This is precisely where to find free Kentucky Derby picks by experts and pro handicappers. They study all the form, speed figures and pedigrees of the thoroughbred racehorses heading to Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May, so you don’t have to.

Who Are the Kentucky Derby Favorites in 2025?

Without further ado, it’s time to launch right into the Kentucky Derby tips by looking at the most fancied runners first. They are where most bettors will focus their attention, after all.

Precisely who the favorite is in the latest Kentucky Derby odds will change as prep races and key trials come and go at other racetracks across America and the world. These horses are the leading contenders this year, however, and worth a closer look. Here’s what our Kentucky Derby handicapping experts have to say:

Journalism

Curlin colt representing the Michael McCarthy barn who cost $825,000 as a yearling. Won his last four races culminating in Grade I Santa Anita Derby success latest, coming with a late run. He’s now of the best picks for Kentucky Derby 2025 on both form and pedigree.

Sovereignty

Represents best of Florida Derby form now with winner Tappan Street out injured. Previously won Grade II Fountain Of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park and one of two in this for owner-breeders Godolphin. Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott has won this before, so his colt among many experts’ top Kentucky Derby picks this year.

Sandman

Tapit colt costing $1,200,000 as a juvenile. Improved on Rebel Stakes show with Grade I victory in Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park latest. Mark Casse only missing a Kentucky Derby win from his resume to complete Triple Crown set. Obvious contender if building on prep race runs.

Luxor Cafe

Japan-based thoroughbred by Triple Crown hero American Pharoah. Won two races on the Road to the Kentucky Derby across the Pacific, so their leading hope. Looking to better Forever Young’s close third here 12 months ago. No surprise if he’s a Kentucky Derby prediction to win the big one this spring.

Burnham Square

Liam’s Map gelding and probably his barn’s most talented horse since Fort Larned. Came with late surge and landed Grade I Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland with his nose in front at the wire. Naturally among leading Kentucky Derby picks on that evidence and earlier defeat of Tappan Street in Holy Bull Stakes.

Kentucky Derby Picks And Analysis From Our Experts

Such is the variety of wagers you can place today, that it’s not just about finding winners. Visit any of the leading Kentucky Derby betting sites online and you’ll find lots of different wagering options on the racebook. That is also reflected in what we’ve asked of our experts.

Their Kentucky Derby selections don’t just cover an outright win in the futures betting on the big race, but top 3 picks to make the show and even longshot outside bets on horses that might surprise a few and outrun their odds. Here are their predictions in these three areas:

Kentucky Derby Picks to Win

Any win only wager is precisely that. The chosen horse with a Kentucky Derby prediction such as this must finish first (or be awarded the race on the day). Anything less and it was the wrong call. That is the only way to receive Kentucky Derby payouts on such a bet.

Kentucky Derby Top 3 Picks

They call second spot in a horse race placing and finishing third showing. You can wager in pari-mutuel betting pools on these outcomes, i.e. a top 2 or top 3 finish. The beauty of that is you don’t just have to find Kentucky Derby winners, but those in the first two or three.

You can also cover more bases. A smart gambling option to explore with the best Kentucky Derby picks is the Across The Board bet (ATB). This is where you wager on the same horse for a win, place and show, but put down treble your unit stake to cover each outcome.

Kentucky Derby Longshot Picks

You only have to go back a couple year to 2022 when Rich Strike recorded one of the most sensational Kentucky Derby results in the race’s history. He only snuck into the final field as a reserve when there was a late scratching, but defied final odds of 80-1 and won the race.

This was one of the biggest upsets in the storied history of Churchill Downs for sure. It proves that longshots and outsiders can confound all Kentucky Derby picks and analysis done by pro handicappers beforehand by pulling off a shock success.

Exotic Kentucky Derby Picks by Experts

Now that we’ve dealt with what they call straight wagers, it’s time to move on exotic bets. These are more complicated and involve betting two or more horses in the Kentucky Derby to finish in the correct or any order.

While exotic bets like the Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta and Super High Five are all more difficult to win money off of than straight wagers, some are easier than others. The more horses required by the bet to finish in a set or any order, the tougher it is.

Kentucky Derby Exacta Picks

An Exacta requires two picked horses to finish first and second in the correct order. Bettors can cover any order by using the Quinella bet instead. It’s up to you if you cover all bases with our free Kentucky Derby picks on either wager, or just bet the two horses you like best.

