Our Kentucky Derby tips are here to help you make the most of “The Fastest Two Minutes In Sports”. That’s no easy feat, as this race attracts the finest runners in the world. But by pulling together the top odds, the best promotions, and our expert analysis, we reckon you’ll have everything you need to enjoy the thrill of the Derby like never before.
Kentucky Oaks & Kentucky Derby Ante-Post Betting Odds
Set your peepers on the very best Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks odds available today! These are the biggest returns from the finest UK bookmakers on the top 20 favourites. And remember, getting in early with Ante-Post odds often means bigger returns than waiting until race day. Just make sure you’re covered by NRNB insurance, so if your horse drops out before final confirmations, you’ll get your stake back.
Kentucky Oaks Ante-Post Betting Odds
| Horse | Ante-Post Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Good Cheer | 2/1 | Coral |
| Immersive | 6/1 | Unibet |
| Simply Joking | 10/1 | bet365 |
| Quietside | 8/1 | BoyleSports |
| Senza Parole | 12/1 | Unibet |
| La Cara | 14/1 | Coral |
| Five G | 14/1 | Ladbrokes |
| Ahavah | 16/1 | Coral |
| Muhimma | 16/1 | BoyleSports |
| Tenma | 20/1 | Ladbrokes |
| Gowells Delight | 20/1 | bet365 |
| With The Angels | 25/1 | Unibet |
| Drexel Hill | 25/1 | Unibet |
| Early On | 25/1 | Unibet |
| Rojo Rita | 25/1 | Unibet |
| Andrea | 25/1 | BoyleSports |
| Velvet Vortex | 25/1 | BoyleSports |
| Non Compliant | 25/1 | Ladbrokes |
| Scottish Lassie | 25/1 | LiveScoreBet |
| American Bikini | 33/1 | Ladbrokes |
Kentucky Derby Ante-Post Betting Odds
| Horse | Ante-Post Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Journalism | 5/1 | Coral |
| Citizen Bull | 8/1 | bet365 |
| Sovereignty | 10/1 | LiveScoreBet |
| Luxor Cafe | 10/1 | BetVictor |
| Sandman | 12/1 | Betfred |
| Tappen Street | 12/1 | bet365 |
| Barnes | 20/1 | bet365 |
| Tiztastic | 20/1 | LiveScoreBet |
| Coal Beetle | 25/1 | Ladbrokes |
| Publisher | 25/1 | Coral |
| Cornucopian | 25/1 | Ladbrokes |
| Rated By Merit | 25/1 | Unibet |
| Owen Almighty | 25/1 | bet365 |
| Burnham Square | 25/1 | bet365 |
| Instant Replay | 33/1 | Unibet |
| River Thames | 25/1 | BetVictor |
| Disco Time | 33/1 | Ladbrokes |
| Chancer McPatrick | 25/1 | Betfred |
| Final Gambit | 33/1 | bet365 |
| East Avenue | 33/1 | Betfred |
Ante-Post odds are only available at a select few bookmakers
We always recommend sticking with our top picks, especially when they’re offering the best odds. Who doesn’t want bigger returns on the same bet? But in this case, it’s more than just a smart move, it’s practically essential. Most UK bookmakers don’t offer any Kentucky Derby or Kentucky Oaks odds. So, if you want to lock in those early prices, signing up with one of the bookies highlighted on this page is well worth it – chances are your usual go-to won’t have them at all!
2025 Kentucky Derby Betting Tips
Funny how Kentucky Derby analysis can take ages when the race itself is over in minutes. That’s where our Kentucky Derby tips come in – we’ve done the hard yards, so you don’t have to.
We’ve crunched the numbers, scoured the markets, and picked out the best value bets for all the action at Churchill Downs on the first weekend in May. Here’s what we’re backing and why they’re worth a punt.
Kentucky Derby Betting Tips Day 1 – Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs
The biggest weekend in international horse racing kicks off on 2nd May at the iconic Churchill Downs, in sunny Louisville. It’s a full day of action, but Ante-Post odds are only on the main events (we’ll be all over the rest as soon as they’ve available), starting with the Kentucky Oaks.
It may not be as famous as Sunday’s big race, but it’s every bit as competitive. The best fillies will battle it out over a flat mile and a quarter, making predictions tricky. That’s where our Kentucky Oaks betting tips come in.
