Journalism won the 2025 Santa Anita Derby, catching Baeza down the stretch in an impressive showing that was enough to solidify him as the early favorite as we approach the Kentucky Derby on May 3rd.
Journism has early odds of 3-1 to win the Kentucky Derby, while Baeza is also considered a contender with odds of 20-1. Below, I will outline some of the favorites heading into this year’s Kentucky Derby.
The odds below were found at a reputable online sportsbook that accepts bettors from California.
If you’re interested in betting on this year’s Kentucky Derby, I suggest checking out this how to bet on the Kentucky Derby from California guide, which includes a step-by-step process for betting on the race winner in the sportsbook or other wagers in the racebook.
Journalism // 3-1
As mentioned above, Journalism won the Santa Anita Derby to cap off an impressive stretch of races. He’s now won 4 straight races entering the Derby, and the speed shown down the stretch at the Santa Anita Derby showed he should have enough in the tank for the longer length of the Kentucky Derby.
Sovereignty // 7-1
PHOTO: Kentucky Derby/FacebookSovereignty finished second at the Florida Derby, but he made up a lot of ground down the stretch and looked like he had plenty left in the tank for the longer distance of the Kentucky Derby.
Prior to the Florida Derby, Sovereignty won the Fountain of Youth race in early March.
Luxor Café // 9-1
Luxor Café is a horse from Japan that won two races in Asia to qualify for the Derby. It will be interesting to see how he looks in his first race in North America.
Sandman // 10-1
Sandman won the Arkansas Derby.
It was his first win of 2025, but he looked very strong, which is why he’s considered a top contender entering the Kentucky Derby.
Tappan Street // 11-1
Tappan Street is the horse that held off Sovereignty down the stretch at the Florida Derby. He looked very impressive in that race, and it showed that he could have what it takes to win the first race of the Triple Crown at Churchill Downs in May.
As always, there are many unknowns heading into the Kentucky Derby, with most of these horses having not competed against each other to this point in their short careers.
This limited information is what makes the Kentucky Derby so compelling, and it allows bettors to pick horses at longer odds who may be flying under the radar leading into the Derby while having the speed and talent to impress on the biggest stage.
PHOTO: Kentucky Derby/Facebook
