Churchill Downs, Kentucky — The anticipation is building as the 2025 Kentucky Derby approaches, set to take place Saturday at the iconic racetrack. A hot contender in this year’s event is Journalism, who boasts a remarkable winning streak of four consecutive races and has accumulated 122.5 points in the critical pre-derby events. Currently, Journalism stands as the 3-1 favorite in the latest betting odds.

As the race day draws near, track experts are wondering if Journalism can fend off fierce competition from 18 other entrants. Horses like Sovereignty at 5-1, Sandman at 6-1, and Burnham Square at 12-1 are among the leading contenders eager to claim the coveted winner’s circle at Churchill Downs. The highly awaited race is scheduled to start at 6:57 p.m. ET.

Prominent horse racing analyst Jody Demling has made a name for himself with a strong track record of Derby predictions. His proficiency includes correctly forecasting the winners of the Kentucky Oaks-Derby double 11 times in the past 16 years, along with pinpointing four Belmont Stakes winners over the last seven years. His insights are particularly valuable as bettors look for guidance amidst fierce competition this year.

Notably, Demling has reserved special mention for Sandman, despite the horse being a popular choice among bettors following an impressive win in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby. Although Sandman has a respectable record of 3-1-2 from eight starts and earnings exceeding $1.25 million, Demling warns that his deep closing style might hinder his chances in the Derby. Trainer Mark Casse, who has previously run 10 horses in the Derby without a top finish, faces the challenge of securing Sandman’s place among the frontrunners.

Meanwhile, Sovereignty, trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, is viewed as a formidable contender. With a record of two wins and two second-place finishes from five starts, Sovereignty aims to build upon a solid performance in the Florida Derby, where he finished just over a length behind Tappan Street, who has since been ruled out due to injury. His potential for a strong late run makes him a horse to watch as the race unfolds.

On the other hand, Journalism, the favored horse, has displayed an impressive trajectory since a third-place debut at Santa Anita last October. Following that, he dominated the competition, winning key races including the Los Alamitos Futurity, the San Felipe Stakes, and the Santa Anita Derby. His remarkable lineage as a son of Curlin, who achieved a striking win record during his career, adds to his allure.

As Saturday approaches, Demling remains high on a longshot that is generating buzz in the pre-race discussions. He encourages those interested in betting to pay close attention to this emerging competitor.

In preparation for the race, fans and bettors alike are eager to see how the final lineup will unfold and which horse ultimately takes home the garland of roses. The excitement surrounding the 2025 Kentucky Derby reflects not just the tradition of the event but also the uncertainty and drama that makes horse racing a thrilling spectacle.