Good Cheer to Win Kentucky Oaks (3/1 odds to win from Coral)
We’ve got every reason to back the favourite here. Good Cheer and top jockey Luis Saez, himself fresh off five wins in March, look like the dream flat racing duo. Six runs, six wins, and three of those were right here at Churchill Downs last year. You couldn’t ask for better prep. Even with the stiff competition, we’d rate their chances at better than evens. That’s why the 3/1 Kentucky Oaks odds from Coral, which imply just a 33.3% chance, still look like a cracking value bet.
Drexel Hill to Place at Kentucky Oaks (25/1 odds to win from Unibet)
With three different jockeys across five races, it’s no wonder the bookies are a bit wary on this one, but that just means more value for us. Fact is Drexel Hill has landed an each-way return in four of those five outings and their recent run at Fair Grounds, arguably the best practise outside Churchill Downs, saw them finish just metres behind the superb Simply Joking. The podium positions are certainly within reach, and, at 25/1, a tenner would return £40 just for hitting one of the top spots. Well worth a punt.
Our each-way calculator makes spotting value a doddle
Working out if a bet’s worth the bother is all about knowing your potential returns. Back a favourite each-way and you might lose money even if they place. That’s where our super simple each-way calculator comes in. Just pop in your odds, stake and place terms, and it’ll crunch the numbers for you in a flash. No guesswork, just clear profit potential.
Kentucky Derby Betting Tips Day 2 – Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs
Here it is. The crown jewel of international horse racing. In just a few electrifying minutes, history will be written and over five million dollars will be pocketed. No wonder the best of the best line up for this one.
With that kind of cash on the table, every runner is a contender. That’s why we’ve sized the lot of them up for our expert Kentucky Derby tips, so you can have a flutter with confidence.
Citizen Bull to win Kentucky Derby (8/1 odds to win from bet365)
While we’re chuffed with all our Kentucky Oaks betting tips, this looks like the best value winner from the biggest weekend at Churchill Downs. Citizen Bull would be unbeaten if not for one third-place finish at Del Mar last September. Every other race, including a recent win at Santa Anita, has been a triumph. The favourite, Journalism, might have a perfect record, but they’ve only raced twice. Is that really better? We don’t think so. At 8/1, Citizen Bull is our top pick, offering cracking odds for a runner of this calibre, especially with Martin Garcia in the saddle.
Barnes to place at Kentucky Derby (20/1 odds to win from bet365)
You know what’s mad? Barnes, at 20/1, was less than two lengths away from having a better record than the favourite. They’ve raced at Santa Anita twice – won the first in January, then came up just short behind Journalism in March. We reckon they’ll fall short of the win again here, but everything we’ve seen from Barnes suggests they’re just a hoof or two behind the very best in this race. A top 3 finish seems highly likely, and with a £10 each-way bet potentially netting you £50 in returns, our Kentucky Derby analysis suggests the bookies have completely missed the mark on this one.
How We Select Our Kentucky Derby Betting Tips
How do we come up with our betting tips for the Kentucky Derby? It’s simple, we look at all the relevant data for this race. Everything we need to lock in on the best odds from Churchill Downs comes down to the following:
While usually a big factor in horse racing tips, all horses in these races are three-year old fillies, so it’s a non-issue. That said, it does mean they’ll have run a limited number of races so every one counts.
Both races are Grade 1, so experience at this level is what counts. A horse with previous top-tier race experience will have the upper hand.
Churchill Downs stretches 1 ¼ miles (10 furlongs, 2012 meters). The more a horse and jockey have successfully tackled this kind distance, the better their chances.
This is about how well a horse has been performing recently. Consistent wins and solid placements make a big difference.
With a set weight of 121 pounds for the Kentucky Derby, weight won’t have much impact on our Kentucky Deby tips. But if you’re betting on other races at the festival, remember that lighter horses tend to have the edge, especially in shorter races.
Despite being a simple mile plus course with two turns, Churchill Downs' dirt track can get fast and messy, especially after rain. Horses that have handled similar going are better prepared for whatever is thrown at them.
The weather can have a huge effect on these races. Even a small amount of rain can turn the track into a muddy challenge. Make sure to check forecasts and bet on horses that cope with sloppy conditions well.
While the dirt track and tight turns may seem straightforward, they’re challenging for rookies. Horses with experience at Churchill Downs, or similar courses like Fair Grounds, are more likely to handle it smoothly.
Kentucky Derby Jockey & Trainer Stats
It’s not just about the horses. It’s about the whole team and no two people matter more than the head trainer and jockey. One gets the horse race ready for the big day and the other is their dance partner as they charge towards the final furlong.
