Best Exacta Bets for the Kentucky Derby 2025

by Jeremy Block - 4/28/2025

Everyone has a cousin who swears he “had the Derby exacta last year but forgot to bet it.” That guy? Ignore him. The Kentucky Derby isn’t just a horse race — it’s a 20-horse traffic jam with millions of dollars on the line and half the field pretending they belong there. That’s exactly why locking in the right exacta combo actually matters.

So, let’s skip the small talk and get straight to it: here’s my top exacta bet for the 2025 Kentucky Derby, along with the odds and the reasoning behind the play.

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What is an Exacta Bet?

Before we break down my top bets for this year’s Kentucky Derby, let’s do a quick little review of what an exacta bet actually is. Sure, like any wager, you're putting up money to (hopefully) make more money — but an exacta? That’s a whole different kind of sweat.

With an exacta, you’re betting on two horses to finish in specific spots — first and second, in that exact order. For example, let’s say you’ve got Final Gambit to finish second and Luxor Cafe to finish first. If they come in exactly like that, congrats, you’re cashing a nice ticket. But if they flip-flop or one fades late? That’s a big loss.

My Kentucky Derby Best Exacta Bet

Journalism (3-1) - To place 1st

It shouldn’t come as a shock to see Journalism crossing the line first in my exacta bet. This colt is a serious contender to take the crown. Why? Heading into this year’s Derby, Journalism is sitting at 3-1 odds, and for good reason. He’s stacked up four straight big-race wins, and everything is lining up for him to make it five.

Highly favored and racking up wins left and right, Journalism’s got all the momentum heading into the biggest stage of them all. And really — what better place to lock in a fifth straight win than under the lights at Churchill? Sure, there’ve been some whispers about his speed and stamina, but I’m still backing him to ride the hot streak, break clean, and take this one outright.

Rodriguez (12-1) - To place 2nd

Unlike my top bet, I’m sure I’ll have some jaws dropping here, but I’m backing Rodriguez to place and shock the crowd at this year’s Derby — and for good reason. Sure, 12-1 odds might not seem as promising as 3-1, but think of it as a solid payout when you follow my advice.

The hype may surround other big names, but we all know pressure can be a factor on the grand stage. I like an underdog like Rodriguez to use that pressure as fuel, coming out of the #4 post to surprise us all. Remember, the Bob Baffert-trained horse has had four career starts in 2025, with two 1st place finishes and one second-place outing.

He may not outrun Journalism (even with a 100 Beyer speed figure, faster than most horses in this race), but I’m all in on the son of 2020 Kentucky Derby winner Authentic to place and grab another silver finish here.

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