Louisville, Kentucky — At 89 years old, D. Wayne Lukas seeks to make history at the 2025 Kentucky Derby as he aims to become the oldest trainer to win the coveted race. Lukas, who previously set records when his horse Seize the Grey won the Preakness Stakes last year, is attempting to break the record held by Art Sherman since 2014.

Having celebrated multiple victories at the Derby, Lukas returns with a sense of familiarity to Churchill Downs, despite not winning during this millennium. He will saddle American Promise, a long shot with odds of 30-1, as he looks to add another Derby win to his impressive resume. This horse, while considered an underdog, joins a lineage of unexpected triumphs in the racing world, reminiscent of Seize the Grey’s success against the odds at the Preakness.

The 2025 Kentucky Derby, scheduled to begin at 6:57 p.m. ET on Saturday, is highly anticipated, featuring a wide array of competitors. Journalism currently leads the pack in betting odds at 3-1, reflecting the unpredictable nature of this year’s field. As the largest event in North American horse racing, the Derby always garners considerable attention, with experts weighing in on race predictions and betting strategies.

Michelle Yu, a respected racing analyst based in Santa Anita, has already made headlines with her insightful predictions. In past Derbys, she accurately selected Medina Spirit as a winner at 12-1 and called Rich Strike’s shocking victory three years ago, prompting bettors to take notice of her advice.

This year, Yu’s recommendations include a dual strategy after observing several rising stars in the lineup. She has highlighted Citizen Bull’s success in prior races, including the Robert B. Lewis Stakes, and noted exemplary performances by horses like Forever Young and Sandman in various prestigious competitions. Yu’s track record suggests that informed betting is crucial, and her followers are reportedly seeing significant returns.

On the other hand, Yu has reservations about Sandman, despite his popularity in betting circles. While he has a notable pedigree, Yu expressed concerns over his inconsistent performances. She emphasized that he has relied on exceptional early paces in previous races, which could put him at a disadvantage in the crowded Derby field.

Conversely, Yu is optimistic about Luxor Cafe, a relatively unknown contender whose success in Japan has caught her eye. With a recent victory in the Fukuryu Stakes, Luxor Cafe boasts a four-race winning streak and is the offspring of the celebrated Triple Crown winner American Pharoah. Yu believes his stalking style could be advantageous in the Derby, offering a compelling case for bettors considering longshots.

As the excitement builds for the 2025 Kentucky Derby, many fans and bettors are eagerly awaiting the race. In a sport characterized by its unpredictability, Lukas’s ambition and Yu’s insights provide a thrilling backdrop to this prestigious event. The horses are set, and anticipation hangs in the air as history awaits at Churchill Downs.