Overview

• The 151st Kentucky Derby is set for Saturday at 3:57 p.m. PT at Churchill Downs, featuring a field of up to 20 horses.
• Journalism, the 3-1 morning-line favorite, enters with three consecutive graded stakes wins, top speed figures, and experienced connections.
• An unusually high number of front-running horses is expected to create a faster-than-normal early pace, favoring stretch runners like Sandman and Burnham Square.
• Six-time Derby-winning trainer Bob Baffert returns after a three-year suspension, adding intrigue to the race dynamics.
• Bettors are considering long shots like Grande and Sandman for exotic wagers, with historical precedent showing significant payouts when combining favorites with high-odds contenders.