Sat May 03 13:10:00 UTC 2025: **Kentucky Derby 2025: Journalism the Favorite in Packed Field**

LOUISVILLE, KY – The 2025 Kentucky Derby is set to begin today, with 19 horses vying for the coveted title in the “Run for the Roses.” Journalism, a three-time graded-stakes winner, enters as the morning-line favorite with 3-1 odds, according to Churchill Downs oddsmaker Mike Battaglia. The odds are expected to shift before the 6:57 p.m. EDT post time.

Journalism’s impressive run includes wins at the Los Alamitos Futurity Stakes, San Felipe Stakes, and Santa Anita Derby. His trainer, Michael McCarthy, hopes a Derby victory will offer a brief respite to his Southern California community, still recovering from devastating wildfires.

Close contenders include Sovereignty (5-1 odds) and Sandman (6-1 odds). Sovereignty boasts wins in the Fountain of Youth Stakes and Street Sense Stakes, while Sandman triumphed in the Arkansas Derby.

This year’s Derby faces a challenge matching the thrilling 2024 finish, a photo finish victory for Mystik Dan, the closest three-horse finish since 1947. This year, jockey Brian Hernandez Jr., who won both the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks in 2024, will ride Burnham Square (12-1 odds).

Notable scratches include Rodriguez (initially 12-1 odds) due to a foot bruise, and Grande (20-1 odds) for the same reason. The scratches opened the door for Baeza (12-1 odds) to join the field. Meanwhile, Bob Baffert, returning after a suspension, will have Citizen Bull (20-1 odds) in the race.

The field also includes several longshots with 20-1 and 30-1 morning-line odds. International contenders include Luxor Café and Admire Daytona.

While Journalism starts as the favorite, the Derby has shown upsets in recent years, with last year’s longshot Mystik Dan claiming victory. This year’s race promises to be a captivating spectacle.

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