2025 Kentucky Derby Odds: Expert Picks Ahead of Iconic Race

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The anticipation is building as the 2025 Kentucky Derby, the 151st edition of the iconic horse race, is set to take place on Saturday, May 3, at Churchill Downs. This year marks a significant return for trainer Bob Baffert, who is eligible to participate after serving a three-year suspension.

The Kentucky Derby field is still developing, with multiple qualifying races leading up to the event. Currently, the leading contenders in the betting market are Barnes at 8-1 and Citizen Bull at 9-1, both of whom are trained by Baffert.

As horse racing enthusiasts prepare for what promises to be an exciting race, expert analyst and handicapper, Mike Demling, has a strong track record. Over the past 16 years, Demling has successfully predicted the Kentucky Oaks-Derby double 11 times. His insights have also led to winning picks for the Belmont Stakes four out of the last seven years, as well as 10 out of 20 Preakness winners, including both 2023 and 2024.

“Anyone who follows my picks for these races has seen significant profits,” Demling stated as he announced his updated predictions for the 2025 Kentucky Derby.

Among his analysis, Demling has expressed skepticism regarding John Hancock, despite the colt’s undefeated status and recent victory in the Sam F. Davis Stakes. “He’s a solid horse, but I need to see more from him,” Demling remarked, noting Hancock’s less rigorous competition compared to other Derby contenders. “He’s 2-for-2, but still has a lot of room for improvement,” he added.

In contrast, Demling is optimistic about Burnham Square, who, at 15-1 odds, is considered a longshot but shows great potential. Burnham Square impressed during the Holy Bull Stakes, where he came from behind to win against Tappan Street by 1 ¾ lengths at Gulfstream Park on February 1.

“He’s shown great improvement, especially after adding blinkers,” Demling said. “His ability to navigate through traffic on the track makes him a significant contender for longer distances.”

With the Derby approaching, Demling emphasizes the importance of staying informed on late developments and updated odds. The complete list of current odds for the 2025 Kentucky Derby is as follows:

Horse Odds
Barnes 8-1
Citizen Bull 9-1
All other 3-year-olds 9-2
Burnham Square 15-1
Sandman 16-1
Sovereignty 17-1
East Avenue 18-1
John Hancock 21-1
Chancer McPatrick 23-1
Rodriguez 29-1
Disco Time 30-1
Captain Cook 35-1
Patch Adams 37-1
River Thames 38-1
Built 43-1
Tappan Street 46-1
First Resort 49-1
Getaway Car 50-1
Hypnus 51-1
Coal Battle 58-1
Grande 61-1