor Marie | Whit Beckman | Ben Curtis | 20-1 | 100 |
| 8 | Just A Touch | Brad Cox | Florent Geroux | 10-1 | 75 |
| 9 | Encino (Scratched) | Brad Cox | Axel Concepcion | 20-1 | 75 |
| 10 | T O Password | Daisuke Takayanagi | Kazushi Kimura | 30-1 | 70 |
| 11 | Forever Young | Yoshito Yahagi | Ryusei Sakai | 10-1 | 67 |
| 12 | Track Phantom | Steve Asmussen | Joel Rosario | 20-1 | 65 |
| 13 | West Saratoga | Larry Demeritte | Jesus Castanon | 50-1 | 65 |
| 14 | Endlessly | Michael McCarthy | Umberto Rispoli | 30-1 | 60 |
| 15 | Domestic Product | Chad Brown | Irad Ortiz, Jr. | 30-1 | 50 |
| 16 | Grand Mo The First | Victor Barboza, Jr. | Emisael Jaramillo | 50-1 | 50 |
| 17 | Fierceness | Todd Pletcher | John Velazquez | 5-2 | 46 |
| 18 | Stronghold | Phil D’Amato | Antonio Fresu | 20-1 | 40 |
| 19 | Resilience | Bill Mott | Junior Alvarado | 20-1 | 40 |
| 20 | Society Man | Danny Gargan | Frankie Dettori | 50-1 | Bid |
| 21 | Epic Ride | John Ennis | Adam Beschizza | 50-1 | 35 |
| 22 | Mugatu* | Jeff Engler | Joe Talamo | 50-1 (AE) | Bubble |
2024 Kentucky Derby Futures Odds
2024 Kentucky Derby
Futures Odds
| HORSE | BETONLINE | BOOKMAKER | BOVADA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra Leone | +300 | +350 | +350 |
| Fierceness | +300 | +285 | +250 |
| Catching Freedom | +1000 | +1050 | +900 |
| Stronghold | +2000 | +2250 | +2200 |
| Resilience | +2500 | +2063 | +2500 |
| Forever Young | +850 | +1150 | +850 |
| Endlessly | +2500 | +2675 | +3000 |
| Dornoch | +2200 | +2050 | +2000 |
| Just a Touch | +1200 | +1450 | +1100 |
| Track Phantom | +2500 | +2450 | +3000 |
| West Saratoga | +6600 | +7913 | +4000 |
| Just Steel | +2500 | +3050 | +2200 |
| Honor Marie | +2000 | +1850 | +1800 |
| Domestic Product | +2800 | +2473 | +2500 |
| Catalytic | +5000 | +4650 | +4000 |
| Society Man | +5000 | N/A | +400 |
| Mystik Dan | +2500 | +2250 | +2000 |
| Encino (Scratched) | +2000 | N/A | +4000 |
| Grand Mo the First | +6600 | +63001 | +5000 |
| T O Password | +5000 | +4550 | +3500 |
| Epic Ride | +4000 | +5050 | +4000 |
The Best Kentucky Derby Betting Sites Reviewed
Our experts have identified the top five offshore sports betting sites and mobile sportsbook apps that offer odds on the Kentucky Derby:
BetOnline – Best overall site for wagering on horse races at the Kentucky Derby
Bovada – Large sign-up bonus for horse racing bettors
BookMaker – Best site for high rollers to wager on the Kentucky Derby
Heritage Sports – User-friendly mobile sportsbook for beginners
BetAnySports – Pays 10% extra on Kentucky Derby winnings
Each of these top-rated sites provide reliable access to Kentucky Derby odds, a wide range of options and exciting features that cater to different types of horseplayers.
1. Best Kentucky Derby Betting Site Overall: BetOnline
Key Features
- High betting limits on the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks
- Offers a racebook rebate of up to 9%
BetOnline is the top choice for wagering on the Kentucky Derby thanks to its combination of strong odds, early lines, live horse racing coverage and a smooth user experience.
BetOnline consistently posts futures ahead of most competitors, giving horseplayers more time to find value before the market shifts. As race day approaches, BetOnline offers fixed odds on every horse in the field, along with full pari-mutuel betting and a variety of exotics like exactas, trifectas and superfecta for multiple races.
