Skip to content
Categories News

Free Kentucky Derby Expert Pick: Sandman Give Me a Dream

Updated May 2, 2025 | 8:53 am CDT by Ben Rasa

The Kentucky Derby is back in its traditional spot on the first Saturday in May, marking the exciting start of the Triple Crown. The 151st running at Churchill Downs brings plenty of intrigue, notably trainer Bob Baffert’s return and 20 horses competing to begin their journey toward history. In this post, we’ll be providing free Kentucky Derby expert picks. You know, the top Kentucky Derby bets!

For bettors, this race offers thrilling opportunities and potential big payouts. With such a large field, the outcomes are numerous, making this event uniquely exciting. Let’s dive into the race preview, highlight some standout horses, and outline my betting strategy for the 2025 Kentucky Derby.

Discord Community Special

, the Kentucky Derby isn’t just about the main event—Churchill Downs hosts two full days of racing excitement. For more betting insights and community fun, my TAILS Jazzraz Discord using code DERBY for just $1 for the entire week. It’s a great weekend packed with horse racing and playoff sports action!


Race Preview

Twenty horses qualified for the Derby through points accumulated in earlier races. The favorite, Journalism, has been impressive and deserves his short odds. An interesting angle this year involves several Japanese entrants who bring some mystery and potential upside.

Weather conditions might affect the track, with possible rain on Friday leading to a potentially sloppy surface on Saturday. Still, I don’t expect the weather to significantly influence the race outcome.

Here are a few horses to consider when building your Kentucky Derby card:


Free Kentucky Derby Expert Picks

17) Sandman (6-1)

Sandman, starting from post 17, is my top pick despite historically challenging positioning. Sired by Tapit, trained by Mark Casse, and ridden by Jose Ortiz, he’s got a formidable team behind him. Although a bit erratic, Sandman’s talent was undeniable in his Arkansas Derby victory. His primary challenge will be navigating traffic, but his potential makes him my main selection.

18) Sovereignty (5-1)

Another major contender is Sovereignty, positioned at post 18 and currently the second betting choice. A proven closer, he showcased impressive finishes at both the Fountain of Youth and Florida Derby. The experienced trainer-jockey duo of Bill Mott and Junior Alvarado further boost his credibility. Sovereignty needs to improve speed-wise, but he’s one of the strongest threats to Journalism.

3) Final Gambit (30-1)

For a true Derby longshot, Final Gambit is my pick. Listed at 30-1, he showed late potential in the Jeff Ruby Stakes. Notably, Final Gambit hasn’t run on dirt before, creating uncertainty but also opportunity. If a fast pace develops upfront, this horse could capitalize in the stretch, making him a valuable inclusion on exotic tickets.


Kentucky Derby Bets

  • To Win: 17) Sandman
  • Exacta Box: 17, 18, 3

With these selections, I’m focused on Sandman’s potential win while also positioning myself for significant returns with the exacta box involving Sandman, Sovereignty, and Final Gambit.

Good luck with your wagers, and enjoy the race!

Categories News
The Best Online Sportsbooks for Beginners
Best Sleeper Promo Code Today
Avatar

Author

Ben Rasa

Next Story

EVEN MORE Stories of Bankroll Building with Portfolio EV — Plus 50% Off Your Next Month!

Trending & Related

Get a 7-DAY FREE TRIAL Of Portfolio EV Today!

Where Is Novig Legal? A 2025 Guide to Novig Legal States

Longest Odds to Win the NBA Draft Lottery | Who Those Lucky Teams Took

Betting 101

What is Portfolio EV? Guide to +EV Sports Betting

Positive Expected Value Explained: How to Find Positive EV Edges in Sports Betting

Why the Sportsbooks Hate You When You Actually Start Winning

Sports Betting Software Showdown: Which Tool Is Right for You?

Sports Betting Resources

  • Positive EV NFL Bets
  • Expert NFL Picks
  • Live NBA Odds
  • Positive EV NBA Bets
  • Expert NBA Picks
  • Live NFL Odds
  • NFL Parlay Calculator
  • Positive EV MLB Bets
  • Expert MLB Picks
  • Positive EV College Football Bets
  • Expert College Football Picks

Featured Articles

EVEN MORE Stories of Bankroll Building with Portfolio EV — Plus 50% Off Your Next Month!
June 2, 2025 3:10 pm | Sam Smith
How Bettors Used Portfolio EV to Beat the Books in May
June 1, 2025 12:56 pm | Sam Smith
Why the Sportsbooks Hate You When You Actually Start Winning
May 20, 2025 2:17 pm | Dave Loughran
What is Dinger Tuesday? How to Beat FanDuel’s Promotion
May 20, 2025 2:10 pm | Isaiah Sirois
How Portfolio EV Built My NBA Bankroll from $100 to $1,200
May 16, 2025 7:11 am | Greg Ehrenberg
You Don’t Need to Be a Genius to Beat the Books — Just the Right Tools
April 26, 2025 8:15 am | Dave Loughran

