spot_img
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
HomeHorse Racing IndustryTitle: "2025 Kentucky Derby: Top Horses, Betting Insights, and Expert Predictions" The 2025...

Title: "2025 Kentucky Derby: Top Horses, Betting Insights, and Expert Predictions"

The 2025 Kentucky Derby will feature 20 of the top three-year-old horses in the world. The 2025 Kentucky Derby field was announced last Saturday, when the 2025 Kentucky Derby post positions were set. Journalism is the 3-1 favorite in the 2025 Kentucky Derby odds and will run from the No. 8 post. He is followed by Sovereignty (5-1), who drew gate No. 18, and Sandman (6-1), who will start from post No. 17. Post time for the Kentucky Derby is set for 6:57 p.m. ET on Saturday at Churchill Downs.

Which 2025 Kentucky Derby horses should you back with your 2025 Kentucky Derby bets? Before making any 2025 Kentucky Derby picks, be sure to see the horse racing predictions and futures bets from SportsLine’s elite horse racing expert Jody Demling.

A fixture in the horse racing world who has been writing about, talking about, and betting on races for years, Demling has nailed the Kentucky Oaks-Derby double 11 times in the last 16 years. He also predicted the winner of the Belmont Stakes four of the last seven years and called 10 of the last 20 Preakness winners, including in 2023, when he hit the winner, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta, as well as the trifecta in 2024. Anyone who has followed him on those picks on betting sites like TwinSpires and 1/ST BET is up huge.

Now, with the 2025 Kentucky Derby post positions set and odds on the board, Demling is sharing his 2025 Kentucky Derby betting picks and 2025 Kentucky Derby predictions over at SportsLine.

Top 2025 Kentucky Derby predictions

One of Demling’s surprising 2025 Kentucky Derby picks: He is fading Rodriguez (12-1), who barely cracks the top 10 finishers in his 2025 Kentucky Derby projections. Rodriguez will make his Churchill Downs debut after none of his previous five races came at the legendary Kentucky track. In addition, the Kentucky Derby 2025 will be just his second race outside the state of California. Rodriguez, trained by Bob Baffert, hasn’t been challenged in a Grade 1 stakes race either.

Although Baffert is tied for the most Kentucky Derby victories (six), only one of those horses never ran in a Grade 1 race prior to the Run for the Roses. Even Medina Spirit, who crossed the finish line first at the 2021 Kentucky Derby before being disqualified for a failed drug test, had previous Grade 1 stakes experience, which could indicate Baffert doesn’t have as much confidence in Rodriguez as his previous Kentucky Derby victors. At 12-1 odds, Demling suggests staying away from Rodriguez in 2025 Kentucky Derby bets.

Another stunner: Demling is high on Luxor Cafe, even though he is a 15-1 longshot in the Kentucky Derby odds 2025. Luxor Cafe won the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby, clinching his spot in the 2025 Kentucky Derby field with a smashing win in the Fukuryu Stakes in late March. He brings a four-race winning streak to Churchill Downs, including a pair of wins over UAE Derby winner Admire Daytona.

Luxor Cafe was sired by American Pharoah, who won the 2015 Triple Crown and was named the Horse of the Year. American Pharoah’s offspring have yet to make an impact in the Triple Crown, but that could change with Luxor Cafe. Demling says Luxor Cafe’s resume looks particularly impressive following Admire Daytona’s UAE Derby victory, which is not being properly accounted for in the 2025 Kentucky Derby betting odds.

How to make 2025 Kentucky Derby picks, bets

Demling is especially high on a colossal double-digit longshot who is "generating buzz on the backside." Demling is sharing which horse it is, along with his entire projected 2025 Kentucky Derby leaderboard, over at SportsLine.

Which horse wins the Kentucky Derby 2025, and which huge double-digit longshot is a must-back? Check out the latest 2025 Kentucky Derby odds below, then visit SportsLine to see Demling’s picks for the Kentucky Derby, all from the expert who has nailed 11 Derby-Oaks doubles.