Deposits are fast and flexible, with options like credit cards, cryptocurrencies and wire transfers. Once your sportsbook account is funded, placing bets is simple on both desktop and mobile. Bettors can also take advantage of a sizable sign-up bonus and ongoing rebates, which help reduce the sting of narrow losses on tough Kentucky Derby picks.
2. Large Sign-Up Bonus for Horse Racing Bettors: Bovada
Key Features
- Large welcome bonus for racebook players
- Releases very early lines on the Kentucky Derby
Bovada is an ideal pick for new bettors targeting the Kentucky Derby thanks to its generous sign-up bonus and smooth onboarding process. At Bovada Sportsbook, new users can get a large welcome offer that immediately boosts their bankroll, giving them more flexibility to explore various wagering options. The welcome bonus is easy to claim and comes with fair terms and conditions.
Beyond the bonus, Bovada provides a polished and beginner-friendly platform. Odds are easy to read, betslips are intuitive and the mobile site performs reliably under pressure. Derby lines are updated frequently and Bovada often adds fixed-odds markets as the field solidifies. Whether you’re placing a small straight bet or building an exotic ticket, the process is quick and seamless.
3. Best Site for High Rollers: BookMaker
Key Features
- Quick to release Kentucky Derby futures betting odds
- Welcomes all action for professionals and recreational players
BookMaker is the go-to site for high-stakes bettors looking to wager serious money on the Kentucky Derby. Known for accepting larger limits than most competitors, BookMaker Sportsbook caters to experienced horseplayers who want the freedom to place sizable bets without restrictions. Its odds are consistently sharp and the early lines often provide better value before public money floods the market.
What sets BookMaker apart is its no-nonsense platform that focuses on performance and efficiency. There’s no fluff — just a straightforward interface designed to get bets in fast and without error. High rollers will appreciate the stability and reliability of the system, even during peak betting windows. Deposits and withdrawals are fast, secure and capable of handling large transactions with ease.
4. User-Friendly Mobile Site: Heritage Sports
Key Features
- User-friendly racebook for Kentucky Derby bets
- Perfect for novice horseplayers
Heritage Sports is optimized for speed and simplicity, making it easy to browse Derby odds, build bet slips and place wagers from any smartphone or tablet. At Heritage Sportsbook, navigation is intuitive, with no unnecessary menus or pop-ups slowing things down, which is especially helpful when wagering close to post time.
Casual bettors will find the layout approachable, while experienced players will appreciate how quickly they can move between multiple races and markets. Heritage Sports offers a full menu of Kentucky Derby wagers, including win, place and show options along with exotic wagers like exactas and trifectas. Everything loads quickly and displays cleanly, even on smaller screens.
5. Best Kentucky Derby Betting Site for Rebates: BetAnySports
Key Features
- 10% profit boosts on Kentucky Derby bets
- Offers a generous rebate package
BetAnySports is the top choice for bettors who want to earn money back on their Kentucky Derby wagers through one of the most generous rebate programs available. Whether you win or lose, BetAnySports automatically returns a percentage of your racebook wagers daily, giving you long-term value that adds up quickly — especially if you’re placing multiple tickets across the Derby card.
The platform offers full coverage of Kentucky Derby betting, including all standard and exotic wagers. While the interface is more bare-bones compared to flashier sites, it’s functional, fast and easy to use once you’re familiar with the layout. The real edge lies in the ongoing rebates, which apply even when you’re backing favorites, longshots or building exacta and trifecta combinations.
2025 Kentucky Derby Jockeys and Silks
When race day comes, there are few feelings that can compare to the excitement of finally watching your horse leave the gate. The 1 1/4-mile race can pass quickly, so it’s good to know how to easily spot your pick.
Jockeys always wear the horse owner’s silks. Owners register their silks, which always keep the same color and pattern. So, when these horses go on to run in other Triple Crown events like the Preakness Stakes or Belmont Stakes, you can’t miss them.
Below, you’ll find the horses for the 2025 Derby in alphabetical order.
