The Kentucky Derby 2025 is right around the corner. Fans are buzzing with excitement as the “Run for the Roses” gets closer. On Saturday, May 3, twenty of the best three-year-old horses will line up at Churchill Downs. The race is set to start at 6:57 PM Eastern Time.
Post positions and odds always play a big role in how the race unfolds. Some spots offer a smoother trip, while others can cause trouble right out of the gate. Knowing where each horse starts can help you find the favorites, the dark horses, and the ones ready to surprise.
This guide gives you everything you need — the full post position draw, the morning line odds, top contenders, hidden threats, and important history behind the numbers. Let’s dive in.
Full List of Post Positions and Morning Line Odds
Here is the full lineup for the 2025 Kentucky Derby, including each horse’s post number and morning line odds.
| Post | Horse | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Citizen Bull | 20-1 |
| 2 | Neoequos | 30-1 |
| 3 | Final Gambit | 30-1 |
| 4 | Rodriguez | 12-1 |
| 5 | American Promise | 30-1 |
| 6 | Admire Daytona | 30-1 |
| 7 | Luxor Café | 15-1 |
| 8 | Journalism | 3-1 |
| 9 | Burnham Square | 12-1 |
| 10 | Grande | 20-1 |
| 11 | Flying Mohawk | 30-1 |
| 12 | East Avenue | 20-1 |
| 13 | Publisher | 20-1 |
| 14 | Tiztastic | 20-1 |
| 15 | Render Judgment | 30-1 |
| 16 | Coal Battle | 30-1 |
| 17 | Sandman | 6-1 |
| 18 | Sovereignty | 5-1 |
| 19 | Chunk of Gold | 30-1 |
| 20 | Owen Almighty | 30-1 |
With a strong mix of favorites and long shots, this year’s field is wide open. Follow this page to check out the full Derby Day schedule and post time.
Top Favorites to Watch
Journalism (Post 8, 3-1 odds)
Journalism is the horse to beat. He has won four straight races, including a big victory at the Santa Anita Derby. Drawing Post 8 is a bonus too. Horses from this spot have a strong win record, with Mage winning from here in 2023. Journalism has early speed, stamina, and a strong closing kick.
Sovereignty (Post 18, 5-1 odds)
Sovereignty is a powerful closer. He won the Fountain of Youth Stakes with a strong late move. Post 18 is not ideal, but Sovereignty’s running style could help him stay out of early traffic. If the leaders tire late, he will be flying down the stretch.
Sandman (Post 17, 6-1 odds)
Sandman captured the Arkansas Derby and is peaking at the right time. But he faces a challenge. No horse has ever won the Derby from Post 17. Still, Sandman’s tactical speed and determination make him a real threat to break the so-called “Post 17 curse.”
Dark Horses That Could Surprise
Citizen Bull (Post 1, 20-1 odds)
Drawing the rail is tough. Horses in Post 1 often get boxed in. But Citizen Bull has early speed and top trainer Bob Baffert in his corner. If he breaks well and grabs position, he could shock the field.
Tiztastic (Post 14, 20-1 odds)
Tiztastic comes into the Derby off a big win at the Louisiana Derby. Post 14 has not produced a winner since 1961, but this horse has the class and experience to change that. A clean trip could put him right in the mix.
Publisher (Post 13, 20-1 odds)
Publisher is still a maiden, meaning he hasn’t won a race yet. That sounds risky, but surprises happen every year. He has flashed enough talent to suggest he could grab a piece of the action with a good trip.
Also Check: How to Watch Kentuicky Derby 2025 Online?
How Post Positions Impact the Race
Post positions are not just random numbers. They affect how horses start and move during the race.
Horses drawn inside, like Post 1 or 2, need to break fast. If they don’t, they risk getting trapped behind a wall of horses. The middle gates, around Posts 5 to 10, are often the safest. Horses there can avoid early trouble without running too wide.
Outside posts, like 17 through 20, bring extra challenges. Horses must use extra energy early to get into a good spot. That’s why history shows fewer winners from these posts.
Still, no post guarantees victory or defeat. Smart riding, quick decisions, and a little racing luck can change everything.
Extra Insights: Post Position History and Trends
Over the years, certain posts have built reputations — some good, some bad.
Post 5 is one of the best spots. It has produced 10 winners and a top-five finisher almost every year from 2012 to 2019. American Promise will try to add another win to Post 5’s record.
Post 8 has a strong history too. Mage won from Post 8 in 2023, and Journalism will start from there this year. It’s a spot that often leads to good early positioning.
Post 17 has never produced a winner. Sandman will try to make history by ending that streak.
Post 20 is no longer a death sentence. Rich Strike shocked the world from Post 20 in 2022 at 80-1 odds. Owen Almighty will hope to follow that path.
Recent trends also show that outside posts are doing better. Eight of the last 14 Derby winners started from Post 13 or wider. Open space and clean trips matter more now than ever before.
The Kentucky Derby always delivers drama, speed, and surprises. Favorites like Journalism and Sovereignty look strong on paper. But long shots like Citizen Bull and Tiztastic could steal the show with the right trip.
Post positions give clues, but they don’t write the final story. Talent, heart, and a little racing luck decide who wins the roses.