Barnes is generating plenty of buzz in these early days leading up to the 2025 Kentucky Derby. Photo via https://x.com/JuanBarbatoG/status/1861896781413462046/photo/1
Whisper it, but there is a touch of spring in the air. As winter gives way, we get a little more intense in preparing for one of the world’s most famous horse races – the Kentucky Derby. The run for the roses takes place on Saturday, May 3 this year, and, as ever, it promises to be a belter.
It is, however, early days. Most of the essential prep races take place later in March and early April. As such, we are only now seeing the contenders begin to emerge. And as is always the case with horse betting, the markets will shift as we get closer to the 2025 Kentucky Derby.
We can pick out some horses discussed on racing forums and who are taking early money on betting exchanges. Let’s look at some of those below:
Barnes
An impressive winner in the Grade 2 San Vicente Stakes in late January, Barnes has emerged as one of the leaders in the ante-post betting markets. Trained by Bob Baffert, the 3-year-old colt was sold for $3.2 million as a yearling. There are high hopes for his team, but there is still much to prove over the next few months.
Patch Adams
A Brad Cox-trained horse, bettors should not read too much into Patch Adams’ 4th (of 7) place finish in the Grade 3 in the Southwest in January. He got off to a slow start in that race, and Cox has stressed that he was happy with how the horse handled the setback. He showed enough in his 2-year-old campaign to warrant a closer look over the coming months.
Citizen Bull
It’s a horse generating a lot of buzz; Citizen Bull might be the value pick for bettors looking to take a punt now. The big feather on his cap was winning the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile in November. Trained by Baffert, he is a major contender for some of the big prizes in US racing this year. Citizen Bull is a half-brother to Barnes. There’s every chance the pair go head to head as the two favorites for the 2025 Kentucky Derby.
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East Avenue
Arguably going under the radar, East Avenue, from the Godolphin stables, is an interesting pick, although the horse has a bit to prove in the coming weeks. Our central reservation would be that his form has tailed off since bursting onto the scene in the early fall of last year. It is worth watching his possible entries to the Louisiana Derby and Blue Grass Stakes before deciding.
Speed King
Son of the renowned sprinter Volatile, Speed King won the Southwest in January. He has won at Churchill Downs and has a competent trainer in Ron Moquett. As his name suggests, the horse is quick, but he may lack a bit in execution. Still, Moquett has remarked how Speed King is quickly improving. Speed King could be a significant player in the weeks and months ahead if he gets his tactics right.
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