Admire Daytona
Post Position: 6
Jockey: Christophe Lemaire
Trainer: Yukihiro Kato
Owner: Junko Kondo
American Promise
Post Position: 5
Jockey: Nik Juarez
Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas
Owner: BC Stables LLC
Burnham Square
Post Position: 9
Jockey: Brian Hernandez Jr.
Trainer: Ian R. Wilkes
Owner: Whitham Thoroughbreds LLC
Chunk of Gold
Post Position: 19
Jockey: Jareth Loveberry
Trainer: Ethan W. West
Owner: Terry L. Stephens
Citizen Bull
Post Position: 1
Jockey: Martin Garci
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Owner: SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Dianne Bashor, Determined Stables, Robert E. Masterson, Tom J. Ryan, Waves Edge Capital and Catherine Donovan
Coal Battle
Post Position: 16
Jockey: Juan Vargas
Trainer: Lonnie Bruley
Owner: Norman Stables LLC
East Avenue
Post Position: 12
Jockey: Manny Franco
Trainer: Brendan P. Walsh
Owner: Godolphin, LLC
Final Gambit
Post Position: 3
Jockey: Luan Machado
Trainer: Brad H. Cox
Owner: Juddmonte
Flying Mohawk
Post Position: 11
Jockey: Joseph Ramos
Trainer: D. Whitworth Beckman
Owner: Two Eight Racing, Berry Family Racing LLC and Kaleta Racing
Grande
Post Position: 10
Jockey: John Velazquez
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Owner: Repole Stable
Journalism
Post Position: 8
Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
Trainer: Michael W. McCarthy
Owner: Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Elayne Stables 5 LLC, Robert V. LaPenta, Mrs. John Magnier-Lessee, Derrick Smith-Lessee and Michael B. Tabor-Lessee
Luxor Cafe
Post Position: 7
Jockey: João Moreira
Trainer: Noriyuki Hori
Owner: Koichi Nishikawa
Neoequos
Post Position: 2
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.
Owner: C2 Racing Stable LLC, Ian Parsard, Shining Stables LLC and Stefania Farms LLC
Owen Almighty
Post Position: 20
Jockey: Javier Castellano
Trainer: Brian Lynch
Owner: Flying Dutchmen Breeding and Racing LLC
Publisher
Post Position: 13
Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
Trainer: Steven Asmussen
Owner: Gus King and Estate of Brereton C. Jones
Render Judgement
Post Position: 15
Jockey: Julien Leparoux
Trainer: Kenneth McPeek
Owner: Baccari Racing Stable LLC, Dream Walkin Farms, Inc., MJM Racing and Rocket Ship Racing
Rodriguez
Post Position: 4
Jockey: Mike Smith
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Owner: SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Dianne Bashor, Determined Stables, Robert E. Masterson, Tom J. Ryan, Waves Edge Capital and Catherine Donovan
Sandman
Post Position: 17
Jockey: Jose Ortiz
Trainer: Mark E. Casse
Owner:D. J. Stable LLC, St. Elias Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds and CJ Stables
Sovereignty
Post Position: 18
Jockey:Junior Alvarado
Trainer: William I. Mott
Owner: Godolphin
Tiztastic
Post Position: 14
Jockey: Joel Rosario
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Owner: Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor and Derrick Smith
Reading the Latest Kentucky Derby Odds
Odds show how much money you can win on a given bet and how likely a horse is to be a Kentucky Derby winner. In the United States, online sportsbooks display these odds using the American format, which uses plus (+) and minus (–) signs:
- Positive Betting Odds (+): These show how much profit you’d make on a $100 wager. For example, if a horse has +600 odds, you’ll win $600 on a $100 wager if it was placed on the winning horse.
- Negative Betting Odds (–): These show how much you need to wager to win $100. For example, if a horse in the running has –150 odds, you must bet $150 to win $100 if that horse wins.
Most horses in the Derby have positive odds, since even the favorites are underdogs in a big field with many variables. Additionally, Kentucky Derby betting lines fluctuate based on the total betting activity. The final odds are determined just before post time and reflect how the money is distributed across the betting pool.