2025 Kentucky Derby odds, post positions

Title: "2025 Kentucky Derby: Top Horses, Betting Insights, and Expert Predictions" The 2025 Kentucky Derby will feature 20 of the top three-year-old horses in the world. The 2025 Kentucky Derby field was announced last Saturday, when the 2025 Kentucky Derby post positions were set. Journalism is the 3-1 favorite in the 2025 Kentucky Derby odds and will run from the No. 8 post. He is followed by Sovereignty (5-1), who drew gate No. 18, and Sandman (6-1), who will start from post No. 17. Post time for the Kentucky Derby is set for 6:57 p.m. ET on Saturday at Churchill Downs. Which 2025 Kentucky Derby horses should you back with your 2025 Kentucky Derby bets? Before making any 2025 Kentucky Derby picks, be sure to see the horse racing predictions and futures bets from SportsLine’s elite horse racing expert Jody Demling. A fixture in the horse racing world who has been writing about, talking about, and betting on races for years, Demling has nailed the Kentucky Oaks-Derby double 11 times in the last 16 years. He also predicted the winner of the Belmont Stakes four of the last seven years and called 10 of the last 20 Preakness winners, including in 2023, when he hit the winner, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta, as well as the trifecta in 2024. Anyone who has followed him on those picks on betting sites like TwinSpires and 1/ST BET is up huge. Now, with the 2025 Kentucky Derby post positions set and odds on the board, Demling is sharing his 2025 Kentucky Derby betting picks and 2025 Kentucky Derby predictions over at SportsLine. Top 2025 Kentucky Derby predictions One of Demling’s surprising 2025 Kentucky Derby picks: He is fading Rodriguez (12-1), who barely cracks the top 10 finishers in his 2025 Kentucky Derby projections. Rodriguez will make his Churchill Downs debut after none of his previous five races came at the legendary Kentucky track. In addition, the Kentucky Derby 2025 will be just his second race outside the state of California. Rodriguez, trained by Bob Baffert, hasn’t been challenged in a Grade 1 stakes race either. Although Baffert is tied for the most Kentucky Derby victories (six), only one of those horses never ran in a Grade 1 race prior to the Run for the Roses. Even Medina Spirit, who crossed the finish line first at the 2021 Kentucky Derby before being disqualified for a failed drug test, had previous Grade 1 stakes experience, which could indicate Baffert doesn’t have as much confidence in Rodriguez as his previous Kentucky Derby victors. At 12-1 odds, Demling suggests staying away from Rodriguez in 2025 Kentucky Derby bets. Another stunner: Demling is high on Luxor Cafe, even though he is a 15-1 longshot in the Kentucky Derby odds 2025. Luxor Cafe won the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby, clinching his spot in the 2025 Kentucky Derby field with a smashing win in the Fukuryu Stakes in late March. He brings a four-race winning streak to Churchill Downs, including a pair of wins over UAE Derby winner Admire Daytona. Luxor Cafe was sired by American Pharoah, who won the 2015 Triple Crown and was named the Horse of the Year. American Pharoah’s offspring have yet to make an impact in the Triple Crown, but that could change with Luxor Cafe. Demling says Luxor Cafe’s resume looks particularly impressive following Admire Daytona’s UAE Derby victory, which is not being properly accounted for in the 2025 Kentucky Derby betting odds. How to make 2025 Kentucky Derby picks, bets Demling is especially high on a colossal double-digit longshot who is "generating buzz on the backside." Demling is sharing which horse it is, along with his entire projected 2025 Kentucky Derby leaderboard, over at SportsLine. Which horse wins the Kentucky Derby 2025, and which huge double-digit longshot is a must-back? Check out the latest 2025 Kentucky Derby odds below, then visit SportsLine to see Demling’s picks for the Kentucky Derby, all from the expert who has nailed 11 Derby-Oaks doubles. 2025 Kentucky Derby odds, post positions

The 2025 Kentucky Derby is set to showcase 20 elite three-year-old horses, with the race scheduled for 6:57 p.m. ET at Churchill Downs. The favorite is Journalism at 3-1, starting from post No. 8, followed by Sovereignty at 5-1 from gate No. 18, and Sandman at 6-1 from post No. 17. Expert Jody Demling, known for his successful predictions in major horse races, is offering insights and betting picks for the event.