Related Articles

Best Sleeper Promo Code Today
June 7, 2025 6:42 am | Joseph Nardone
Best Underdog Promo Code Today
June 7, 2025 6:42 am | Joseph Nardone
Best ParlayPlay Promo Code Today
June 7, 2025 6:42 am | Joseph Nardone
Get a 7-DAY FREE TRIAL Of Portfolio EV Today!
June 5, 2025 11:50 am | Sam Smith
Where Is Novig Legal? A 2025 Guide to Novig Legal States
June 1, 2025 11:35 am | Sam Smith
Best DraftKings Pick6 Promo Code Today
May 31, 2025 11:01 am | Joseph Nardone

Best Sleeper Promo Code Today
June 7, 2025 6:42 am
Best Underdog Promo Code Today
June 7, 2025 6:42 am
Best ParlayPlay Promo Code Today
June 7, 2025 6:42 am
How Do I Make Money Sports Betting? Portfolio EV, Of Course
June 6, 2025 11:00 am
MLB Betting Strategy: 5 Tips for Winning on MLB Betting Sites
June 5, 2025 1:56 pm
What is Portfolio EV? Guide to +EV Sports Betting
June 5, 2025 11:54 am
MLB Home Run Betting Strategy: How to Profit on Home Run Bets
June 5, 2025 11:52 am
Get a 7-DAY FREE TRIAL Of Portfolio EV Today!
June 5, 2025 11:50 am
Positive Expected Value Explained: How to Find Positive EV Edges in Sports Betting
June 5, 2025 11:45 am
Underdog Fantasy Pick’em Predictions Today: Chet Holmgren (June 5)
June 5, 2025 9:01 am

How Can I Find the Best Sports Betting and DFS App Bonuses?

If you're a new sports bettor, it's hard to know where to start. In fact, it's simpler than it seems, because there are use OddsShopper's Free Bet Converter to maximize your beginning bankroll

Get a bonus code for BetMGM

Get a promo code Caesars Sportsbook

Best DraftKings Promo Code

Get a promo code for DraftKings

Use a promo code for FanDuel

Claim a promo code for PrizePicks

Get a promo code for UnderDog

the ranks of the OddsShopper Hall of Fame

  • Free Expert Picks

    • Free NBA Picks
    • Free MLB Picks
    • Free NFL Picks
    • Free NHL Picks
    • Free NCAAB Picks
    • Free NCAAF Picks
    • Free Golf Picks
    • Free UFC Picks
    • Free EPL Picks
    • Free Tennis Picks
    • Free WNBA Picks
  • Positive EV Bets

    • Positive EV NBA Bets
    • Positive EV MLB Bets
    • Positive EV NFL Bets
    • Positive EV NHL Bets
    • Positive EV NCAAB Bets
    • Positive EV NCAAF Bets
    • Positive EV Golf Bets
    • Positive EV UFC Bets
    • Positive EV EPL Bets
    • Positive EV Tennis Bets
    • Positive EV WNBA Bets
  • Betting Tools

    • Arbitrage Opportunities
    • Parlay Builder
    • PrizePicks Entry Builder
    • Underdog Entry Builder
    • Sleeper Entry Builder
    • Free Bet Converter
  • Articles

    • All Articles
    • NBA Articles
    • NFL Articles
    • NCAAF Articles
    • MLB Articles
    • PGA Articles
    • NHL Articles
    • NASCAR Articles
    • MMA Articles
  • Betting Calculators

    • Expected Value Calculator
    • Hold Calculator
    • Parlay Calculator
    • Odds Converter
  • Live Odds

    • Live NBA Odds
    • Live MLB Odds
    • Live NFL Odds
    • Live NHL Odds
    • Live NCAAB Odds
    • Live NCAAF Odds
    • Live Golf Odds
    • Live UFC Odds
    • Live EPL Odds
    • Live Tennis Odds
  • Sportsbook Promo Codes

    • BetMGM Bonus Codes
    • Bet365 Bonus Codes
    • FanDuel Promo Codes
    • DraftKings Promo Codes
    • Caesars Promo Codes
    • BetRivers Promo Codes
    • Sleeper Fantasy Promo Codes
    • Underdog Fantasy Promo Codes
    • Betr Picks Promo Codes

    • Us
    • of Use
    • Stokastic
OddsShopper Logo
© 2024 Stokastic.All Rights reserved.
This site contains commercial content, We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. OddsShopper makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event. Please play responsibly. Only customers 21 and over are permitted to play. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.