# Kentucky Derby 2025: Meet the Top Contenders Ahead of the 151st Run for the

The [151st Kentucky Derby](https://paulickreport.com/news/triple-crown/journalism-to-break-from-post-eight-in-2025-kentucky-derby-installed-as-3-1-favorite) is set to captivate horse racing enthusiasts on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the iconic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. With a purse of $5 million and a field of 20 elite 3-year-old thoroughbreds, this year's "Run for the Roses" promises thrilling competition. Let's delve into the top contenders poised to make headlines. 

🏇 Journalism (3-1): The Morning-Line Favorite

Trainer: Michael McCarthy
Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
Post Position: 8
Record: 4 wins in last 4 starts
Notable Win: Santa Anita Derby

Journalism enters the Derby as the 3-1 morning-line favorite, boasting a four-race winning streak, including a decisive victory in the Santa Anita Derby. His consistent performance and favorable post position make him a formidable contender.



🐴 Sovereignty (5-1): The Strong Finisher

Trainer: Bill Mott
Jockey: Junior Alvarado
Post Position: 18
Record: 2 wins, 2 seconds in 5 starts
Notable Performance: Second in Florida Derby

Sovereignty, trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, is known for his powerful late runs. His strong finish in the Florida Derby positions him as a serious threat, especially if the race pace is swift.

🌪️ Sandman (6-1): The Closer with Momentum

Trainer: Mark Casse
Jockey: José Ortiz
Post Position: 17
Record: 3 wins in 8 starts
Notable Win: Arkansas Derby

Sandman showcased his closing speed with a victory in the Arkansas Derby. His ability to surge from behind could be advantageous in a race with a fast early pace.



🇯🇵 Luxor Café (15-1): The International Challenger

Trainer: Noriyuki Hori
Jockey: João Moreira
Post Position: 6
Record: 4 consecutive wins
Notable Win: Fukuryu Stakes (Japan)

Luxor Café, sired by Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, enters with a four-race winning streak. His experience in large fields and stalking running style make him a compelling international contender.




🧨 Final Gambit (30-1): The Longshot with Potential

Trainer: Brad Cox
Jockey: Luan Machado
Post Position: 3
Record: Strong form despite no dirt experience

Final Gambit, though a longshot, has shown promising form. His adaptability and potential to surprise make him an intriguing pick for bettors seeking value.


1\. Citizen Bull

* Odds: 17-1

* Trainer: Bob Baffert

* Jockey: Martin Garcia

2\. Neoequos

* Odds: 57-1

* Trainer: Saffie Joseph Jr.

* Jockey: Luis Saez

3\. Final Gambit

* Odds: 17-1

* Trainer: Brad H. Cox

* Jockey: Luan Machado

4\. American Promise

* Odds: 13-1

* Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas

* Jockey: Nik Juarez

5\. Admire Daytona

* Odds: 39-1

* Trainer: Yukihiro Kato

* Jockey: Christophe Lemaire

6\. Luxor Café

* Odds: 15-1

* Trainer: Noriyuki Hori

* Jockey: João Moreira

7\. Journalism

* Odds: 7-2

* Trainer: Michael McCarthy

* Jockey: Umberto Rispoli

8\. Burnham Square

* Odds: 19-1

* Trainer: Ian R. Wilkes

* Jockey: Brian Hernandez Jr.

9\. Grande

* Odds: 19-1

* Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher

* Jockey: John R. Velazquez

10\. Flying Mohawk

* Odds: 36-1

* Trainer: Whit Beckman

* Jockey: Joseph Ramos

11\. East Avenue

* Odds: 33-1

* Trainer: Brendan P. Walsh

* Jockey: Manuel Franco

12\. Publisher

* Odds: 30-1

* Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen

* Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.

13\. Tiztastic

* Odds: 20-1

* Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen

* Jockey: Joel Rosario

14\. Render Judgment

* Odds: 13-1

* Trainer: Kenneth G. McPeek

* Jockey: Julien Leparoux

15\. Coal Battle

* Odds: 30-1

* Trainer: Lonnie Briley

* Jockey: Juan Vargas

16\. Sandman

* Odds: 5-1

* Trainer: Mark E. Casse

* Jockey: José Ortiz

17\. Sovereignty

* Odds: 5-1

* Trainer: William I. Mott

* Jockey: Junior Alvarado

18\. Chunk Of Gold

* Odds: 30-1

* Trainer: Ethan West

* Jockey: Jareth Loveberry

19\. Owen Almighty

* Odds: 30-1

* Trainer: Brian A. Lynch

* Jockey: Javier Castellano

20\. Baeza

* Odds: 12-1

* Trainer: John Shirreffs

* Jockey: Flavien Prat

📌 Note: Rodriguez was scratched due to a foot bruise. Baeza entered the field as a result. 

📺 How to Watch

* Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025

* Post Time: 6:57 PM ET

* Location: Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY

* Broadcast: NBC

* Streaming: Peacock, FuboTV


🏁 Final Thoughts

The 2025 Kentucky Derby features a blend of seasoned favorites and promising newcomers. Whether it's Journalism's winning streak, Sovereignty's strong finishes, Sandman's closing speed, or Luxor Café's international flair, fans are in for an exhilarating race. As always, the Derby's unpredictability ensures that any contender could seize the moment and etch their name into history.

Link refer: [https://www.kentuckyderby.com/horses/news/study-guide-2025-rebel-stakes/](https://www.kentuckyderby.com/horses/news/study-guide-2025-rebel-stakes/)

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