“The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports” has also been among the tightest two minutes in recent years. The Kentucky Derby has been decided by less than one full length in three of the past four races, including an epic photo finish in 2024. The 2025 Kentucky Derby is shaping up to be another thrilling race as post time approaches at 6:57 p.m. ET from Churchill Downs on Saturday. Three 2025 Kentucky Derby horses, Journalism (3-1), Sovereignty (5-1) and Sandman (6-1), stand out as the favorites in the 2025 Kentucky Derby odds.
With no horse going off at higher than 30-1, however, oddsmakers see a relatively balanced 2025 Kentucky Derby field that could produce another close call at the wire. Who wins this year’s Run for the Roses and which longshots should you consider to spice up your exactas, trifectas and superfectas? SportsLine’s horse racing experts are breaking down the Kentucky Derby 2025 from all angles.
Handicapper Jody Demling has hit 11 Derby-Oaks doubles in the last 16 years. He’s also nailed the winner of the Belmont Stakes four of the last seven years and predicted the winner of the Preakness 10 of the last 20 years. Anyone who has followed him on those picks on betting sites like FanDuel Racing, TwinSpires and 1/ST BET is up huge. You can see Demling’s full projected leaderboard at SportsLine.
Here are three Kentucky Derby longshots to target, according to Demling:
Burnham Square (12-1)
Jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. is one of the top riders at Churchill Downs and he used his intimate knowledge of the grounds to help pilot Mystik Dan to a masterful win in the 2024 Kentucky Derby. Mystik Dan came from the No. 3 post to win as an 18-1 longshot in a three-way photo finish over Sierra Leone and Forever Young. Hernandez navigated heavy traffic and squeezed by on the rail before holding off the late chargers for a historic win.
Now, Hernandez teams up with Australian trainer Ian Wilkes, who won the 2012 Breeders’ Cup Classic with Fort Larned and was an assistant trainer when Carl Nafzger won with Street Sense in 2007. Burnham Square was bred to handle this distance and he’s one of the most proven closers in the field with come-from-behind wins in the Fountain of Youth Stakes and the Blue Grass Stakes. You can bet Burnham Square at FanDuel Racing now and get a no-sweat first bet up to $500:
Luxor Cafe (15-1)
Luxor Cafe, the son of 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, has taken a unique path to make it in the 2025 Kentucky Derby field. He was born and bred in Kentucky before being sold to Koichi Nishikawa, who then took him to Japan Luxor Cafe has won four of his six career races, including the Fukuryu Stakes in March before shipping back to America to prepare for the Derby.
Luxor Cafe’s stock is rising because he previously beat Admire Daytona head-to-head in Japan and Admire Daytona then went on to win the UAE Derby. Despite only coming to America in late April, Demling says Luxor Cafe “still looks good and could be a surprise.” You can bet on Luxor Cafe at 1/ST BET and get up to $250 in bonus funds:
Publisher (20-1)
Publisher has emerged as a legitimate contender following his strong second-place finish in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby. He is a late developing 3-year-old who was sired by Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, and his pedigree suggests strong potential for a race of this distance. Trainer Steve Asmussen is the winningest trainer in North American horse racing and has previously won the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes.
This is an opportunity for Asmussen to record his first Kentucky Derby victory, as Publisher finished fourth in the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes before his career-best performance in Arkansas. He has made steady improvement as his races have increased in distance, indicating that he should be able to handle the Derby’s distance. Publisher is a longshot who should be in the mix down the stretch on Saturday night. You can bet Publisher now at TwinSpires and get up to $400 in bonus bets.
How to make 2025 Kentucky Derby picks, bets
Demling is also high on a colossal double-digit longshot who is “generating buzz on the backside” and has revealed his pick to win the 151st Run for the Roses. Demling is sharing which horse it is, along with his entire projected 2025 Kentucky Derby leaderboard and betting tickets, over at SportsLine.
SportsLine also has Kentucky Derby 2025 picks from long-time horse racing journalist Gene Menez, who gave out last year’s winner Mystik Dan (18-1) as a live longshot. You can also find 2025 Kentucky Derby bets from Michelle Yu, a racing analyst who has already hit winners in multiple prep races this year.
Best Kentucky Derby betting promos
Here are several places to bet on the Kentucky Derby.
