The first race in the quest for the 2025 Triple Crown is nearly upon us. The post draw for the 151st Kentucky Derby was Saturday night, as we found out where the horses will line up. Trained by Michael McCarthy, Journalism opened as the 3-1 favorite as he enters on a four-race winning streak. Meanwhile, Bob Baffert will have two horses in the race, Citizen Bull and Rodriguez.
The Kentucky Derby will be held Saturday, with post time at 6:57 p.m. ET from Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Last year's winner was Mystik Dan at 18-1 odds.
Best bet: Exacta box (4, 8 and 9)
Burnham Square (12-1 to win) got a very good draw at the No. 9 post. The son of Liam's Map won the Holy Bull Stakes, was fourth in the Fountain of Youth and was impressive in the Blue Grass Stakes. He is peaking at right time, and I'm expecting a massive effort Saturday.
Journalism (3-1) is the best horse in the field and got a great draw at No. 8. The son of Curlin hasn't lost a race yet (4-0). The No. 8 post has produced nine winners since 1930, and he will have speed to his inside and outside, which will benefit him. He was bred for this distance.
Rodriguez (12-1) is one of Baffert's horses. He has a lot of speed, and should fly out of the gate at the No. 4 post. I'm expecting him to have a clear lead early. Taking off the blinkers was a great move by Baffert, hence him winning the Wood Memorial. This is Baffert's best chance of walking away with roses.
Note: An exacta box bet is when you pick at least two horses to finish in the top two. It differs from a basic exacta bet by not having to specify the correct order of the top two; the more horses involved, the more the bet costs, with the final odds dictated by which horses finish 1 and 2..
