2025 Kentucky Derby Preview: Top Contenders Emerge from Key Prep Races

Horse racing fans are buzzing with excitement as the 2025 Kentucky Derby nears. Saturday’s key prep races delivered vital insights. For example, the Santa Anita Derby, Wood Memorial, and Arkansas Derby showcased this year’s top contenders. In fact, Journalism, Rodriguez, and Sandman emerged as frontrunners for the Run for the Roses. The “Greatest Two Minutes in Sports” at Churchill Downs is less than a month away. So, whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a casual fan, here’s what you need to know about the Kentucky Derby 2025 contenders. They’re set to shine on May 3. Journalism Shines in Santa Anita Derby Journalism claimed a commanding victory in the Santa Anita Derby. As a result, he’s poised to be the morning-line favorite for the Kentucky Derby. This son of Curlin earned 75 qualifying points with the win. He now has 122.5 points, trailing only Sandman on the leaderboard. Meanwhile, trainer Michael McCarthy’s colt boasts a four-race win streak (4-0-1 in five starts). Additionally, Caesars Sportsbook shortened Journalism to a +350 favorite in Kentucky Derby Future wagering. Check out the buzz on X: Santa Anita Derby Recap. Frankie Taddeo’s Hot Streak Continues Frankie Taddeo, FullTime Fantasy’s horse racing guru, cashed big on the 2025 Wood Memorial. He nailed the exacta at 27/1 and the trifecta at 200/1. For instance, Taddeo has picked 7 of the last 13 Kentucky Derby winners. His 2023 success with Mage included a 115-1 exacta and a 982-1 trifecta. Therefore, this Vegas insider is a must-follow for Derby bettors. What’s his next goal? Taddeo aims to crush it again on the first weekend in May. Bob Baffert’s Shrewd Moves Pay Off Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert made two smart moves with Rodriguez. First, he shipped the colt from California to Aqueduct. Then, he removed the blinkers. Consequently, Rodriguez triumphed gate-to-wire in the Wood Memorial. This win earned him 100 qualifying points, securing 121.25 total Derby points—third on the leaderboard. The son of Authentic (2-2-1 in five starts) showed a front-running style. Notably, this style has proven successful in recent Derbies. See the replay here: Wood Memorial Highlights. Top 2025 Kentucky Derby Contenders to Watch Sandman: Sandman leads with 129 points after winning the Arkansas Derby. This son of Tapit has improved his Equibase Speed Figures in his last five starts, peaking at 104. However, trainer Mark Casse’s colt has a deep-closing style. This approach might face trouble in traffic. Arkansas Derby Recap. Tappan Street: Brad Cox’s colt dazzled in the Florida Derby. He beat Sovereignty with a career-best 96 Equibase Speed Figure. Yet, the son of Into Mischief (2-1-0 in three starts) lacks experience. This could be a hurdle in Louisville. Grande: Grande impressed despite a wide trip in the Wood Memorial. He earned 50 points as the runner-up for Mike Repole and Todd Pletcher. Thus, the son of Curlin could be a sleeper if he gets a good draw. Get Ready for the Run for the Roses The Kentucky Derby is later today, and an epic showdown awaits. GET THE PICKS!! Dive into the action with trusted insights. Start planning your bets for the race of the year at Churchill Downs. Want exclusive tips from experts like Frankie Taddeo? Sign up for a FullTime Fantasy membership today and use promo code DERBY20 to get 20% off your first year! Join Now and Save 20%! Also, follow us for more Kentucky Derby updates and expert betting tips!
