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The excitement is building as the 151st Kentucky Derby approaches. Fans, analysts, and bettors are buzzing about the contenders who will take to the track at Churchill Downs. With a mix of seasoned favorites and intriguing long shots, this year’s lineup promises to deliver a thrilling race. Let’s dive into five key players and possible surprises in the field this May 3.

1. Journalism

Owned by a powerhouse collaboration including Bridlewood Farm and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Journalism enters the Derby with an impeccable record. The colt, bred by Don Alberto and sired by the legendary Curlin, is 4-for-4 in route races after debuting with a third-place finish in a sprint. His sharp speed figures and well-drawn post 8 position make him an imposing contender.

While he faced relatively small fields in his graded stakes wins, totalling just 12 rivals beaten across three victories, Journalism gained valuable experience in the Santa Anita Derby (G1). There, he overcame a brief setback behind a tiring rival to recover and claim victory. With smooth training leading up to the race, he looks poised to handle the 19-strong field at Churchill Downs.

2. Sovereignty

Sovereignty has been a standout all year. The colt has led the Derby Dozen rankings from start to finish with its latest efforts establishing his status as a major threat. While he finished second in the Florida Derby (G1) as the favorite, he previously captured the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) and showed his class with a dominant five-length win in last year’s Street Sense Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs.

Aside from his late-running style, Sovereignty is also known for his ability to adapt and lead when needed. This versatility is similar to his sire, Into Mischief. As he trains with enthusiasm with his owner Godolphin and trainer Bill Mott at Churchill Downs, bookmakers like FanDuel point to him delivering a career-best performance.

3. Luxor Cafe

Expert Jody Demling is high on Luxor Cafe, a 15-1 long shot who could make history for Japanese horses at the Kentucky Derby. Although Japanese horses have yet to win in seven attempts, last year’s third-place finish by Forever Young proved that they are closing the gap. Luxor Cafe, with four consecutive wins under his belt, is poised to continue this upward trajectory.

Luxor Cafe’s pedigree is a major advantage. His father, American Pharoah, famously won the Triple Crown in 2015, and this lineage gives him a competitive edge. Adding to the intrigue is his jockey, Joao Moreira, one of Hong Kong’s finest, who will be making his Kentucky Derby debut. While international horses often come with unknowns, his impressive record and pedigree make him a contender to watch.

4. Sandman

Another stunner is Sandman, which is owned by a consortium including D.J. Stable and St. Elias Stable. Bred by Lothenbach Stables and sired by Tapit, Sandman’s performance in the Arkansas Derby (G1) showcased his long-striding abilities. A draw in post 17 gives jockey Jose Ortiz the chance to position him strategically, but saving ground will be critical for this contender.

Despite a slight dip in perception following Arkansas Derby runner-up Cornucopian’s recent underwhelming effort, Sandman remains a formidable presence. While questions linger about the overall strength of the Arkansas Derby field, his raw talent and training under Mark Casse keep him firmly in the mix.

5. Grande

Rounding out the Kentucky Derby 2025 contenders is the half-brother of Journalism, Grande. As sired by Curlin out of Journey Home, he has recently turned heads with determination and consistency with his two wins in his three starts. He showcased grit in the Wood Memorial Stakes (G2), where he overcame a challenging start, being carried wide and shuffled in the first turn.

Despite these setbacks, he fought valiantly to finish second to Rodriguez in a swiftly run race. His performance earned an even better Thoro-Graph figure than the winner due to his wide trip. With Todd Pletcher, a two-time Derby winner, and John Velazquez, a three-time Derby-winning jockey, in his corner, Grande has the team and talent to make an impact.

Who Fits Your Derby Betting Style?

For a reliable, near-perfect track record, Journalism is your horse. If you want a versatile choice for high-stakes situations, you can trust in Sovereignty’s strong closing kick. For an international flair and a historical breakthrough, look to Luxor Cafe. Lastly, you can rely on Sandman’s tactical prowess and Grande’s grit and resilience. So, who’s your bet for this year’s Kentucky Derby?

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