Put simply, no Kentucky Derby betting strategy is complete without factoring them in. So, when you’re researching your picks, don’t just look at the horse’s form. Check out the trainer and jockey’s track record too. It could make all the difference to your bets.
Top 10 North American Jockeys in 2025
To give you a glimpse of what the best teams in international horse racing look like, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 American trainers and jockeys of the year so far. If any of these lads are working with your pick, that’s a massive boost. Have a gander.
| Ranking | Jockey | Wins | Runs | Winning Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Irad Ortiz Jr | 86 | 387 | 58% |
| 2 | Jose L Ortiz | 75 | 280 | 58% |
| 3 | Luis Saez | 67 | 408 | 49% |
| 4 | Flavien Prat | 57 | 202 | 64% |
| 5 | Tyler Gaffalione | 61 | 350 | 47% |
| 6 | Manuel Franco | 72 | 324 | 63% |
| 7 | Rafeal Bejarano | 40 | 182 | 52% |
| 8 | Jose Lezcano | 58 | 292 | 55% |
| 9 | Juan J Hernandez | 52 | 217 | 56% |
| 10 | Edgard J Zayas | 55 | 366 | 44% |
Top 10 North American Trainers in 2025
| Ranking | Trainer | Wins | Runs | Winning Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Steven M. Asmussen | 98 | 661 | 40% |
| 2 | Brad H. Cox | 75 | 281 | 64% |
| 3 | Saffie A. Joseph. Jr | 60 | 305 | 53% |
| 4 | Mark E. Casse | 37 | 276 | 39% |
| 5 | Todd A Pletcher | 41 | 202 | 49% |
| 6 | Michael J. Maker | 58 | 335 | 43% |
| 7 | Kenneth G. McPeek | 31 | 200 | 44% |
| 8 | Chad C. Brown | 38 | 187 | 60% |
| 9 | Linda Rice | 56 | 245 | 54% |
| 10 | Bob Baffert | 26 | 84 | 68% |
Kentucky Derby & Kentucky Oaks Latest Trends
-
In the last 3 years (2022, 2023, 2024), 14 runners have made it past final confirmations for the Kentucky Oaks.
-
Since 1980, 29 out of 40 Kentucky Derby winners (72.5%) have won at least one prep race after March 30th of the same year.
-
Half of the last 20 Kentucky Oaks winners were leading in first or second place at the half-mile mark – proving that early pace is key.
-
Over 70% of winning Kentucky Derby horses have been coloured Bay or Chestnut.
-
11 of the last 20 winners (55%) of the Kentucky Oaks have previously raced at Fair Grounds, Louisiana, during the winter season, widely considered the best prep track outside Churchill Downs itself.
-
7 of the last 13 Kentucky Derby winners (53.7%) were trained in California, so keep an eye out for horses with experience at Santa Anita Park.
-
Only 8 of the last 21 Kentucky Oaks races (38%) have been won by the favourites.
-
20 of the last 27 Kentucky Derby races (71.4%) have been won by a runner that completed the final three-eighths of a mile in less than 38 seconds.
-
There have been no winners from post 1 or 2 at the Kentucky Oaks for over 20 years.
-
Only 5 of the last 20 Kentucky Derby races (25%) have been run in sloppy track conditions.
Churchill Downs Racecourse Tips
There’s a kind of muddy elegance in the sheer simplicity of the dirt track at Churchill Downs, home to both the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby. It’s an oval, 1 ¼ miles long, with just two turns. Simple as that. But when the rain hits, that dirt turns the going from firm to treacherous, and those two turns suddenly seem a lot trickier as frantic hooves struggle for grip.
From a Kentucky Derby analysis point of view, there are two key things to look for. First, experience at this distance is crucial. This race is all about explosive speed and sustained pace, so you want a horse that can bolt from the gates and keep up the momentum. Second, the ability to handle dirt tracks and wet conditions is a must. If the going turns sloppy, you’ll need a runner that won’t be fazed.
The best indicator for all these key elements? Past success at Fair Grounds, Santa Anita Park and, of course, Churchill Downs itself. That’s why we put so much weight on these factors in our Kentucky Derby tips.