Lexington Stakes 2025 Betting Picks: Odds, Best Bets & Preview

Lexington Stakes 2025 Betting Picks: Odds, Best Bets & Insights Welcome to the 2025 horse racing season. FullTime Fantasy presents our expert betting guide for the Lexington Stakes (G3), featuring top picks, odds, and insights for the race on April
2025 Blue Grass Stakes, Wood Memorial, and Santa Anita Derby: Frank Taddeo’s Expert Betting Previews

2025 Blue Grass Stakes, Wood Memorial, and Santa Anita Derby: Frank Taddeo’s Expert Betting Previews Top Picks and Winning Wagers from a Vegas Insider Who’s Nailed 7 of the Last 13 Kentucky Derbys Get ready for a blockbuster Saturday, April
Florida Derby & Arkansas Derby Horse Racing Betting Previews and Best Bets

Horse Racing betting previews of the Florida Derby and the Arkansas Derby with Best Bets by Frank Taddeo, a respected Las Vegas Horse Handicapper who has hit 7 of the last 10 Kentucky Derby winners. On Saturday, racing fans will be treated to two important Kentucky Prep races – the Florida Derby and the Arkansas Derby. Earlier on Saturday, racing fans will get to watch the $1,000,000 Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream Park. The race features Bill Mott’s No. 10 Sovereignty (8/5) who heads in fresh off a win in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream which earned him a 98 Equibase rating for his effort. However, drawing the outside post in 1 1/8 Mile contest is not something I am willing to back on top at short-odds. Up second will be the $1,500,000 Arkansas Derby (G1) from Oaklawn Park. I will preface this breakdown by stating that I will be fading Bob Baffert’s No. 9 Cornucopian (1-1) at short-odds as he takes a massive step up in class and distance. The son of Into Mischief caught the eyes of many horse bettors when he won a maiden special weight sprint at Oaklawn back on February 23 with an Equibase speed rating of 108. Coal Battle looks to stay undefeated on the Road to the #KyDerby in tomorrows G1 Arkansas Derby at @OaklawnRacing pic.twitter.com/1CS84m3de7 — Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) March 28, 2025 Instead I will be focusing on my top Derby prospect No. 8 Coal Battle (5/1) at solid plus-odds on top. The son Coal Front, who is 5-for-7 in his career, is in peak form winning four consecutive races with Juan Vargas in the saddles. In 2025, he has already won the Smarty Jones and the Rebel Stakes improving in every win. In the Rebel, he posted a career-best 104 Equibase speed figure. Who will cross the finish line first? Let’s take a look at the odds and dive deeper into these races. Florida Derby (G1) Racetrack: Gulfstream Park Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025 Purse: $1,500,000 Distance: 1 1/8 Mile, Dirt Race: 14 Post Time: 6:42 p.m. EST / 3:42 PST Who is your pick in this afternoon’s Arkansas Derby? 🤔 Post time 7:48pm ET pic.twitter.com/ZdGkioNdrr — Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) March 29, 2025 Florida Derby Betting Breakdown My top play is No. 1 Neoequos (10/1) who drew the rail and is likely the speed of the race. I am willing to bet that Saffie Joseph will have Edgard Zayas send him to the lead and try to take them gate-to-wire. TOP Exacta Part-Wheel: 1 /4,7,8,9,10 $1 wager: $5 Protective Exacta BOX: 1-4-10-9-8 $1 wager: $20 TOP Trifecta Part-Wheel: 1 with 4,9,10 with 4,7,8,9,10 $1 wager: $12 Trifecta BOX: 1-4-10-9 ¢.50 wager: $12 All wagers display ticket cost. All bettors should adjust wager amounts based upon bankroll *** Arkansas Derby (GI) Racetrack: Oaklawn Park Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025 Purse: $1,500,000 Distance: 1 1/8 mile, Dirt Race: 13 Post Time: 7:48 p.m. EST / 4:48 PST Who is your pick in this afternoon’s Arkansas Derby? 🤔 Post time 7:48pm ET pic.twitter.com/ZdGkioNdrr — Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) March 29, 2025 Arkansas Derby Betting Breakdown I have been on No. 8 Coal Battle (5/1) all winter and I will be backing my top Derby prospect once again in the Arkansas Derby at solid 5-1 odds TOP Exacta Part-Wheel: 8 / 3,6,9 $1 wager: $3 TOP Trifecta Part-Wheel: 8 / 3,6,9 / 2,3,4,6,9, $1 wager: $9 WIN BET: No.8 One Unit All wagers display ticket cost. All bettors should adjust wager amounts based upon bankroll.
