2025 Kentucky Derby Preview: Veteran Trainers Seek First Win Among Strong Contenders

Last updated on May 8th, 2025 at 06:44 am

The 2025 Kentucky Derby will witness strong competition develop between supported favorites and promising distances underdogs. Veteran trainers Steve Asmussen and Mark Casse persist in searching for their inaugural Derby championship although they boast extensive experience in racing. The trainers Steve Asmussen (0-for-26) and Mark Casse (0-for-10) both bring forward their Derby possible winners Publisher and Tiztastic and Sandman respectively. The preferred betting choice journalism holds a 3-1 odds while Sovereignty rests at 5-1 and Sandman has 6-1 betting odds. The largest field in North American racing challenges expert handicapper Michelle Yu who correctly forecasted major races such as Sandman’s win in the Arkansas Derby before this year.

Race Schedule

Top Contenders Analysis

• Journalism (3-1): His performances in morning works display strategic speed which positions him favorably to win from gate 8.
• Sovereignty (5-1): His excellent ancestry combined with his finish strengthens his threat during the late stages of the race despite drawing far away at post 18.
• Sandman (6-1): Casse’s most promising horse for the Derby victory exhibited superior form in the Arkansas Derby although it hasn’t shown success at Churchill Downs repeatedly.
• Luxor Cafe (15-1): The Japanese entry shows strong performance in its last four races. His pedigree connection to American Pharoah indicates he should handle the length of the race without any distance difficulties.

Expert Insights

Michelle Yu advises against betting on Sandman for top position in the race even though he holds favorable betting odds because he earned poor finishes in Churchill Downs races in the past. The track position for finishers proves difficult at Churchill Downs because they tend to fall behind when running past the final turn. Luxor Cafe presents itself as a 15-1 value proposition because its race-friendly running pattern makes it competitive in this race.

In Yu’s assessment there exists a double-digit longshot that displayed strong form on the Churchill Downs track while getting ready for the race. This underdog has the potential to gain meaningful value when placing exotic bets.

Gamblers should investigate the value potential of Rodriguez (12-1) and Baeza (12-1) despite the late withdrawal of Rodriguez from the event.