Kentucky Derby 2025
Saturday, May 3, 2025 − Churchill Downs
Brad Free and David Aragona
- designates Keeneland sale graduate
| Horse/ Best Beyer | Trainer | David Aragona Odds | ||||||
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| Journalism 108 | Michael McCarthy | 4-1 | ||||||
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| BF: Gaudy comeback figure (was it too fast, too soon?), 3 for 3 routes, bred for Derby, plenty to like | ||||||||
| DA: Looked like clear Derby favorite in San Felipe score; came back with dazzling workout last week | ||||||||
| Sovereignty 95 | Bill Mott | 6-1 | ||||||
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| BF: Strong last-to-first win following four-month layoff, legit Derby prospect favored Sat. in final prep | ||||||||
| DA: Was thoroughly impressed by his Street Sense last year; returned with same relentless rally in FOY | ||||||||
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Citizen Bull
98
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Bob Baffert | 6-1 | ||||||
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| Brad Free: Champ 2yo exploited soft pace/soft trips in three stakes wins, always tough to beat as lone speed | ||||||||
| David Aragona: Afforded easy leads by stablemates in each major victory; gets tested against Journalism in SA Derby | ||||||||
| Coal Battle 91 | Lonnie Briley | 15-1 | ||||||
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| BF: Took advantage of perfect trip off hot pace to upset Rebel, 5 for 5 on dirt, versatile colt always fires | ||||||||
| SA: Avoided far turn traffic jam making Rebel winning move; 50 points puts him in the Derby field | ||||||||
| Barnes 105 | Bob Baffert | 20-1 | ||||||
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| BF: His 105 Beyer among fastest in crop, but with blinkers off he was outworked March 23 by Rodriguez | ||||||||
| DA: Already had misgivings about stamina, and those recent workouts are concerning; uncertain status | ||||||||
| Sandman 92 | Mark Casse | 20-1 | ||||||
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| BF: Late-runner was best finishing second in off-slow Southwest, only third best bucking bias in Rebel | ||||||||
| DA: Speed and rail-friendly surface on Rebel Day did him no favors; must step forward in Ark. Derby | ||||||||
| Chancer McPatrick 92 | Chad Brown | 25-1 | ||||||
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| BF: Two-turn dilemma still unresolved, rail-skimming runner-up comeback at TAM step in right direction | ||||||||
| DA: Finished well and at least showed more tactical speed with blinkers; the jury's still out on him | ||||||||
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Rodriguez
100
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Bob Baffert | 25-1 | ||||||
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| BF: No visble alibi for third in San Felipe, but outworked Barnes on March 23, may be coming back around | ||||||||
| DA: Took off blinkers in last drill and seemed to wake up; the ability is there if he can put it all together | ||||||||
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Tiztastic
95
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Steve Asmussen | 25-1 | ||||||
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| BF: Late-runner put it all together in La. Derby that set up perfectly; next stop, Kentucky; will be finishing | ||||||||
| DA: Got the right trip in fast-paced FG victory; clearly wants to run all day, but will need racing luck | ||||||||
| Captain Cook 94 | Rick Dutrow | 30-1 | ||||||
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| BF: Passed route test defeating modest AQU field at 9 furlongs, ranks among Wood faves same distance | ||||||||
| DA: Earned fast fig in convincing Withers score; flying under the radar for now, but maybe not for long | ||||||||
| American Promise 95 | D. Wayne Lukas | 30-1 | ||||||
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| BF: Dominated second-tier field in one-turn nine-furlong race at CNL; 55 points puts him in Derby field | ||||||||
| DA: Sustained honest pace in dominant Va. Derby score; few can match this mammoth's physical stature | ||||||||
| Burnham Square 91 | Ian Wilkes | 30-1 | ||||||
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| BF: Seemed to stall at quarter pole before re-rally in FOY, odd performance ultimately disappointing | ||||||||
| DA: Lacked turn of foot in FOY; still earned new top Beyer, galloped out well; deserves another chance | ||||||||
| Chunk of Gold 92 | Ethan West | 30-1 | ||||||
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| BF: Lightly raced closer produced more tactical speed in La. Derby; ran better, paired his career-best fig | ||||||||
| DA: $2,500 yearling is an overachiever; ran better than looks in both preps; will need to improve again | ||||||||
| Hill Road 89 | Chad Brown | 30-1 | ||||||
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| BF: Decent comeback and gallop-out by BC Juvenile third-place finisher puts late-runner in Derby picture | ||||||||
| DA: Figured to need return; has encountered slow paces in both dirt starts; likely to do better next time | ||||||||
| Tappan Street 87 | Brad Cox | 30-1 | ||||||
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| BF: Solid stakes runner-up with wide trip in first route, first vs. winners; all or nothing in Florida Derby | ||||||||
| DA: Holy Bull doesn't look as strong in retrospect; don't love that he'll enter Derby with just three starts | ||||||||
| Flood Zone 98 | Brad Cox | 35-1 | ||||||
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| BF: Decisive victory in one-turn Gotham, fast U.S. colt will try to stretch his speed in lucrative Dubai route | ||||||||
| DA: Showed massive improvement first-time Cox in Gotham; puzzled by decision to go to U.A.E. Derby | ||||||||
| River Thames 94 | Todd Pletcher | 35-1 | ||||||
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| BF: Got nailed first try two turns, not sure how far he wants to run, must answer distance question | ||||||||
| DA: Proved he belongs at this level in FOY, but have same concerns as Brad about distance limitations | ||||||||
| Madeket Road 90 | Bob Baffert | 40-1 | ||||||
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| BF: Propelled by bias at OP, speed figs have stalled, SA-based front-runner removes blinkers Sat. at GP | ||||||||
| DA: Set extremely fast pace, but speed/rail did well on Rebel Day; still not sure he's Derby material | ||||||||
| Owen Almighty 92 | Brian Lynch | 40-1 | ||||||
