Eddie Olczyk Picks Kentucky Derby 2025: Journalism To Win; Exacta & Trifecta Bets

Famed horse racing enthusiast and personality Eddie Olczyk has announced his picks for the 2025 Kentucky Derby. 

With a spring breeze stirring the roses at Churchill Downs, Curlin colt Journalism has quietly transformed from a promising prospect into the horse to beat in the 2025 Run for the Roses. Since his authority-laced triumph in the Santa Anita Derby on April 5—his fourth career victory in just five starts—Journalism has captured not only the betting market but also the confidence of NBC’s own Eddie Olczyk, who tabbed him as his marquee Derby choice.

Olczyk has recently been discussing his favorite picks for the 2025 Run for the Roses.

TwinSpires is thrilled to welcome Eddie Olczyk to the team. 🎤

The former NHL star, Stanley Cup winner, and broadcaster with @NHL_On_TNT and @nbc will be bringing his expert picks and offering up TwinSpires BetShares all Kentucky Derby week! 🌹 pic.twitter.com/RrTzAuMIwl

— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) April 30, 2025

A Derby Dream for McCarthy and Rispoli

Journalism’s story is a study in unhurried maturation. Trained by Santa Anita veteran Michael McCarthy, the bay colt carries the hopes of a barn still chasing its first Kentucky Derby crown. Paired aboard by Umberto Rispoli—himself still seeking the sport’s most coveted prize—the duo have fashioned a flawless two-for-two record this season. When Rispoli steered Journalism to victory in April, it was more than a box checked on the road to Louisville. It was a statement: that this son of Curlin, who himself earned third in the 2007 Derby under Robbie Albarado, may be poised to better his sire’s effort.

The Santa Anita Derby has long served as a reliable springboard to May’s first Saturday. Since 2012, horses like Justify, California Chrome, and I’ll Have Another have carried momentum from California’s premier prep to the roses, awash with possibility. Now, Journalism s that lineage, stepping from Santa Anita’s storied oval to Churchill’s undulating turns with the weight of history—and expectation—on his shoulders.

Olczyk Declares: “He’s the Best Three-Year-Old”

“For me, he’s the best three-year-old in the race and will win the Kentucky Derby,” Olczyk said, his voice betraying a tinge of reverent excitement. Yet, with 20 colts set to charge from the gate, even the most astute handicapper must weigh not just likelihood but value.

Puck and Ponies with Eddie O! 🏇

Eddie Olczyk shares his best picks for the 151st Kentucky Derby and the favourites for the race events. pic.twitter.com/NAEY1WMUXR

— OverDrive (@OverDrive1050) May 1, 2025

Value Play: The Case for Tiztastic

Enter Tiztastic, the Steve Asmussen pupil who sparked eyebrows when capturing the Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds this March. A colt of sturdy frame and honest disposition, Tiztastic has compiled three wins from eight starts, leveraging his gritty late kick to collar foes in the slop. Asmussen, chasing his elusive first Derby trophy, will send Tiztastic postward at attractive odds—Olczyk suggests a show wager (win, place or show) at around £11 could prove a shrewd play.

Dark Horse Alert: Sandman and Baeza

Then there’s Sandman, drawn inconveniently in post 17 yet leaving an indelible mark with his Arkansas Derby romp. A hard-knocking son of rising sire Justify, Sandman darted through traffic and answered every challenge in Arkansas. His unassuming demeanour belies a capacity for nimble acceleration—on this day, that could prove enough to skewer the favorites.

And don’t overlook Baeza, the 21st horse on the also-eligible list who nearly pipped Journalism in their last outing, finishing a mere three-quarters of a length behind. If he draws in, Baeza brings form and grit—and perhaps the ultimate underdog narrative—to a field starved for storylines.

Olczyk’s 1-2-3 Derby Board

So while Journalism looms as the logical Derby favorite—homebred polish, a red-hot rider, and a Santa Anita Derby bullet in his hip pocket—Olczyk’s Derby board reflects the art of balanced handicapping: acknowledging the shine of the favorite while fishing for value elsewhere.

Eddie Olczyk’s 2025 Kentucky Derby 1-2-3 Picks

1. (8) Journalism
2. (14) Tiztastic
3. (17) Sandman
   – Reserve (21) Baeza (if drawn)

As the paddock gates swing open on May 3, each colt will trot into the spotlight under a quilt of bluegrass and memory. But it’s the colt named Journalism who has written his own introduction—one that could very well end with his name etched among the roses.