The 2025 Kentucky Derby is Saturday at Churchill Downs in Louisville, and the Herald-Leader has asked horse racing experts around the country for their top handicapping picks going into the big race.

Santa Anita Derby winner Journalism is the favorite, with Florida Derby runner-up Sovereignty and Arkansas Derby winner Sandman next on the morning line, and Blue Grass Stakes winner Burnham Square, Wood Memorial winner Rodriguez and Japanese star Luxor Cafe among the other top contenders.

Here’s a look at the predictions from our panel, which included some long-shot bets.

John Clay, Herald-Leader

Win: Journalism

Place: Sovereignty

Show: Sandman

Comment: We need outstanding Journalism now more than ever.

Ben Roberts, Herald-Leader

Win: Sovereignty

Place: Journalism

Show: Publisher

Comment: Like the running style, like the progression, like the connections and think Sovereignty is sitting on the biggest race of his career this weekend.

Frank Angst, BloodHorse

Win: Journalism

Place: Sovereignty

Show: Grande

Comment: Journalism is undefeated in two-turn races and has improved in each of his career efforts. In winning the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby last out, he overcame some trouble in the backstretch. That toughness should come in handy in the Kentucky Derby. His breeding, Curlinâ?”Mopotism, by Uncle Mo, suggests 1 ¼ miles will be in his wheelhouse, and I look for him to take another step forward Saturday.

Steve Byk, At the Races

Win: Journalism

Place: Burnham Square

Show: Baeza

Comment: Journalism arrives for Derby as the most imposing favorite in several years, possessing a heady combination of speed and power with a style that fits the anticipated race flow. Barring unforeseen trouble, he’ll win handily.

John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times

Win: Journalism

Place: Rodriguez

Show: Sandman

Comment: Journalism proves he’s the real deal by biding his time to the quarter pole, where Umberto Rispoli starts to take aim at the front-running Rodriguez. He gets him a few strides from the wire to win and start the Triple Crown talk.