First run in 1875, the Kentucky Derby has become one of America’s most iconic sporting events. Held each year at Churchill Downs in Louisville, it draws huge crowds eager to watch “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.”

As the opening leg of the Triple Crown, the Derby features the top three-year-old thoroughbreds, and in 2025, favorites like Journalism and Sovereignty lead a field that also includes intriguing underdogs like Coal Battle and Chunk of Gold.

Horse racing’s deep ties to gambling add to the thrill, especially when longshots defy the odds. Last year’s surprise win by Mystik Dan reminded fans that anything can happen. It’s those underdog stories that make the Derby more than a race—it’s a stage where the unexpected becomes unforgettable.

Here are the long odds for the 2025 Kentucky Derby.

Coal Battle

Coal Battle has quickly become one of the most compelling prospects for the Kentucky Derby, showing steady and impressive development. The dark bay colt, a son of Coal Front, enters the Derby trail on a three-race stakes winning streak, including a tactically sharp victory in the 1 1/16-mile Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park, where he prevailed by 1 1/4 lengths.

Initially known for his front-running speed, Coal Battle has evolved into a more measured and adaptable runner. In his last two outings, he demonstrated the ability to rate off the pace and deliver a strong late kick—key traits for a Derby contender. Though his sire was best at shorter distances, his damsire Midshipman adds some needed stamina to the mix.

Coal Battle has handled stretching out in the distance well, and his unbeaten record on both fast and wet tracks (5-for-5 combined) adds to his appeal. His upward trajectory and tactical versatility make him a serious Derby hopeful, though the demanding final furlong at Churchill Downs will be his biggest challenge yet.

As the excitement builds, platforms like FanDuel let fans track the action, check live odds, and explore betting options throughout the Derby trail. You can follow key prep races, track changes in live odds, and explore a wide range of betting options, all in one place. It’s a practical way to stay sharp while enjoying the thrill of the sport.

Chunk of Gold

Chunk of Gold, a colt by Preservationist out of Play for Gold, has emerged as a late-rising Derby contender. Trained by Ethan West, he was a runner-up finisher in the 1 3/16-mile Louisiana Derby (G2), bringing his record to 1 win and 3 seconds in 4 starts, with nearly $350,000 in earnings. His steady improvement has turned heads, positioning him as a dark horse with growing potential.

His pedigree blends stamina and speed—Preservationist, a Grade 1 winner at classic distances, provides staying power, while Cairo Prince contributes tactical versatility. Chunk of Gold’s evolution from a closing sprinter to a more polished router has been evident in his recent performances, including back-to-back second-place finishes in the Risen Star (G2) and Louisiana Derby (G2).

Both efforts showcased his ability to relax early and finish strongly, a promising sign for handling the 1 1/4-mile Derby distance. Recent sharp workouts at Turfway Park, including a swift five-furlong breeze in:59.60, suggest he’s peaking at the right time. With improving form, solid stamina, and a powerful late kick, Chunk of Gold stands out as a legitimate longshot with the tools to surprise on Derby Day.

Owen Almighty

Owen Almighty enters the Kentucky Derby trail with an appealing mix of speed and stamina in his pedigree. With champion sprinter Speightstown as his sire and a dam by Breeders' Cup Classic winner Bayern, he has both early speed and the potential to handle the 1 1/4-mile distance—making him a well-rounded, versatile contender to watch.

Trained by Brian Lynch, Owen Almighty has progressed steadily through the ranks. After a sharp maiden sprint win at Churchill Downs, he stretched out in distance while retaining his tactical sharpness. He impressed with three strong performances at Tampa Bay Downs: an easy win in a seven-furlong stakes, a solid second in the Sam F. Davis (G3), and a dominant, front-running victory in the Tampa Bay Derby (G3), pulling away by 3 1/2 lengths.

His ability to secure position early and finish strongly gives him a tactical edge in the crowded Derby field. With patient management from the Lynch barn and solid conditioning in his Palm Meadows workouts, Owen Almighty appears to be peaking at the right time. The continued support of top jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. only adds to the intrigue surrounding this steadily rising contender.

Final Words

As the 2025 Kentucky Derby approaches, all eyes are on the headline favourites—but underdogs like Coal Battle, Chunk of Gold, and Owen Almighty bring an extra layer of intrigue to the storied event. Each of these long shots has shown grit, growth, and versatility that can defy expectations on racing’s biggest stage.

In a race defined by tradition and surprises, the only sure thing is that anything can happen once the gates open at Churchill Downs on May 3, 2025.