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
Baldasso detona Craque Neto após críticas a Vitão, do Internacional: “Zé Ruela”
Reproduções/Band e YouTube e = Ricardo Duarte/Internacional O duelo entre Corinthians e Internacional ainda não terminou, pelo menos na troca de farpas entre seus representantes. Fabiano Baldasso mandou uma resposta a Craque Neto, depois do ex-camisa 10 ter alfinetado o zagueiro colorado Vitão. O defensor disparou contra a arbitragem depois da derrota por 4 a 2 para o Timão na Neo Química Arena no último sábado (3) pelo Brasileirão Série A. “Sempre vai ser assim, é 11 contra 12 nessa porcaria”, desabafou. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE Craque Neto: “Vitão é uma porcaria de jogador” Nos Donos da Bola desta segunda-feira (5), Craque Neto não poupou Vitão, mesmo que tenha reconhecido que o Internacional foi prejudicado pela arbitragem no lance da expulsão do volante Bruno Henrique. “Zagueiro de lado com cintura de ovo. Você que é uma porcaria de jogador”, detonou. O comentarista […]
Knicks stun Celtics in overtime to steal Game 1 of East semis
BOSTON — In the waning seconds of overtime, New York Knicks wing Mikal Bridges ripped a potential game-tying 3-pointer from the hands of Boston Celtics counterpart Jaylen Brown, and the underdogs walked out of TD Garden with a stunning Game 1 victory in their opening-round playoff series, 108-105.The Knicks stormed back from a 20-point, second-half deficit to make a close game of what appeared to be headed for a blowout. Boston's Jayson Tatum (23 points, 16 rebounds, 6 assists) and New York's Jalen Brunson (29 points, 5 assists) both missed opportunities to break a 100-100 tie in the waning seconds of regulation, and both missed their mark — Tatum a step-back 3-pointer, Brunson a layup. But OG Anunoby (29 points) and the Knicks outscored the Celtics 8-5 in overtime.Targeting Karl-Anthony TownsFrom the jump, Tatum attacked Karl-Anthony Towns in the pick-and-roll, […]
NHL Mock Draft 2025: Matthew Schaefer to Islanders as we pick for every lottery team
The New York Islanders won the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, jumping nine spots thanks to the lottery Monday, while Utah Hockey Club went from No. 14 to No. 4.With a draft order now known, a collection of our NHL reporters combined for a mock draft of the first 16 picks. This is their best attempt to predict what will happen on draft day based on their knowledge of the teams they cover and what those teams covet in players.The 2025 NHL Draft will take place in Los Angeles on June 27 and 28.1. New York Islanders: Matthew Schaefer, LHD, Erie (OHL)Believe me, when that last ping-pong ball rose up, I had visions of the Islanders selecting Long Island native James Hagens to start their turnaround. It makes too much sense! But with all the turmoil around […]
Knicks complete 20-point comeback to stun Celtics in OT thriller
<!--> The New York Knicks overcame a 20-point third quarter deficit to stun the Boston Celtics in an 108-105 overtime thriller. The Celtics led 72-52 with 6:19 remaining in the third after an Al Horford dunk, but the Knicks closed that quarter on a 23-12 surge to cut the margin to 11. Then they scored the first eight points of the fourth quarter, and eventually tied the game at 86 with 7:21 remaining. The teams traded leads from that point and were knotted at 100 with 53.1 seconds left. Each team had a chance to win it in the final seconds of regulation, but Jayson Tatum missed a fade-away and then Jalen Brunson couldn't convert on a great look at the left side of the basket with 2.1 seconds left. Despite Brunson's miss, the Knicks were able to carry the momentum into the […]
Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz leaves game after hit to head
TORONTO — Anthony Stolarz was removed from the Toronto Maple Leafs goal midway through Monday’s game against the Florida Panthers after briefly being knocked to the ice by a forearm to the head by Sam Bennett.Joseph Woll replaced Stolarz with his team leading 4-1.It wasn’t immediately clear if the Leafs’ starter was removed by the NHL’s concussion spotter. Sam Bennett reintroduces himself to Anthony Stolarz pic.twitter.com/6CYdXQCrFx — Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 6, 2025Stolarz had stopped eight of the nine shots he faced when Bennett skated by the edge of his crease and clipped him with his right arm at 7:20 of the second period. The officials blew the play dead.Stolarz remained in the game for another two-plus minutes before heading down the tunnel to the Leafs dressing room during the next stoppage in play at 9:48. He appeared to be laughing by […]
Gregg Popovich is still laughing at himself as he steps back from coaching
SAN ANTONIO — It was easy to see Monday morning that Gregg Popovich, despite ongoing effects of a stroke he suffered in November, remains every bit the same “Coach Pop” who won more games than any coach in NBA history — 1,592.The 76-year-old can still laugh at himself. Those who know the San Antonio Spurs’ legendary coach and executive best understand how important that is to a man who loves a joke, often at his own expense.AdvertisementPopovich’s appearance at a news conference at which the Spurs announced Mitch Johnson would be Popovich’s successor was a surprise to most. After opening remarks from Peter John Holt, the team’s managing partner, Hall of Famers Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili escorted Popovich to the podium to address the public for the first time since the stroke. A few moments into the event, Popovich […]