2024 Breeder’s Cup Saturday Picks

RESPECTED MONEY: 2024 BREEDERS CUP SATURDAY PICKS The annual Breeder’s Cup World Championships bring out the best of the best in the horse racing community. It’s a two-day event filled with many races and a who’s who of the community. Respected Money‘s 2024 Breeder’s Cup Saturday Picks will catch you up on all you need to know about this event. KEY: TOP PICK FAVORITES LIVE LONGSHOTS TOP MOONSHOTS Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint – RACE 4 7 furlongs on dirt for females 3 and up. Purse: $1 million. Post time: 12 p.m. Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint – RACE 5 5 furlongs on turf for horses 3 and up. Purse: $1 million. Post time: 12:41 p.m. Breeders’ Cup Distaff – RACE 6 1 1/8 miles on dirt for females 3 and up. Purse: $2 million. Post time: 1:21 p.m. Breeders’ Cup Turf – RACE 7 1 ½ miles on turf for horses 3 and up. Purse: $4 million. Post time: 2:01 p.m. Breeders’ Cup Classic RACE 8 1 ¼ miles on dirt for horses 3 and up. Purse: $6 million. Post time: 2:41 p.m. Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf RACE 9 1 ¼ miles on turf for females 3 and up. Purse: $2 million. Post time: 3:25 p.m. Breeder’s Cup Spring Race 10 6 furlongs on dirt for horses 3 and up. Purse: $2 million. Post time: 4:05 p.m. Breeders’ Cup Turf Mile RACE 11 1 mile on turf for horses 3 and up. Purse: $1 million. Post time: 4:45 p.m. Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile RACE 12 1 mile on dirt for horses 3 and up. Purse: $2 million. Post time: 5:25 p.m. ENTER OUR WEEK 9 DRAFT CONTEST! How it Works: First, draft your team using our On-Demand Simulator. Second, try to stack the team with players you think will do well this week. Finally, the highest Week 9 Score wins. (PLUS: You get to see the Thursday Night game and then draft!) Here’s our Week 9 Player Rankings to help. First, it’s a best-ball contest, so no need to submit a lineup. We’ll optimize the best one. Second, you just sit back and watch your team climb the leaderboard. Weekly Prizes and a Grand Prize at the end of the season! Finally, The Grand Prize Winner (highest individual week of the season) gets to choose from the amazing prizes below. If you don’t know just how awesome and amazing the Panini Flawless Football briefcase is, make sure and watch the video starting at the 8-minute mark! Trading cards are back! MEMBER PERK! Fulltime Members get 5 Free On-Demand Drafts each month in our contest! DRAFT YOUR WEEK 9 TEAM and enter your REDEMPTION CODE you received by email.
