Journalism retains 5-1 favoritism in KDFW Pool 6

The sixth and final pool of the 2025 Kentucky Derby Future Wager (KDFW) closed Saturday at 4 p.m. ET, giving bettors an opportunity to lock into contenders prior to the last three major U.S. preps. 

Journalism retained 5-1 favoritism in Pool 6, duplicating his price from Pool 5 that ended March 16. A few hours later, the Michael McCarthy trainee confirmed his status by adding the Santa Anita Derby (G1). Journalism will bring a four-race winning streak to Louisville.  

Those who backed Baeza at 53-1 in Pool 6 could draw encouragement from his excellent runner-up effort in the Santa Anita Derby, although he could need help to make the Kentucky Derby (G1) field with 37.5 points. The half-brother to 2023 Derby hero Mage, and 2024 Belmont (G1) winner Dornoch, is currently no. 23 on the points list. 

Conversely, champion Citizen Bull, the 8-1 second choice in Pool 6, put a dent in his hopes with a disappointing fourth in the Santa Anita Derby. Barnes, a trailing fifth at Santa Anita, likely ran himself out of Derby contention altogether. Formerly the individual favorite in Pools 2, 3, and 4, Barnes was a 16-1 chance in Pool 6, making him the sixth choice overall. 

The co-third choices at 9-1 in Pool 6, Sandman and Sovereignty, had already turned in their final preps the preceding weekend. Sandman put it all together in the Arkansas Derby (G1), while Sovereignty was a solid second in the Florida Derby (G1) to Tappan Street, who finished Pool 6 as the fifth choice at 14-1.

Luxor Cafe, the winner of the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby, and Chancer McPatrick, among the main players in Tuesday’s Blue Grass (G1), both wrapped up Pool 6 at 19-1. 

Saturday’s Wood Memorial (G2) did not feature KDFW favorites, but fans of Rodriguez, a 62-1 shot in Pool 6, had plenty of reason to cheer after his front-running romp boosted his credentials. Wood runner-up Grande, who closed at 46-1, likewise earned himself a chance at the Run for the Roses, and Passion Rules, a 152-1 outsider in Pool 6, got up for third in Aqueduct’s signature prep. 

Captain Cook, best-fancied of the Wood runners in Pool 6 at 34-1, wound up fourth. Wood absentee Hill Road drifted up to 96-1, with his Derby prospects now doubtful after he spiked a fever.

The other prep on Saturday, the UAE Derby (G2) at Meydan, took place well in advance of the Pool 6 closing. Japan’s Admire Daytona scored a gutsy win over Heart of Honor, both qualifying for invitations reserved for the top two on the Euro/Mideast Road. Neither was nominated to the Triple Crown by the early deadline, or listed as an individual interest in Pool 6, but Admire Daytona is definitely headed to Louisville. Those who bet the mutuel field of “All others,” 26-1 at the close of trade on Saturday, will have him in their portfolio. 

Churchill Downs reported that total handle for all 2025 KDFW pools and the Kentucky Oaks Future Wager was a record $2,330,748, a jump of 13.6% from the $2,052,391 bet in the 2024 future wagers.

Complete results, including will-pays, will be available on the special Future Wager page on KentuckyDerby.com.