The 2025 Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Every year, thousands of fans gather at Churchill Downs, while millions more watch on TV and online from home. Whether you’re tuning in to enjoy the race or placing bets online, one thing is clear – having a complete list of horses in front of you makes a huge difference.
It helps you keep track of the horses, understand the story behind each runner, and maybe even spot the next champion before the race begins.
In this guide, you’ll find the full Kentucky Derby 2025 horses list, including trainers, jockeys, and morning line odds. I’ll also share a free printable you can download and use on race day.
Why the Kentucky Derby Horses List Matters
Before you look at the lineup, it’s good to know why this list matters so much. The Derby is not just about who is the fastest. It’s about strategy, experience, and sometimes a little bit of luck.
Each horse comes with a story. Some are trained by legends like Bob Baffert or Todd Pletcher. Some have jockeys who have won big races before. And the odds? They give you a hint at how experts view each horse’s chances, but surprises happen all the time.
With a full horses list in hand, you can spot patterns, find your favorite, and enjoy the race in a deeper way.
Plus, if you are placing a bet or joining a Derby party game, a printable list is a must-have.
Kentucky Derby 2025 Horses List: Full Table
Here’s the complete lineup for this year’s Kentucky Derby. Each horse is listed with its post position, trainer, jockey, and morning line odds.
| Post Position | Horse Name | Trainer | Jockey | Morning Line Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Citizen Bull | Bob Baffert | Martin Garcia | 20-1 |
| 2 | Neoequos | Saffie Joseph Jr. | Flavien Prat | 30-1 |
| 3 | Final Gambit | Brad H. Cox | Luan Machado | 30-1 |
| 4 | Rodriguez | Bob Baffert | Mike E. Smith | 12-1 |
| 5 | American Promise | D. Wayne Lukas | Nik Juarez | 30-1 |
| 6 | Admire Daytona | Yukihiro Kato | Christophe Lemaire | 30-1 |
| 7 | Luxor Café | Noriyuki Hori | João Moreira | 30-1 |
| 8 | Journalism | Michael W. McCarthy | Umberto Rispoli | 3-1 |
| 9 | Burnham Square | Ian R. Wilkes | Brian Hernandez Jr. | 12-1 |
| 10 | Grande | Todd A. Pletcher | John R. Velazquez | 20-1 |
| 11 | Flying Mohawk | Whit Beckman | Joseph Ramos | 30-1 |
| 12 | East Avenue | Brendan P. Walsh | Manuel Franco | 20-1 |
| 13 | Publisher | Steven M. Asmussen | Irad Ortiz Jr. | 20-1 |
| 14 | Tiztastic | Steven M. Asmussen | Joel Rosario | 20-1 |
| 15 | Render Judgment | Kenneth G. McPeek | Julien Leparoux | 30-1 |
| 16 | Coal Battle | Lonnie Briley | Juan Vargas | 30-1 |
| 17 | Sandman | Mark E. Casse | José Ortiz | 6-1 |
| 18 | Sovereignty | William I. Mott | Junior Alvarado | 5-1 |
| 19 | Chunk of Gold | Ethan W. West | Jareth Loveberry | 30-1 |
| 20 | Owen Almighty | Brian A. Lynch | Javier Castellano | 30-1 |
About the Top Trainers and Jockeys
In the Kentucky Derby, the names behind the horses matter just as much as the horses themselves.
Bob Baffert is one of the most successful trainers in history. He’s trained legends like American Pharoah and Justify, both Triple Crown winners.
Todd Pletcher is another giant in the sport. Known for his deep stables and careful race planning, he often has multiple horses entered each year.
When it comes to jockeys, names like John Velazquez and Joel Rosario bring years of experience and big-race wins. A good jockey knows when to make a move, how to handle the pressure, and how to find the best path through a crowded field.
These trainers and jockeys are not just participating. They are aiming to make history once again.
Understanding the Odds
Morning line odds are set by experts at the track. They are based on how they think bettors will wager. Lower odds like 3-1 mean the horse is a favorite. Higher odds like 25-1 mean the horse is seen as an underdog.
But here’s the fun part. Favorites don’t always win. Every few years, a longshot stuns the world. In 2009, Mine That Bird won at 50-1 odds. In 2022, Rich Strike shocked everyone with an 80-1 upset.
So, while the odds give clues, anything can happen on Derby Day.
How to Use This Printable Horses List
This printable is designed to make your Kentucky Derby experience smoother and more fun.
You can use it in a few ways:
- Track horses during the race and mark your favorite’s position.
- Use it for betting sheets if you are making picks with friends.
- Host a Derby party game like picking horses randomly and awarding small prizes.
- Keep it as a souvenir after the race to remember your pick and how they finished.
- You’ll also appreciate having it handy when the race gets chaotic and you want a quick reference.
Download the Free Printable Horses List
Our printable is easy to download, free to use, and formatted for A4 and Letter size paper. It’s neat, colorful, and leaves space for notes. Perfect whether you are at home, at a party, or even trackside at Churchill Downs. Make sure to print a few copies if you are sharing the Derby fun with friends or family.
Download Printable Kentucky Derby 2025 Horses List – PDF Version
Also Check: Kentucky Derby 2025 TV Schedule
Favorites and Sleepers to Watch
Based on early odds and expert chatter, here are a few horses to watch closely:
- Journalism (3-1) — Sharp, consistent, and trained by Todd Pletcher, he’s a real threat.
- Sandman (8-1) — Strong finisher with a knack for closing late. Could surprise everyone.
- Citizen Bull (5-1) — Well-trained by Bob Baffert and always a contender from the inside post.
Dark horses like Admire Daytona or Luxor Café could also step up if the race falls apart for the favorites.
Tips for Enjoying Derby Day
Here are a few last-minute reminders for having a great Kentucky Derby experience:
- Print your horses list the night before the race.
- Have a pen ready to make quick notes during the race.
- Check the weather forecast as rain can affect the track and change race strategies.
- Plan snacks and drinks early if you are hosting a party.
Above all, remember the Derby is about fun. Win or lose, being part of the day is what matters most.
FAQs
Usually, 20 horses start the race, the largest field in American horse racing.
Some positions, like the inside or far outside, can make the race harder. Middle posts are often seen as ideal.
Yes. The official betting odds are updated live based on how people bet. Morning line odds are just a starting point.
Yes, if you attend, it’s a tradition to dress up. Think colorful dresses, big hats, and sharp suits.
The Kentucky Derby is called “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” for a reason. Every horse, every trainer, every jockey is chasing a dream that can change their lives forever.
Having a printable horses list makes you part of the story too. You are not just watching. You are following the action, knowing the players, and feeling the thrill.
So grab your printable, pick your horse, and get ready to cheer. Happy Derby Day 2025!