Demling advises against betting on Rodriguez, who has 12-1 odds and lacks experience at Churchill Downs, having not competed in a Grade 1 stakes race. Despite trainer Bob Baffert’s impressive Kentucky Derby history, Demling suggests that Rodriguez may not have the necessary credentials to perform well in this prestigious race.

Conversely, Demling is optimistic about Luxor Cafe, a 15-1 longshot who secured his Derby spot by winning the Fukuryu Stakes. Sired by American Pharoah, Luxor Cafe boasts a four-race winning streak and impressive victories, including one over UAE Derby winner Admire Daytona. Demling believes Luxor Cafe’s potential is undervalued in the current betting odds, making him a horse to watch in the upcoming Derby.

Source:
www.cbssports.com
Previous article

Title: Woodbine Entertainment and AGCO Reach Settlement to Enhance Horse Racing Safety Following Equine Injuries

Content:

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and Woodbine Entertainment have officially reached a settlement after a troubling series of equine injuries in the fall of 2024. Woodbine, while not contesting the AGCO’s findings, has agreed to adopt new corrective actions to enhance horse racing safety at its Toronto-based racetrack.

Findings from AGCO’s investigation:

The AGCO launched an investigation following 19 horse injuries that occurred between October 28 and December 15, 2024, on Woodbine’s Tapeta surface. Out of these incidents, ten horses had to be euthanized, including three on a single day, November 9, prompting the cancellation of the remainder of that day’s racing card.

The investigation revealed serious deficiencies in Woodbine’s maintenance of the Tapeta surface, a material generally regarded as one of the safest in the industry. Inspectors found that grooming practices were substandard, surface depth measurements were inconsistent, and maintenance equipment was not properly kept. Furthermore, the investigation pointed to the use of undertrained and inexperienced staff and the absence of standardized maintenance protocols.

Despite Tapeta’s reputation for safety, the lapses in proper care severely undermined the track’s integrity. The AGCO emphasized that ensuring the highest track standards is vital to safeguarding the well-being of racehorses in Ontario.

In response to the findings, Woodbine has agreed to implement a series of enforceable safety measures under the settlement terms:

Independent Track Oversight: Woodbine will retain two internationally recognized track safety experts for a two-year period. These experts will conduct quarterly inspections of the Tapeta surface and report their findings to both Woodbine and the AGCO.

New Track Surfaces Committee: A committee will be created to monitor track conditions and recommend improvements throughout the racing season. This group will include representatives from Woodbine, the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA), and the Jockey’s Benefit Association of Canada (JBAC).

Board-Level Supervision: Woodbine’s Board of Directors will task its Governance and Compliance Committee with overseeing the Track Surfaces Committee’s activities.

Failure to comply with these measures could trigger regulatory action, including a $200,000 monetary penalty. Additionally, Woodbine Entertainment has agreed to donate $200,000 to support equine aftercare initiatives in Ontario, with equal contributions directed to the LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.

Proactive safety improvements already underway:

Before finalizing the agreement with the AGCO, Woodbine had already undertaken a series of internal reforms to improve track safety. These include hiring a full-time track maintenance specialist with international experience, acquiring state-of-the-art maintenance equipment, and introducing advanced monitoring tools like an Integrated Racetrack Surface Tester to track moisture, temperature, and cushion depth.

Moreover, the track was renovated near the five-and-a-half furlong marker to enhance drainage and consistency. New maintenance protocols and clarified staff responsibilities have been implemented to ensure that the track is consistently managed to the highest standards.

Beyond Woodbine’s own commitments, the AGCO plans to introduce broader reforms across Ontario’s horse racing sector. These measures include strengthening veterinary oversight, closely monitoring horses returning from the veterinarian’s list, and establishing new guidelines regulating race frequency and certain therapeutic treatments.

Shop Barn Lighting

latest articles

explore more

Get HorseMinute.com updates right in your inbox every week!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Stay up to date with the latest horse-related news in just a minute, here on HorseMinute.com!

Access Fixtures Logo
HorseMinute.com is brought to you by Access Fixtures - Brightening arenas, indoors and out.

most viewed

trending right now

Copyright © 2024 HorseMinute.com. All Rights Reserved.