LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Red-hot Journalism is the 3-1 morning-line favorite for the 151st Kentucky Derby with a favorable No. 8 post position that has tied for the second-most victories in horse racing’s marquee event.
Sovereignty is the 5-1 second choice in the 20-horse field for the May 3 race and will break from the No. 18 post outside Sandman, who drew the 17th spot on Saturday night and is the 6-1 third choice for the $5 million “Run for the Roses” at Churchill Downs to open the Triple Crown Series.
Bob Baffert’s two entrants face longer odds in the U.S. Racing Hall of Fame trainer’s return after a three-year suspension by the historic track after colt Medina Spirit failed a drug test after crossing the finish line first in 2021. Rodriguez is at 12-1 while Citizen Bull is at 20-1 after drawing the dreaded No. 1 post.
“Well, we got the 1 (spot) out of the way,” joked Baffert, who seeks a record seventh victory in the race. “I’m glad I didn’t get the 2 with the other horse.”
Good Cheer is the 6-5 favorite for the 151st Kentucky Oaks on Friday, the day before the Kentucky Derby. La Cara drew the No. 7 post of 14 entrants with 6-1 odds for the $1.5 million showcase for 3-year-old fillies. Simply Joking (No. 2 post) and Ballerina d’Oro (No. 6) are co-third choices at 10-1 odds.