Best Kentucky Derby Betting Sites
UK Gambling Commission
This bookmaker is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), ensuring compliance with strict regulations designed to promote fairness, transparency, and the safety of players. The UKGC license is a mark of trust, safeguarding your funds and personal information while encouraging responsible gambling. Learn more about the UKGC here
Payment methods (8):
    18+ New GB customers only. Min £10 debit card deposit. Place a £10+ bet at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days. Opt in for £20 in free bets and £20 Casino Bonus. Valid for 7 days. Geographical restrictions. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
|
UK Gambling Commission
This bookmaker is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), ensuring compliance with strict regulations designed to promote fairness, transparency, and the safety of players. The UKGC license is a mark of trust, safeguarding your funds and personal information while encouraging responsible gambling. Learn more about the UKGC here
Payment methods (11):
 18+. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
|
UK Gambling Commission
This bookmaker is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), ensuring compliance with strict regulations designed to promote fairness, transparency, and the safety of players. The UKGC license is a mark of trust, safeguarding your funds and personal information while encouraging responsible gambling. Learn more about the UKGC here
Payment methods (8):
18+ New Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £/€5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 4 x £5 free bets. Free bet available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions + Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
|
UK Gambling Commission
This bookmaker is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), ensuring compliance with strict regulations designed to promote fairness, transparency, and the safety of players. The UKGC license is a mark of trust, safeguarding your funds and personal information while encouraging responsible gambling. Learn more about the UKGC here
Payment methods (9):
18+ New UK+IRE Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first 5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 = 4x 5 free bets. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. No cashout, restrictions + Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
|
UK Gambling Commission
This bookmaker is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), ensuring compliance with strict regulations designed to promote fairness, transparency, and the safety of players. The UKGC license is a mark of trust, safeguarding your funds and personal information while encouraging responsible gambling. Learn more about the UKGC here
Payment methods (5):
 18+ New Customers only. Opt in, bet £10 on Horse Racing, 1/1+ odds in 7 days, no cash out. Get £20 in Free Bets on set markets valid 7 days. Debit Card or Apple Pay payments only. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
The choice at Unibet seals the deal for me
Ben Gibson - If I want to make the most of all my options on both races, Unibet is the way to go. Simple as that. They’ve got more markets and the best prices on more Kentucky Oaks odds than any other bookie. And even when they’re not offering the very top odds on a runner, they’re right up there. Plus, Unibet is always a pleasure to use, and I’d bet good money there’ll be more bet boosts come race day if I fancy topping up my Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks betting.
Exclusive Kentucky Derby Betting Offers
No need to wait for the first weekend of May to roll around – the top promos are already here. From welcome offers and free bets to boosted Kentucky Oaks odds, the best UK bookies are all set to help you make the most of those Ante-Post betting markets. There’s so much on offer, it can be tricky to know where to start. But don’t worry, we’ve rounded up the best deals for you right here, as refreshing as a cold lemonade on a Louisville summer day.
Kentucky Derby Betting Sites with Livestreaming
Unfortunately, unlike most UK and Irish races, you won’t be able to catch the Kentucky Derby on the usual livestreaming betting sites. That’s because Sky Sports Racing has the exclusive livestreaming rights, and there’s not much the bookies can do about that. If you’re not keen on splashing out for the Sky Sports subscription, the good news is these races are some of the few international horse racing events big enough to be shown in pubs and sports bars. After all, who doesn’t want to see how their Kentucky Derby betting strategy plays out in real time?
Kentucky Derby Key Stats & Facts
ThePuntersPage Final Say
Put simply, we think the bookies have got plenty wrong here – and that’s where our Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby tips come in. Add the best odds around right now, throw in a bit of promotional magic, and you’ve got everything you need to take on the biggest events in international horse racing, with your foot already out the starting gate.
Kentucky Derby Betting FAQs
Sadly, no. Sky Sports has the exclusive streaming rights for both the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby, so you’ll need to tune in there.
Simply put, an Ante-Post bet is when you place a wager on odds long before race day – we’re talking weeks, months, or even years in advance. Why bother? Because you often get better odds than if you wait until race day, giving you a chance to snag some extra value.
While an exact figure has not been confirmed, an eye-watering $5 million is guaranteed.
The Kentucky Derby kicks off the American Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.
We've got expert Kentucky Derby tips right here, and we reckon they’re the ideal place to start. Take a look, have a think about your own predictions and strategy, and even if you don’t go with them in the end, we’re sure they’ll give you plenty of food for thought.
Yes, if the market you’re eyeing up isn’t restricted by the promo terms (pay particular attention to the minimum odds requirement), you should be good to go with your free bet on the Kentucky Derby Ante-Post markets. In fact, we’ve rounded up the best promotions, including free bet offers, that you can use right now on “The Most Exciting Two Minutes In Sports”. Have a look!