Kentucky Derby Trifecta Picks

The Trifecta involves three (or more) horses to finish first, second and third in a set order. When considering Kentucky Derby Trifecta picks, think about the increased difficulty.

This is a harder wager to pull off than Exactas and Quinellas as a result. Out experts build on the above selections for the Kentucky Derby in this next level exotic bet.

Kentucky Derby Superfecta Picks

With a Superfecta, you need four (or more) horses to finish first, second, third and fourth. Again, the difficulty kicks up a notch. Anybody who can make correct Kentucky Derby predictions for the whole top four is doing something right and will win big if wagering on such a bet.

Kentucky Derby Super High Five Picks

The ultimate test of Kentucky Derby handicapping is the Super High Five. Even more demanding than a Superfecta, with this wager you must find the five horses that cross the wire first, second, third, fourth and fifth. Massive payouts are the reward for this incredibly rare feat.

Stats And Trends Behind Kentucky Derby Picks And Predictions

We all a bit of data, right? Well, when it comes to knowing how to bet on the Kentucky Derby, there are lots of statistics readily available to both bettors and handicappers. These can help you reach decisions about which horses to bet on and why.

Where to Find the Kentucky Derby Predictions of Expert Handicappers

Top Kentucky Derby picks are ones that ultimately predict what will happen correctly. We may not be the only ones who make the right call come the first Saturday in May or for Triple Crown picks and tips. Let’s front up about it. There are other places you can go and read the views of expert handicappers on the big race.

Away from Kentucky Derby Betting Sites, check out respected sources like Daily Racing Form. They’ve been doing it for even longer than we have. The official website is also worth looking at for more wagering information.

Media outlets will have their own handicappers providing Kentucky Derby expert picks from national outfits to state-level and localized ones. These, along with dedicated horse racing websites, are all worth considering as you look for the winner.

Wherever you source your information from, everyone is doing the same thing. Handicappers analyze the same data and information, yet can often come to different conclusions. The reason for this is a race like the Kentucky Derby is as competitive as it gets and we all interpret things differently.

How We Make Kentucky Derby Expert Picks

We’re gonna let you into the secrets of how our handicappers come up with their selections for the big race. We asked them to tell us all about what goes into their best Kentucky Derby picks so that you understand their thinking:

Form

Foremost in our experts’ thoughts is what a horse has achieved on the track during The Road to the Kentucky Derby. While there’s a lot to be said for future potential, that is intangible. What you can definitely judge is how horses have shaped in their prep races and the caliber of opposition encountered in them. Whether you are making Kentucky Oaks picks or prefer to stick to the Derby, form matters.

The Draw

There’s no getting away from the fact that post positions can play a big part too. Get a gate draw too low and the jockey may have to rush their horse upfront too soon in the race, or risk losing out on the ideal spot where they want to be. Somewhere amongst middle post positions has proven best down the years.

Pedigree

As none of the qualifying races and recognized trials for the Kentucky Derby are actually over the same distance, a thoroughbred’s pedigree can give you clues about them. What you are looking for in their breeding isn’t just speed, but stamina. If any close relatives like the sire, dam or siblings have won at Churchill Downs or at least run well in this big race, they are positive signs.

FAQs

Are expert Kentucky Derby picks based on breeding?

Partly, yes. If there are stamina doubts about a thoroughbred lasting home over a mile-and-a-quarter, then they may not be the safest pick for a handicapper to make. You need both speed and staying power in a horse for the Kentucky Derby. That is why it is such a tricky race to get right.

What general Kentucky Derby tips and advice should I consider before betting?

Based on advice given above, you should look at speed figures and pedigree, but also past performances on the track. Don’t forget about the post positions when the draw is made either.

Are there Kentucky Derby picks and parlays?

There are 14 races on Kentucky Derby schedule for the day of the big race, so you can if you with put a parlay bet on with selections from other contests. An alternative parlay many bettors enjoy is the Kentucky Oaks and Derby double as this combines odds for the two major races of the meet at Churchill Downs.

How do pro handicappers come up with their Kentucky Derby selections?

Plenty of research and watching prep races at other racetracks across America (and the world) is a key part of forming Kentucky Derby picks today. Pro handicappers have to know all the form, look at the draw and post positions, and the breeding and speed figures of the competing horses before reaching a final decision.

Who are the top picks for the Kentucky Derby this year?

Among this year’s leading contenders at Churchill Downs are Journalism, Sovereignty, Sandman and the Japanese horse Luxor Cafe.