The Santa Anita Derby returns on Saturday, April 5, 2025, bringing big-time action to one of America’s most iconic tracks. Held at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California, this Grade 1 race is a major Kentucky Derby prep and a prime chance for fans to grab betting bonuses and free bet offers from top sportsbooks.
Dating back to 1935, this race has launched legends like Affirmed, California Chrome, and Justify to Triple Crown glory.
The 2025 favorite is Journalism, a powerful Curlin colt trained by Michael McCarthy, who stamped his Derby credentials with a strong win in the San Felipe Stakes.
Best Santa Anita Derby Bonuses & Promo Offers (2025)
Looking to get in on the action? These are the top Santa Anita Derby betting bonuses available right now from trusted U.S. sportsbooks and racebooks:
- BET200
- STAKESNew customers only. DRF Bets horse betting sites/app is available.
Bonus terms apply. Must be 18+ or 21+ depending on your state.
Where to Bet on the 2025 Santa Anita Derby
You can legally place bets on the Santa Anita Derby online in these states: AZ, CA, CO, FL, IL, IN, KY, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, WA, WV, WY, and more.
Bettors can choose from pari-mutuel betting or fixed-odds horse racing (available through platforms like MonmouthBets in select states). For those comparing formats, fixed odds let you lock in your price at bet time, while pari-mutuel odds can fluctuate until post.
Santa Anita Derby 2025 Favorite: Journalism
The early buzz heading into the 2025 Santa Anita Derby centers around Journalism, the impressive colt trained by Michael McCarthy. Sired by Curlin and out of the mare Mopotism, Journalism has already proven he has both the bloodlines and the talent to be a serious Kentucky Derby contender.
He most recently captured the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita Park with a powerful closing kick, defeating rival Barnes by over a length. That performance solidified his place atop the Derby leaderboard and made him the morning line favorite for Saturday’s Santa Anita Derby at 6-5 odds.
With three wins in four career starts and over $330,000 in earnings, Journalism is a horse bettors can’t ignore. If you are not already sign up with AmWager welcome bonus you can claim $150 claim as a %100 match bonus.
How to Bet on the Santa Anita Derby
Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned fan, here’s a quick guide on how to bet on the Santa Anita Derby:
Popular Bet Types:
- Win, Place, Show
- Exacta – Pick the top 2 horses in exact order
- Trifecta – Predict the top 3 finishers
- Superfecta – Hit the top 4 in order
- Pick 3/4/5 – Combine races for bigger payouts
As Santa Anita Derby 2025 odds are released, you’ll also find prop bets like:
- Winning time
- Margin of victory
- Last-place finisher
- Horse vs. horse matchups
Santa Anita Derby 2025 Schedule & Race Info
- Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025
- Location: Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, CA
- Distance: 1 1/8 miles
- Surface: Dirt
- Purse: $750,000
- Post Time: Approx. 6:45 PM ET (TBC)
How to Watch the Santa Anita Derby Live
You can stream or watch the full Santa Anita Derby live on:
- TVG and FanDuel TV
- NBC Sports app
- Betting sites with live streaming, like Caesars Racebook or TVG
- Peacock Premium (NBC coverage)
Horses to Watch & Post Positions
Expect top contenders aiming to qualify for Churchill Downs. When the Santa Anita Derby horses 2025 are announced, check back here for full post positions, jockey info, and updated betting odds.
We’ll also post updated Santa Anita Derby picks, favorites vs. longshots, and expert predictions.
Santa Anita Derby Past Winners
Some of racing’s greatest have triumphed at Santa Anita:
- 2018 – Justify (Triple Crown winner)
- 2014 – California Chrome
- 1978 – Affirmed (Triple Crown winner)
- 2023 – Practical Move
- 2024 – Stronghold
Explore more about Santa Anita Derby history, fastest times, and notable moments in our Hall of Fame roundup.
Santa Anita Derby Betting FAQ
When is the Santa Anita Derby?
April 5, 2025, at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California.
How do I bet on the Santa Anita Derby?
You can bet online in eligible states via racebooks or sportsbooks with racing. Use win/place/show or exotic bets like trifectas and exactas.
Are there bonus offers for the Santa Anita Derby?
Yes. See the top racebook welcome offers above and check for limited-time promos on race day.
Where can I find Santa Anita Derby odds?
Odds are available at major racebooks and sportsbooks, with markets opening in late March.
Can I watch the Santa Anita Derby live online?
Yes, via TVG, FanDuel TV, and select sportsbook apps.
