The anticipation is building as racing fans look ahead to the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby. With a fresh crop of talented Kentucky Derby 2025 horses ready to charge down the famous Churchill Downs track, the year’s most celebrated event promises to be unforgettable. If you’re following the action, here’s everything you need to know about the contenders, their post positions, and the event’s key details.

Full Lineup of Kentucky Derby 2025 Horses

The official post positions and betting odds for the Kentucky Derby 2025 horses were drawn on Opening Night at Churchill Downs. A total of twenty horses make up the main field, with an additional horse on the also-eligible list in case of a last-minute scratch.

Some of the favorites to watch include Journalism, who grabbed the coveted No. 8 post and has been established as the 3-1 morning-line favorite. Not far behind is Sovereignty, coming in at 5-1 odds and starting from post 18. Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert returns with strong contenders, including Wood Memorial winner Rodriguez and two-year-old champion Citizen Bull.

Here's a look at the top Kentucky Derby 2025 horses and their starting positions. For a detailed lineup, including trainers, jockeys, and complete odds, visit the Courier Journal’s full contender list.

• 1. Citizen Bull (trainer: Bob Baffert, odds: 20-1)
• 2. Neoequos (Saffie Joseph Jr., 30-1)
• 3. Final Gambit (Brad Cox, 30-1)
• 4. Rodriguez (Bob Baffert, 12-1)
• 5. American Promise (D. Wayne Lukas, 30-1)
• 6. Admire Daytona (Yukihiro Kato, 30-1)
• 7. Luxor Café (Noriyuki Hori, 15-1)
• 8. Journalism (Michael McCarthy, 3-1)
• 9. Burnham Square (Ian Wilkes, 12-1)
• 10. Grande (Todd Pletcher, 20-1)
• 11. Flying Mohawk (Whit Beckman, 30-1)
• 12. East Avenue (Brendan Walsh, 20-1)
• 13. Publisher (Steve Asmussen, 20-1)
• 14. Tiztastic (Steve Asmussen, 20-1)
• 15. Render Judgment (Kenny McPeek, 30-1)
• 16. Coal Battle (Lonnie Briley, 30-1)
• 17. Sandman (Mark Casse, 6-1)
• 18. Sovereignty (Bill Mott, 5-1)
• 19. Chunk of Gold (Ethan West, 30-1)
• 20. Owen Almighty (Brian Lynch, 30-1)

Additionally, Baeza sits on the also-eligible list, ready to step in if any main-entry horse withdraws.

For a comprehensive breakdown of both the Derby and Oaks post positions, check this WLKY report.

Event Date, Time, and How to Watch

The Kentucky Derby 2025 will take place on Saturday, May 3, at the legendary Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Coverage starts at 2:30 p.m. ET, leading up to the main race post time at 6:57 p.m. ET. Racing fans can watch the “Run for the Roses” on NBC, USA Network, and stream online via Peacock and Fubo.

Learn more about when and where to catch all the action with USA TODAY’s full Kentucky Derby guide.

Top Contenders to Watch

• Journalism: The clear favorite, Journalism showed remarkable speed in the Santa Anita Derby and enters with the best odds.
• Sovereignty: This Florida Derby runner-up is gaining momentum with bettors and occupies a strong starting gate.
• Rodriguez: Hall of Famer Bob Baffert brings Rodriguez with impressive recent victories, making him a dangerous challenger.
• Citizen Bull: Despite longer odds, Citizen Bull’s connections spark interest among fans hoping for an upset.

Each year sees surprises, and underdogs have pulled off shocking victories in previous editions. This year’s lineup is competitive, giving every Kentucky Derby 2025 horse a fighting chance.

Kentucky Derby 2025: What Makes This Year Unique?

The 151st Kentucky Derby comes at a time when Louisville continues to recover from adverse weather and flooding earlier in April. However, the tradition remains unbroken, and the city expects another memorable festival at Churchill Downs. The classic “pill pull” post position draw also adds a touch of old-school excitement, as described in WLKY’s event coverage.

Conclusion: Get Ready for the Run for the Roses

With a thrilling field of Kentucky Derby 2025 horses and several exciting storylines, this year’s race promises dramatic moments and unforgettable finishes. Whether you’re cheering for the favorite or hoping for a longshot victory, stay tuned for all the updates, analysis, and results from Churchill Downs. Don’t miss out on one of sports’ most celebrated traditions—prepare for the 2025 Kentucky Derby and mark your calendar for May 3!