2024 Belmont Stakes Betting Breakdown

Horse race handicapping is back with today’s 2024 Belmont Stakes Betting Breakdown! Belmont Stakes 156 features a talented field of 10 entrants highlighted by both the Derby (Mystik Dan) and Preakness (Seize the Grey) winners along with the Derby runner-up (Sierra Leone). With Belmont Park under construction for a new home, the last leg of the Triple Crown has moved north to beautiful Saratoga. Due to the layout of Saratoga’s track, the race normally runs at a distance of 1 ½-mile The race will now be reduced to a length of 1 ¼ miles. In case you are wondering, the Belmont Stakes, normally the longest of the Triple Crown races, will be run at the same distance required in the Kentucky Derby. Oddsmakers have installed Sierra Leone as the 9/5 morning-line favorite. The son of Gun Runner with Flavien Prat abroad will try to earn his fourth win in six career starts for trainer Chad Brown. New shooter and lightly raced Mindframe, who is a perfect 2-for-2 for Todd Pletcher, is listed as the 7/2 second choice on the morning line odds. This son of Constitution, who broke his maiden at Gulfstream Park winning by nearly 14 lengths back in the end of March, followed that up with a 7-length victory at Churchill Downs on May 4. Mystik Dan, who finished second in the Preakness after winning the Derby, is the third overall betting choice at odds of 5-1. Let’s dive right in and take a deeper look at the top contenders as well as some solid value longshots in the FullTime Fantasy 2024 Belmont Stakes Betting Breakdown 2024 Belmont Stakes Time, Location, TV: Racetrack: Saratoga Race Course – Saratoga Springs, New York Date: Saturday, June 8, 2024 Purse: $2,000,000 Distance: 1 ¼ mile, Dirt Race: 12 Post Time: 6:41 p.m. EST / 3:41 PST TV: FOX Image courtesy of @BelmontStakes on X PACE MAKES RACE: PREFERED RUNNING STYLES HORSES OF NOTE: Listed by post number, name, and odds: TOP CONTENDERS BY THE ODDS #9 Sierra Leone (9/5) Sierra Leone ran the longest distance of any horse in the Kentucky Derby and it cost him to come up just short to Mystik Dan. This son of Gun Runner, who won the Risen Star and Blue Grass Stakes, is two “noses” away from being undefeated. Favoritism is merited here. He is easily the horse to beat. Chad Brown has opted to replace jockey Tyler Gaffalione with Flavien Prat. #10 Mindframe (7/2) This unbeaten son of Constitution is one of three entrants that could supply trainer Todd Pletcher with his potential fifth trip to the winner’s circle at the Belmont Stakes. Despite the impressive wins, Mindframe is easily an underlay at these short odds in this step up in class against this quality field. Can not overlook perhaps the best jockey in the country in Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard for the third consecutive time. #3 Mystik Dan (5-1) Mystik Dan is the only horse in the field who will be competing in all three legs of the Triple Crown. After winning the Kentucky Derby this son of Goldencents will try to rebound after being upset by Seize the Grey in the Preakness. Three starts in five weeks results in a better use underneath as a trifecta and/or superfecta ticket target. Should enjoy the cutback in distance relief. #1 Seize the Grey (8-1) This son of Arrogate was visually impressive beating Mystik Dan by 2 ¼-lengths in the Preakness. The question all ‘cappers must answer is whether his win was enhanced by the off-track sloppy conditions a few weeks back. Due to the presence of Mindframe, Dornoch, and The Wine Steward, it’s likely that this entrant for Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lucas will not find an uncontested lead as he