Popular Horse Racing Betting Markets
Wagering on horses can seem daunting at first glance, but getting started is easier when you understand the common types of horse racing bets available. Some options allow you to bet on multiple horses. Let’s break your Kentucky Derby options down:
- Win: This straight wager allows betttors to predict which horse will win the Kentucky Derby. A win wager pays out only if your chosen horse finishes first, making it riskier than place or show bets but also more rewarding.
- Place: With a place bet, you’re wagering on a horse to finish either first or second in the running. This option offers a better chance of winning compared to a win bet but with a lower payout.
- Show: This option allows you wager on a horse to finish in the top three (first, second or third). While the potential reward is lower, your chances of winning are higher.
- Exacta: With this exotic bet, you predict the first two horses to finish in exact order. For example, wagering on Horse A to be the winner and Horse B to finish second.
- Trifecta: With a trifecta, you guess the top three Kentucky Derby horses in the exact order of finish. Placing a trifecta could mean wagering on Horse A to finish first, Horse B coming in second and Horse C in third.
- Superfecta: This is the most challenging betting line, where you predict the top four horses in the exact order of finish (first, second, third and fourth).
Remember, it’s essential to understand the risks and rewards associated with each type of bet before placing your wager.
History of Kentucky Derby Week
For a ceremonious 150 years, the Kentucky Derby has been the pinnacle of horse racing. Along with the Belmont Stakes and Preakness Stakes, this iconic event makes up the first leg of what is known as the Triple Crown. The Triple Crown is awarded to three-year-old thoroughbreds that win the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes in the same year, which is a rare achievement.
The history of the Derby dates back to 1875, when Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. founded the horse race as a way to bring together the high society of Louisville, Kentucky. In the early years, the Kentucky Derby was a relatively small event, with just 15 horses competing in the first race. But as the years went on, the Derby grew in popularity, attracting larger crowds and bigger purses.
By the early 1900s, the Kentucky Derby had become one of the premier sporting events in America, drawing in thousands of spectators from around the world. Over the years, this major-stakes race has become a symbol of Southern tradition, with its iconic hats, red roses, mint juleps and the playing of “My Old Kentucky Home” before the start of each horse race, creating an unforgettable experience.
From the very first Derby in 1875, spectators have wagered on their favorite horses. In the early years of the Derby, betting was largely done informally, with spectators placing wagers amongst themselves. By 1908, it had become clear that a more organized system was needed. It was then that Churchill Downs Incorporated introduced the pari-mutuel betting system.
Since then, betting on the Derby has only grown in popularity, with racing enthusiasts wagering millions of dollars each year on the Run for the Roses. From the classic win, place and show wagers to the exacta and trifecta, there’s no shortage of options for horseplayers to choose from.
Kentucky Derby FAQs
How does the Kentucky Derby work?
The Kentucky Derby is a 1¼-mile high-stakes race for three-year-old thoroughbreds. Twenty horses score qualifying points through prep races and compete at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May. The horse that finishes first wins the Derby and a share of the purse.
Where is the Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby is held at Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky. Churchill Downs was founded in 1875 and the Run for the Roses has been held there consecutively since it was opened.
What time do they draw post positions for the Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby post draw is held on the Monday of event week, five days before the Derby itself. The post positions are drawn during a televised program held at Churchill Downs in the evening.
Where can I place a Kentucky Derby bet?
You can wager on the Kentucky Derby at popular online racebooks like BetOnline, Bovada, BookMaker and other sports betting providers. These sites offer Kentucky Derby odds on win, place, show, exactas, trifectas and more, making it easy to wager on horses from anywhere.
Who is favored to win the 2024 Kentucky Derby
Fierceness was the favorite to win the 2024 Kentucky Derby following the post-position draw. All other horses in the field had odds of 10-1 or higher. As a surprise to everyone, Mystik Dan took first place.
Who was favored to win the 2023 Kentucky Derby?
Forte was the favorite for the 2023 Kentucky Derby thanks to his impressive record. However, due to a bruise on his right foot, he did not run. Mage, who started the race at 15-1 odds, was the winner of the prestigious event.
Is the Kentucky Derby all male horses?
Both colts and fillies run in the Kentucky Derby. However, it has been nearly 35 years of running since the last filly, Winning Colors, won the Derby in 1988.
