Fans eagerly await the 151st edition of the Kentucky Derby that will delight attendees at Churchill Downs on May 3. For 150 years, this famous race, which dates back to 1875, provided an opportunity for fast-paced competition and observing ceremonial practices and intense sporting battles. The 2025 Derby edition will again deliver an unforgettable “Run for the Roses” through its focus on the top-tier three-year-old thoroughbreds. From early predictions to the latest Kentucky Derby odds, excitement is mounting for racing enthusiasts eager to uncover which horses will shine brightest on the track. Get ready to explore the contenders, surprises, and stories that make the Kentucky Derby a bucket-list event!
7 Most Popular Picks Among Bettors
Thousands of fans take advantage of the Kentucky Derby as an essential piece of history and a fundamental betting platform that results in widespread event enjoyment. Before placing their wagers, newcomers to the betting scene must learn about winning favorites for valuable decision-making. Betters often select their preferred horses combined with lucky numbers for betting because the whole process is meant to be enjoyable. Leading horse betting apps now present desirable bonuses before the critical day, so bettors should investigate popular picks while consulting schedules and evaluating betting options. Ready to dive in? Below, you will find a selection of this year’s Derby expert predictions that gained widespread popularity.
H3: Citizen Bull
Under the mentorship of Bob Baffert, the remarkable colt has proven his strength in dominating the track. The 2024 champion Citizen Bull has secured the title of 6-1 favorite in Pool 4 ahead of the Derby due to his track performance supremacy. His exclusive résumé includes a convincing victory during the Grade 3 Robert B. Lewis Stakes competition on February 1, 2025, which demonstrated how he handles both excellent speed and remarkable endurance during challenging situations.
Barnes
At Pool 3 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager (KDFW), this healthy and strong 3-year-old colt stands as the second-choice favorite, reflecting his powerful race potential. Earlier this February, Barnes won the San Vicente Stakes (Grade II) as he demonstrated his speed and readiness for Churchill Downs’ competitive environment. The Baffert barn’s depth of talent is evident through Barnes because he is a popular betting favorite with stablemate Citizen Bull.
Burnham Square
A Thoroughbred racehorse from Witham is the homebred of owner Thomas Witham, who has started gaining popularity among betting experts despite not performing at the top level. He created a game-changing performance by winning the Holy Bull Stakes (G3) through an unbelievable late surge. At the beginning of the last position, Burnham Square showcased impressive speed as he surpassed expected favorite Tappan Street to deliver an exciting conclusion that astounded most observers.
Sandman
Mark Casse trained this colt to demonstrate exceptional resolve during its racing activities. The Southwest Stakes witnessed Sandman complete a problematic race to secure his second-place finish in his most recent competition. According to Casse, the effort demonstrated by Sandman was labeled “significant work, ” revealing that the colt was ready to compete in major competitions. Sandman demonstrated his competitive spirit early since beginning his racing career. His performance at Saratoga made his first-place finish in August clear to all race spectators as he proved himself strong and energetic during the competition.
Sovereignty
The 3-year-old Thoroughbred from the Godolphin breeding program effectively drew racing admirers because of his excellent performance and unmatched bravery. During his third Churchill Downs race, he seized a 5-length triumph by moving up nine positions from the back of the pack to defeat all opponents. Before his exceptional show at Churchill Downs, Sovereignty confirmed his early racing prowess by securing second place at Aqueduct during his previous start.
East Avenue
The Godolphin colt impressed fans and experts after his dominant victory in the Breeders’ Futurity (G1) at Keeneland in October 2024 with his decisive 5 ½-length triumph. People admire the horse for his track elegance and strength beyond race victories because his rider and trainer consider him “very special” and have “classic” race qualities.
Tappan Street
After his debut, Brad Cox’s 3-year-old colt Tappan Street rapidly made waves in the racing circuit. His racing career started in 2024, yet he already achieved second place in the Holy Bull race, trailing the unexpected runner-up Burnham Square. Tappan Street’s victory at the GP MSW at Gulfstream Park in December 2024 brought lasting accolades to his status as a budding talent. Brad Cox demonstrates his skill in developing surprise winners, leading people to observe whether Tappan Street will become the next dominant force in competitive racing.