did in the Preakness when he took the field wire-to-wire. LONGSHOTS #2 Resilience (10/1) This talented son of Into Mischief finished a disappointing sixth in the Kentucky Derby. The Wood Memorial winner has been training really well in his morning workouts leading up to Belmont and according to respected trainer Bill Mott, he could be sitting on a monster effort on Saturday. The reduction in distance from a 1 ½-mile race to 1 ¼ miles could make a huge difference here. At double-digit odds, he will likely be flying under the radar at the betting windows due to so many big names and experienced winners in the field. #8 Honor Marie (12-1) One of my top targets in the Derby was bounced around horribly at the starting gate, yet still recovered well enough for a respectable 8th-place finish. Those who backed the Derby’s “wise-guy” horse are willing to forgive that effort despite the fact the Belmont Stakes has historically not been a favorable race for deep closers. Will Florent Geroux try to have him more forwardly placed as opposed to closing from the clouds? #5 Antiquarian (12-1) This entry for Todd Pletcher with Johnny V in the saddles, is a true wild card. This son of Preservationist, who heads in off a career-best win in the Peter Pan Stakes back in May, has improved in each of his four career races hitting the board in three of those efforts. #6 Dornoch (15-1) My top-rated horse at the end of 2023 was this full brother to last year’s Kentucky Derby winner Mage. However, he has been a huge disappointment in 2024 finishing fourth in the BlueGrass and 10th in this year’s installment of the Run for the Roses. I expect his connections of Luis Saez and Danny Gargen to send this son of Good Magic right to the lead on Saturday. If he is able to get an uncontested lead, horse racing fans could be in store for a repeat of his top form displayed during wins in the Remsen Stakes and the Fountain of Youth. Can he be trusted despite his recent poor form? Belmont Stakes 156 Formula Rankings TOP TIER #9 Sierra Leone (Top Choice) #2 Resilience (Top Longshot)
Preakness 149: 2024 Betting Breakdown

Horse race handicapping is back with today’s Preakness 149: 2024 Betting Breakdown! Guest contributor: Frank Taddeo @RespectedMoney on X / Twitter. Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan heads a strong field in the 149th Preakness Stakes After watching an upset in
Kentucky Derby 150: Opening Odds

Contributing Author: Frank Taddeo @RespectedMoney on Twitter Kentucky Derby 150: Opening Odds The 150th Run For Roses Is A Wide-Open Race In 2024 The post-position draw for the “Fastest Two Minutes in Sports” was drawn a full week ahead of next Saturday’s 2024 installment of the prestigious race. The biggest takeaway from the draw is that it was not favorable for either of the two short morning-line favorites Fierceness (5/2) and Sierra Leone (3-1). The result of the less than ideal positions may result in a wide-open affair that could offer solid investment opportunities for bettors. Be sure to check back here at FullTime Fantasy on Friday as I will have a full betting breakdown with exotic wagers as my Respected Money formula looks to nail the Kentucky Derby winner for the fourth time in the last five years! 