Photo: Caesars Entertainment showcases the excitement surrounding the Kentucky Derby 2025. Citizen Bull, the top 2-year-old male with a bright future, has emerged as the early futures favorite in Las Vegas. Caesars Sportsbook, the only shop expected to offer fixed-odds futures before spring, has placed the Bob Baffert-trained colt at 8-1, having opened at 16-1 three days before winning the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile on Nov. 1 at Del Mar.

Flashback: Citizen Bull Wins Breeders’ Cup Juvenile

This remarkable victory by Citizen Bull has set the stage for his potential dominance in the Kentucky Derby. His performance in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile was a testament to his talent and determination. Rated By Merit, with three wins including a pair of state-bred stakes victories in Florida under trainer Michael Yates, is the second futures choice at 14-1. Grade 1 Breeders’ Futurity winner East Avenue, who stumbled at the start in an eighth-place effort in the Breeders’ Cup, is priced at 15-1. Chancer McPatrick, who opened as the 8-1 favorite at Caesars, drifted to 18-1, while Gaming, which completed the Baffert exacta in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, also has the same odds of 18-1.There were a total of 73 horses listed by Caesars on Sunday in its Kentucky Derby futures. Each horse brings its own unique story and potential to the race. Citizen Bull stands out with his early favoritism, but the competition is fierce among these talented contenders.The odds for each horse vary, highlighting the uncertainty and excitement of the Kentucky Derby. From Citizen Bull at 8-1 to the longshots like Uncaged at 60-1 and It’s Hammertime at 175-1, every horse has a chance to make a mark. These odds not only reflect the current market sentiment but also add to the drama and anticipation of the race.The Kentucky Derby is a prestigious event that attracts the best horses from around the country. With such a diverse field of contenders, it's anyone's game. The early futures favorites may have an edge, but unexpected upsets are always a possibility. As we look ahead to Kentucky Derby 2025, the stage is set for an unforgettable race.