Kentucky Derby — Betting Preview and Picks (May 3)

One of the most famous sporting events on the planet is set for Churchill Downs this weekend, as the 151st Kentucky Derby will be staged. The opening leg of the Triple Crown has attracted a talented field of 20 runners, but which runner will join the likes of Secretariat, Barbaro, and American Pharoah? You can find our Kentucky Derby picks here.

Odds

Kentucky Derby Recent Winners

Kentucky Derby: Event Information

Event Preview

The first Saturday in May means all eyes will be on Churchill Downs, as one of the great sporting events will be staged- the Kentucky Derby. Horses on the Triple Crown trail will be hoping to make history, but only success in Louisville will put them on course for potential history in the Preakness and Belmont.

Bob Baffert’s return to the Derby will make a lot of headlines this year, as the Hall of Famer has been banned from making entries since Medina Spirit’s disqualification in 2021. Baffert holds a strong hand, with both Rodriguez and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile champion Citizen Bull among his contenders.

However, Journalism has been a very strong favorite for the Michael McCarthy yard. The three-year-old has dominated fields this season, and has posted two of the top five Beyer Speed Figures. Another dominant win was secured in the G1 Santa Anita Derby. But, I would have concerns surrounding his experience in big fields.

Tiztastic is certainly one I like for exotics, with the Steven Asmussen-trained runner having won three of his eight career starts. Joel Rosario’s booking is also a major bonus, as the jockey delivered a masterful ride to land the G1 Louisiana Derby last time out.

Sandman deserves respect following his win in the G1 Arkansas Derby, while Burnham Square could be one of the sleeper picks despite winning the G1 Blue Grass Stakes, which has been traditionally a poor prep for Derby success.

Japan has two leading hopes this year, and a big run can be expected by Luxor Cafe. The three-year-old has won four from six starts, and has twice got the better of the reappearing Admire Daytona, who subsequently landed the UAE Derby. There could be substance to that form.

If you’re looking to find out more about the contenders, you can find our runner-by-runner Kentucky Derby guide here.

Kentucky Derby Picks

With questions over Journalism’s experience in big fields, I’m prepared to include him in exotics, but he isn’t of interest for win purposes. Instead, Final Gambit could continue the recent trend of the Jeff Ruby being an informative prep.

The three-year-old for Brad Cox rallied from far back in the field after enduring a poor start, and it was a visually impressive display that offers hope that an increased distance could be perfectly tailored to his chances.

At the prices, Coal Battle could be the battle-hardened performer that is overlooked after winning five from eight career starts. Luxor Cafe and the fast-improving Tappan Street are others of note for exotics.