Related
Baldasso detona Craque Neto após críticas a Vitão, do Internacional: “Zé Ruela”
Reproduções/Band e YouTube e = Ricardo Duarte/Internacional O duelo entre Corinthians e Internacional ainda não terminou, pelo menos na troca de farpas entre seus representantes. Fabiano Baldasso mandou uma resposta a Craque Neto, depois do ex-camisa 10 ter alfinetado o zagueiro colorado Vitão. O defensor disparou contra a arbitragem depois da derrota por 4 a 2 para o Timão na Neo Química Arena no último sábado (3) pelo Brasileirão Série A. “Sempre vai ser assim, é 11 contra 12 nessa porcaria”, desabafou. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE Craque Neto: “Vitão é uma porcaria de jogador” Nos Donos da Bola desta segunda-feira (5), Craque Neto não poupou Vitão, mesmo que tenha reconhecido que o Internacional foi prejudicado pela arbitragem no lance da expulsão do volante Bruno Henrique. “Zagueiro de lado com cintura de ovo. Você que é uma porcaria de jogador”, detonou. O comentarista […]
Knicks stun Celtics in overtime to steal Game 1 of East semis
BOSTON — In the waning seconds of overtime, New York Knicks wing Mikal Bridges ripped a potential game-tying 3-pointer from the hands of Boston Celtics counterpart Jaylen Brown, and the underdogs walked out of TD Garden with a stunning Game 1 victory in their opening-round playoff series, 108-105.The Knicks stormed back from a 20-point, second-half deficit to make a close game of what appeared to be headed for a blowout. Boston's Jayson Tatum (23 points, 16 rebounds, 6 assists) and New York's Jalen Brunson (29 points, 5 assists) both missed opportunities to break a 100-100 tie in the waning seconds of regulation, and both missed their mark — Tatum a step-back 3-pointer, Brunson a layup. But OG Anunoby (29 points) and the Knicks outscored the Celtics 8-5 in overtime.Targeting Karl-Anthony TownsFrom the jump, Tatum attacked Karl-Anthony Towns in the pick-and-roll, […]
NHL Mock Draft 2025: Matthew Schaefer to Islanders as we pick for every lottery team
The New York Islanders won the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, jumping nine spots thanks to the lottery Monday, while Utah Hockey Club went from No. 14 to No. 4.With a draft order now known, a collection of our NHL reporters combined for a mock draft of the first 16 picks. This is their best attempt to predict what will happen on draft day based on their knowledge of the teams they cover and what those teams covet in players.The 2025 NHL Draft will take place in Los Angeles on June 27 and 28.1. New York Islanders: Matthew Schaefer, LHD, Erie (OHL)Believe me, when that last ping-pong ball rose up, I had visions of the Islanders selecting Long Island native James Hagens to start their turnaround. It makes too much sense! But with all the turmoil around […]
Knicks complete 20-point comeback to stun Celtics in OT thriller
<!--> The New York Knicks overcame a 20-point third quarter deficit to stun the Boston Celtics in an 108-105 overtime thriller. The Celtics led 72-52 with 6:19 remaining in the third after an Al Horford dunk, but the Knicks closed that quarter on a 23-12 surge to cut the margin to 11. Then they scored the first eight points of the fourth quarter, and eventually tied the game at 86 with 7:21 remaining. The teams traded leads from that point and were knotted at 100 with 53.1 seconds left. Each team had a chance to win it in the final seconds of regulation, but Jayson Tatum missed a fade-away and then Jalen Brunson couldn't convert on a great look at the left side of the basket with 2.1 seconds left. Despite Brunson's miss, the Knicks were able to carry the momentum into the […]
Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz leaves game after hit to head
TORONTO — Anthony Stolarz was removed from the Toronto Maple Leafs goal midway through Monday’s game against the Florida Panthers after briefly being knocked to the ice by a forearm to the head by Sam Bennett.Joseph Woll replaced Stolarz with his team leading 4-1.It wasn’t immediately clear if the Leafs’ starter was removed by the NHL’s concussion spotter. Sam Bennett reintroduces himself to Anthony Stolarz pic.twitter.com/6CYdXQCrFx — Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 6, 2025Stolarz had stopped eight of the nine shots he faced when Bennett skated by the edge of his crease and clipped him with his right arm at 7:20 of the second period. The officials blew the play dead.Stolarz remained in the game for another two-plus minutes before heading down the tunnel to the Leafs dressing room during the next stoppage in play at 9:48. He appeared to be laughing by […]
Gregg Popovich is still laughing at himself as he steps back from coaching
SAN ANTONIO — It was easy to see Monday morning that Gregg Popovich, despite ongoing effects of a stroke he suffered in November, remains every bit the same “Coach Pop” who won more games than any coach in NBA history — 1,592.The 76-year-old can still laugh at himself. Those who know the San Antonio Spurs’ legendary coach and executive best understand how important that is to a man who loves a joke, often at his own expense.AdvertisementPopovich’s appearance at a news conference at which the Spurs announced Mitch Johnson would be Popovich’s successor was a surprise to most. After opening remarks from Peter John Holt, the team’s managing partner, Hall of Famers Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili escorted Popovich to the podium to address the public for the first time since the stroke. A few moments into the event, Popovich […]
Be the first to leave a comment