2024 KENTUCKY DERBY BETTING PROFILES Fierceness (5/2) POST NUMBER: No. 17 JOCKEY: John Velazquez / TRAINER: Todd Pletcher RECORD: 5 starts: 31-0-1 TOP EQUIBASE SPEED FIGURE: 110 RUNNING STYLE: Pace Presser The most impressive performance of the Florida Derby that I’ve ever seen came from this year’s Triple Crown candidate: Fierceness. He’s the favorite next Saturday and draws a post position that has NEVER won the Derby (17). Watch his epic race below. Sierra Leone (3-1) POST NUMBER: No. 2 JOCKEY: Tyler Gaffalione / TRAINER: Chad Brown RECORD: 4 starts: 3-1-0 TOP EQUIBASE SPEED FIGURE: 107 RUNNING STYLE: Closer Catching Freedom (8-1) POST NUMBER: No. 4 JOCKEY: Flavien Prat / TRAINER: Brad Cox RECORD: 5 starts: 3-0-1 TOP EQUIBASE SPEED FIGURE: 98 RUNNING STYLE: Closer Forever Young (10-1) POST NUMBER: No. 11 JOCKEY: Ryusei Sakai / TRAINER:Yoshito Yahagi RECORD: 5 starts: 5-0-0 TOP EQUIBASE SPEED FIGURE: n/a RUNNING STYLE: Stalker Just a Touch (10-1) POST NUMBER: No. 8 JOCKEY: Florent Geroux / TRAINER: Brad Cox RECORD: 3 starts:1-2-0 TOP EQUIBASE SPEED FIGURE: 105 RUNNING STYLE: Stalker Stronghold (20-1) POST NUMBER: No. 18 JOCKEY: Antonio Fresu / TRAINER: Phil D’Amato RECORD: 6 starts: 3-3-0 TOP EQUIBASE SPEED FIGURE: 99 RUNNING STYLE: Stalker Resilience (20-1) POST NUMBER: No. 19 JOCKEY: Junior Alvarado / TRAINER: Bill Mott RECORD: 6 starts: 2-1-1 TOP EQUIBASE SPEED FIGURE: 103 RUNNING STYLE: Stalker Mystik Dan (20-1) POST NUMBER: No. 3 JOCKEY: Brian Hernandez Jr. / TRAINER: Ken McPeek RECORD: 6 starts: 2-1-1 TOP EQUIBASE SPEED FIGURE: 110 RUNNING STYLE: Stalker Encino (20-1) — SCRATCHED POST NUMBER: No. 9 JOCKEY: XXX / TRAINER: Brad Cox RECORD: 4starts: 3-1-0 TOP EQUIBASE SPEED FIGURE: 108 RUNNING STYLE: Pace Presser Honor Marie (20-1) POST NUMBER: No. 7 JOCKEY: Ben Curtis / TRAINER: D. Whitworth Beckman RECORD: 5 starts: 2-2-0 TOP EQUIBASE SPEED FIGURE: 98 RUNNING STYLE: Closer Just Steel (20-1) POST NUMBER: No. 6 JOCKEY: Keith Asmussen / TRAINER: D. Wayne Lukas RECORD: 11 starts: 2-4-1 TOP EQUIBASE SPEED FIGURE: 112 RUNNING STYLE: Stalker Track Phantom (20-1) POST NUMBER: No. 12 JOCKEY: Joel Rosario / TRAINER: Steve Asmussen RECORD: 7 starts: 3-2-1 TOP EQUIBASE SPEED FIGURE: 100 RUNNING STYLE: Pacesetter Dornoch (20-1) POST NUMBER: No. 1 JOCKEY: Luis Saez / TRAINER: Danny Gargan RECORD: 6 starts: 3-2-0 TOP EQUIBASE SPEED FIGURE: 102 RUNNING STYLE: Pace Presser Endlessly (30-1) POST NUMBER: No. 14 JOCKEY: Umberto Rispoli / TRAINER: Michael McCarthy RECORD: 6 starts: 5-0-0 TOP EQUIBASE SPEED FIGURE: 103 RUNNING STYLE: Pace Presser Catalytic (30-1) POST NUMBER: No. 5 JOCKEY: Jose Ortiz / TRAINER:.Saffie Joseph Jr. RECORD: 3 starts: 1-2-0 TOP EQUIBASE SPEED FIGURE: 90 RUNNING STYLE: Pace Presser Domestic Product (30-1) POST NUMBER: No. 15 JOCKEY: Irad Ortiz Jr. / TRAINER: Chad Brown RECORD: 5 starts: 2-1-0 TOP EQUIBASE SPEED FIGURE: 92 RUNNING STYLE: Stalker T O Password (30-1) POST NUMBER: No. 10 JOCKEY: Kazushi Kimura / TRAINER: Daisuke Takayanagi RECORD: 2 starts: 2-0-0 TOP EQUIBASE SPEED FIGURE: n/a RUNNING STYLE: Pacesetter Grand Mo the First (50-1) POST NUMBER: No. 16 JOCKEY: Emisael Jaramillo / TRAINER: Victor Barboza Jr. RECORD: 6 starts: 2-0-4 TOP EQUIBASE SPEED FIGURE: 91 RUNNING STYLE: Stalker West Saratoga (50-1) POST NUMBER: No. 13 JOCKEY: Jesus Castanon / TRAINER: Larry Demeritte RECORD: 10 starts: 2-5-1 TOP EQUIBASE SPEED FIGURE: 93 RUNNING STYLE: Stalker Society Man (50-1) POST NUMBER: No. 20 JOCKEY: Frankie Dettori / TRAINER: Danny Gargan RECORD: 5 starts: 1-1-1 TOP EQUIBASE SPEED FIGURE: 99 RUNNING STYLE: Closer ***Epic Ride and Mugatu are the two also-eligible entrants each installed with 50-1 morning line odds should they draw.
Breeders’ Cup 2019 Saturday Picks!

Horse Racing bettor Frankie Fantasy hooks you up with the top picks from each race in the 36th Breeders’ Cup in Santa Anita, California.
2019 Kentucky Derby Picks & Analysis

Looking to figure out who to wager on for the Kentucky Derby? FullTime Fantasy has you covered with this in-depth breakdown of each and every horse ready to run!
