The article provides expert tips and predictions for the races at Churchill Downs on May 3rd, 2025. Highlights include Peter Fornatale's analysis and selections for races like the Kentucky Derby and others. Notably, 'Journalism' is considered a top contender for the Derby, with 'Zulu Kingdom' and 'Iron Man Cal' receiving praise in their respective races. The article emphasizes strategic selections, including longshot and exotic betting recommendations for an exciting day at the racetrack.
Churchill Downs hosts Kentucky Derby and other Grade One races on May 3, 2025
Key insights from Timeform and Peter Fornatale; 'Journalism' favored for the Derby
Top race picks include Zulu Kingdom, Iron Man Cal, and exotic bet strategies
Kentucky Derby. (Getty)
Expert tips for Churchill Downs on May 3rd, as the 2025 Kentucky Derby takes place at 23:57pm (UK Time).
Along with the Kentucky Derby, a couple of other Grade One races will take place on Saturday's card at Churchill Downs. Get the Timeform verdict on every race at Churchill Downs today, plus US resident Peter Fornatale's verdict on the Kentucky Derby and the American Turf Stakes.
Churchill Downs Tips on May 3rd - Kentucky Derby Day Selections
SPECIAL WAN must have a good chance on these terms. Winner last time out at Gulfstream Park 9 weeks ago. Looks the one to beat.
Sacred Wish has the rider for the big occasion up and is likely to be on the premises as well. Tax Implications merits a second look as well.
6:53pm Pat Day Mile Stakes
A range of ability on show in this Group Two. MADAKET ROAD comes here in a very good vein of form. Career best last time out at Gulfstream Park 5 weeks ago. Should make a bold show.
Gaming has the rider for the big occasion up and ought to go close as well. Built merits a closer look as well.
7:38pm Twin Spires Turf Sprint Stakes
ROGUE LIGHTNING looks the clear pick at the weights. Runner-up last time out at Keeneland 25 days ago. Promises to take plenty of beating looking at the opposition.
Think Big arrives here in a very good vein of form and can fill the runner-up spot.
8:23pm Churchill Downs Stakes
MINDFRAME was a winner last time out at Gulfstream Park 9 weeks ago. Must have a good chance on these terms and looks to have good claims.
Mullikin has a jockey up with an excellent record riding for this stable and is a contender as well. Book'em Danno also comes into the reckoning.
9:06pm American Turf Stakes
A big field for this Group One. IRON MAN CAL must have a good chance on these terms. Winner twice so far from four attempts and progressed further last time despite being beaten neck in Grade 1 at Del Mar.
New Century is of interest on stable debut and is our next pick. Zulu Kingdom is another who is entitled to a second look.
Peter Fornatale's Verdict
There are many ways one could go but my top pick is #7 ZULU KINGDOM, with my hope being that the .last run represents a new level of ability that he can continue to build off of, and also that the slightly added distance won’t find him out.
In terms of bigger prices, I also like #5 TEST SCORE as an each way/exotics possibility and also think that #1 WARLANDER will represent each-way value.
Journalism trains on the track during morning workouts prior to the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. (Getty)
9:50pm Derby City Distaff
KOPION struck last time out at Santa Anita 3 months ago. Had daylight back in second last time and would seem to have the best prospects.
Vahva put in a good piece of work the other day and is next on our list. Scylla also demands scrutiny.
10:39pm Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic Stakes
SPIRIT OF ST LOUIS was a bit below form last time out at Fair Grounds 6 weeks ago. Will get plenty of assistance from the saddle and merits serious consideration.
Gold Phoenix represents a yard in tremendous order at present and is likely also to go close. Integration is another who requires consideration.
11:57pm Kentucky Derby
JOURNALISM has looked straightforward to date and there’s plenty to like about his chances going in to the 151st Derby.
Sovereignty and Sandman haven’t had much luck with the draw but the race should be run to suit and they can chase home the pick in that order.
Peter Fornatale's Verdict
While I worry that I may lose credibility with some for picking the Derby favourite two years in a row, I really believe #8 JOURNALISM is the right bet on the probabilities and at the prices. He should get a great set up and if he runs his race, he wins. He looks like a 6-4 shot to me that will be at least 5-2 and I’ll make that wager every time.
I think #18 Sovereignty in the main danger, and a horse I’ll be using in USA-style exotics and I really like #21 Baeza, should he draw in. The deeper longshots for exotics/each-way consideration are #16 Coal Battle and #19 Chunk Of Gold. If you’ll allow me to mention one more runner, #12 East Avenue (big draw winner) is another number that will be on my USA-exotic tickets. I’ll have some boxed exactas: 8, 18 with 8, 12, 16, 18, 19.
Verdict
Kentucky Derby Expert Tips:
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