The annual “Run for the Roses” is a case study in American culture, capitol, and sometimes controversy. The longest continually held major sporting event in the country dates back to 1875, but every year provides new trends, storylines, and evolution.
The 151st Kentucky Derby takes place May 3rd 2025, expecting to start between 6:00pm and 7:00pm EST.
Horse Racing’s Enduring Crown Jewel
The importance of the Kentucky Derby to American horse racing can not be overstated as it is the complete outlier to every trend in the declining sport.
As far as TV viewership, last year’s NBC production of “Derby 150” peaked at over 20 million, the largest audience since 2001. This one race continues to reach a mainstream audience as it is embedded in the collective nostalgia of the nation’s culture.
The Pageantry and Style Guide
Many top sporting events draw a well-heeled crowd that provide another lane of competition, interest, and entertainment. For well over a century, horse racing has traditionally served as an opportunity for socializing and dressing. Many race days still employ a dress code: sometimes a full suit for men, and typically a smart dress or suit with a fabulous head piece for women. The glamorous get-ups are a respectful nod to the sport’s history, and a unique aspect of the culture.
The typical Kentucky Derby race day attire is considered by many to be more ostentatious and grand compared to its global counterparts. Having personally attended the Kentucky Derby and races in Britain; I have observed that the flamboyance is dialed up a notch in Lexington. It is a spectacle to behold and typically a sporting bucket list item.
The Derby’s official website has a “2025 Style Guide” that encourages race-goers to carefully consider trends and timeless elegance with their Derby Day looks. Dressing to impress is the name of the game, whether your ticket is for the grandstand or infield. The best accessory is, of course, a winning ticket… and a mint julep in hand.
Top Contenders and Favorites
- Journalism: +350
- Sovereignty: +700
- Tappan Street: +1200
- Rodriguez: +1200
Based on the latest Kentucky Derby odds, Journalism is sure to be the morning-line favorite at the 2025 Kentucky Derby with his impressive resume and recent success. He has won his last four races including the Santa Anita Derby where he overcame early difficulties being held up at the three-eighths pole. His jockey Umberto Rispoli sang his praises afterwards saying “he has such an amazing style and is just an amazing horse.” He is currently the +350 favorite.
Sovereignty has +700 odds. He is a closer who is said to keep a hot pace up front. He finished 2nd in the Florida Derby at Gulfstream park in March. Sovereignty is sired by Into Mischief, as are his Derby competitors Tappan Street and Citizen Bull. Into Mischief has sired two Kentucky Derby winners in the past, Authentic is 2020 and Mandaloun in 2021.
Tappan Street has +1200 odds and is a serious contender, having won 2 of his 3 career starts. He bested Sovereignty to win the Florida Derby in March, holding off his late charge and winning by 1 1/4 lengths. His trainer Brad Cox likes how he gets out of the gate and is hard to catch with his first steps.
Rodriguez is led by famed trainer Bob Baffert, coming in at +1200 odds. He ran against this year’s Derby favorite, Journalism, at the San Felipe Stakes where he finished third. He has 2 wins in his 5 career races, both coming in wire-to-wire fashion, but has never competed higher than a Grade II stakes.
Who’s Who?
Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert will likely have two horses competing May 3rd in his return to the Kentucky Derby. He is tied for the most amongst trainers this year as Brad Cox and Steve Asmussen are also projected to have two starters. The current record is five.
The highest point earner of Baffert’s three colts is Rodriguez, currently 4th on the leaderboard. Rodriguez is entering off a Grade II victory in April at the Wood Memorial Stakes.The other hopeful horse is two year old Citizen Bull who most recently finished 4th in the Santa Anita Derby.
Baffert’s return is highly anticipated after serving a three year ban for his winning horse Medina Spirit’s disqualification over failing a post-race drug test. Lawsuits and suspensions have plagued the 71-year-old Baffert since the 2021 disqualification, but he says he is very excited to compete again at the iconic Churchill Downs. Should he win this May with any of his competing colts, he would be the only trainer to do so seven times.
Star Power
The Kentucky Derby always attracts A-list stars as they place their bets and don their best. From NFL stars enjoying their off season splendors, to Hollywood’s elite, we can always expect the red carpet to be a who’s who of big names.
This year, attendees look forward to hearing one of the greatest athletes of all time announce “Riders Up” when Simone Biles commands the jockeys to mount in the paddock. Simone Biles is the most decorated gymnast in US history, and looks forward to adding this honor to her resume 19 minutes before the start of the derby from Stall 1. She joins a list of names like Patrick Mahomes, Jeff Bridges, hip-hop star and Louisville native Jack Harlow, and even the likes of Martha Stewart.
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