The Kentucky Derby is not only a race—it’s an occasion. The hats, the mint juleps, the roar of the gang. However past the favorites and all of the fanfare, there’s one thing much more thrilling: The surprises. The chaos. The horses nobody sees coming.
Yearly, a couple of underdogs stand up and steal the present, and 2025 could be no completely different.
Certain, names like Journalism are hogging the headlines. However the actual buzz? It’s constructing behind the scenes. Comeback tales. Breakout stars. Horses flying underneath the radar—ones bettors and racing followers can’t cease speaking about in boards, chats, and late-night debates.
So, pull up a chair, seize your favourite Derby snack (significantly, who doesn’t love slightly Kentucky bourbon caramel popcorn?), and let’s chat about the darkish horses who may simply make this yr’s Derby a race to recollect.
The Odds Aren’t Every little thing—However They Do Inform a Story
Now, everyone knows the favorites get a lot of the consideration, however there’s all the time room for that wild, surprising twist.
The Kentucky Derby is as a lot about surprises as it’s about custom. And whereas the chances makers have their checklist of prime contenders ( you, Journalism), typically the true stars of the race are those who no one noticed coming.
One factor you’ll discover is the chatter round Journalism, a horse that’s change into the betting favourite in current weeks. He’s been lighting up the prep races, displaying off some severe velocity and stamina, and, naturally, everybody’s placing their cash on him.
However right here’s the factor: racing boards are break up. Some followers are all in, satisfied this colt is the one to beat.
Others? They’re slightly extra skeptical, questioning if his current win was a fluke or if he’s simply one other overhyped contender. It’s creating a reasonably enjoyable debate. Does that make sense?
However right here’s the actual deal: whereas Journalism could be the discuss of the city, it’s the opposite horses—those who aren’t within the highlight—that would make this Derby unforgettable.
Learn our tips on how to learn betting odds information for a full breakdown on how odds work.
Horse #1 – Sandman: The Sleeper Decide
Should you’re the kind of one who loves a great lengthy shot, then Sandman is the identify it is advisable to know.
At 8-1 odds, this colt is stirring up a number of buzz throughout the betting communities. On paper, he may not seem like the apparent alternative, however there’s one thing about him that’s obtained individuals speaking.
He’s been popping up in practically each Derby futures dialogue currently. Persons are throughout Reddit swapping suggestions and predictions, and Sandman retains getting talked about as a possible shock.
What’s the enchantment? Properly, some say it’s his sturdy late-season kind, whereas others level to his capability to sneak up on the pack when it counts. You understand how typically, in the previous few seconds of a race, a horse comes from method behind and surprises everybody?
That’s the sort of momentum Sandman is constructing. He’s undoubtedly one to look at.
Horse #2 – Barnes: Baffert’s Comeback Colt
Right here’s a twist: Bob Baffert, the famed coach who’s been a staple on the Derby for years, is again. After a three-year suspension, Baffert is now eligible to saddle horses for the 2025 Derby.
And whereas some persons are nonetheless holding a grudge over the entire Medina Spirit controversy (let’s not relive that drama), there’s no denying that Baffert is aware of tips on how to win at Churchill Downs.
Enter Barnes, a colt that Baffert’s been bringing alongside slowly however certainly. It’s nonetheless early days, however you may already really feel the anticipation constructing. Will Baffert’s return shake up the Derby, or will or not it’s a case of too little, too late? Individuals have sturdy opinions on each side.
Some followers are all for his return, arguing {that a} Derby with out Baffert feels incomplete. Others, although, are extra hesitant, given the drama surrounding his suspension. Both method, Barnes might be the horse that finally ends up stealing the highlight.
Horse #3 – Tiztastic: Louisiana’s Large Shock
Bear in mind Tiztastic? Yeah, that identify is certainly one to recollect. This colt pulled off a big upset on the Louisiana Derby, a victory that earned him a spot on the Kentucky Derby.
Speak about shaking issues up! Earlier than that, Tiztastic was just about flying underneath the radar. However after his breakout efficiency, he’s been a sizzling matter amongst racing followers.
What makes Tiztastic so thrilling is that he got here out of nowhere. He wasn’t even on many individuals’s Derby radar till that race. However now? Persons are buzzing.
Might Tiztastic be the horse that lastly ends Louisiana’s Derby drought? Racing communities are undoubtedly excited to see what he can do on the large dance. It’s protected to say this colt has earned his place within the dialog—and at 20-1 odds, he may ship a surprising outcome.
Horse #4 – Sovereignty: The Underdog with Momentum
Should you haven’t heard about Sovereignty, you may wish to begin paying consideration. After a dominant victory on the Fountain of Youth Stakes, this colt has shortly moved up the ranks and is now being thought of a reputable challenger for the Derby crown.
For the time being, his odds are rising quick, and he’s being mentioned an increasing number of as a possible Derby winner.
What units Sovereignty aside is his capability to deal with stress. He doesn’t get rattled, and he can come by means of in probably the most high-stress conditions. You understand the saying: “Stress makes diamonds”? Properly, if Sovereignty is any indication, the stress of Derby day may convey out the most effective in him.
Plus, he’s beginning to decide up some steam with followers and bettors alike. Might he be the darkish horse that delivers the knockout punch?
The Large Image: Derby Day Will Be Stuffed with Surprises
Look, nobody can predict the Kentucky Derby with absolute certainty. There are such a lot of elements that go into the race—all the things from climate situations to the horses’ moods to who’s using them. However that’s a part of the enjoyable, proper?
The 2025 Derby guarantees to be as thrilling as ever, with a couple of darkish horses that may simply shock us all.
Whether or not it’s Sandman sneaking up on the favorites, Tiztastic making historical past for Louisiana, or Sovereignty displaying us what it means to thrive underneath stress, there’s a lot to maintain our eyes on within the coming weeks.
Need to wager in your favourite horses? Our horse racing betting information exhibits you tips on how to do it safely.
So, Who Are You Betting On?
Alright, my buddy, now it’s your flip: who’re you watching within the 2025 Kentucky Derby? Are you all concerning the favorites, or do you end up rooting for one in all these darkish horses?
Let me know within the feedback under or hit me up on social media. We’re all on this collectively—could the most effective horse win! And hey, bear in mind to benefit from the race (and the hats).
Joyful Derby season, y’all! 
The submit 2025 Kentucky Derby: The Lengthy Shot Darkish Horses to Maintain Your Eyes On appeared first on Boss of Betting.