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| BF: Exploited soft pace to wire field at TAM, but he won't get such an easy trip if ends up in Ky. Derby | ||||||||
| DA: Talented colt looks better suited to shorter races, but always tough for owners to resist Derby fever | ||||||||
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Flying Mohawk
84
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Whit Beckman | 50-1 | ||||||
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| BF: Turf-synthetic specialist banked 50 points at TP, but has never raced on dirt nor run particularly fast | ||||||||
| DA: Ruby runner-up has got owners dreaming of the Derby; hard to build a case for this one first time dirt | ||||||||
Road to the Derby
| Date | Race / Track / Distance | Winner / Beyer | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, Sep 14, 2024 |
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Jonathan’s Way 90 | Race Recap View Chart |
Jonathan’s Way
90
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| Saturday, Oct 5, 2024 |
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East Avenue 95 | Race Recap View Chart |
East Avenue
95
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| Saturday, Oct 5, 2024 |
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Citizen Bull 88 | Race Recap View Chart |
Citizen Bull
88
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| Saturday, Oct 5, 2024 |
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Chancer McPatrick 92 | Race Recap View Chart |
Chancer McPatrick
92
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| Sunday, Oct 27, 2024 |
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Sovereignty 87 | Race Recap View Chart |
Sovereignty
87
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| Friday, Nov 1, 2024 |
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Citizen Bull 96 | Race Recap View Chart |
Citizen Bull
96
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| Saturday, Nov 30, 2024 |
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First Resort 88 | Race Recap View Chart |
First Resort
88
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| Saturday, Dec 7, 2024 |
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Poster 84 | Race Recap View Chart |
Poster
84
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| Friday, Dec 13, 2024 |
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Coal Battle 84 | Race Recap View Chart |
Coal Battle
84
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| Saturday, Dec 14, 2024 |
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Journalism 87 | Race Recap View Chart |
Journalism
87
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| Saturday, Dec 21, 2024 |
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Built 92 | Race Recap View Chart |
Built
92
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| Saturday, Jan 4, 2025 |
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Cyclone State 84 | Race Recap View Chart |
Cyclone State
84
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| Saturday, Jan 4, 2025 |
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Coal Battle 84 | Race Recap View Chart |
Coal Battle
84
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| Saturday, Jan 18, 2025 |
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Disco Time 77 | Race Recap View Chart |
Disco Time
77
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| Saturday, Jan 25, 2025 |
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Speed King 93 | Race Recap View Chart |
Speed King
93
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| Saturday, Feb 1, 2025 |
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Burnham Square 90 | Race Recap View Chart |
Burnham Square
90
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| Saturday, Feb 1, 2025 |
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Citizen Bull 98 | Race Recap View Chart |
Citizen Bull
98
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| Saturday, Feb 1, 2025 |
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Captain Cook 94 | Race Recap View Chart |
Captain Cook
94
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| Saturday, Feb 8, 2025 |
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John Hancock 85 | Race Recap View Chart |
John Hancock
85
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| Saturday, Feb 15, 2025 |
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Magnitude 108 | Race Recap View Chart |
Magnitude
108
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| Sunday, Feb 16, 2025 |
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Getaway Car 92 | Race Recap View Chart |
Getaway Car
92
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| Saturday, Feb 22, 2025 |
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California Burrito 92 | Race Recap View Chart |
California Burrito
92
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| Sunday, Feb 23, 2025 |
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Coal Battle 91 | Race Recap View Chart |
Coal Battle
91
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| Saturday, Mar 1, 2025 |
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Flood Zone 98 | Race Recap View Chart |
Flood Zone
98
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| Saturday, Mar 1, 2025 |
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Sovereignty 98 | Race Recap View Chart |
Sovereignty
98
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| Sunday, Mar 2, 2025 |
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Journalism 108 | Race Recap View Chart |
Journalism
108
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| Saturday, Mar 8, 2025 |
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Owen Almighty 92 | Race Recap View Chart |
Owen Almighty
92
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| Saturday, Mar 15, 2025 |
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American Promiese 95 | Race Recap View Chart |
American Promiese
95
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| Saturday, Mar 22, 2025 |
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Final Gambit 90 | Race Recap View Chart |
Final Gambit
90
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| Saturday, Mar 22, 2025 |
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Tiztastic 95 | Race Recap View Chart |
Tiztastic
95
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| Saturday, Mar 29, 2025 |
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Preview Get PPs | |||||
| Saturday, Mar 29, 2025 |
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Preview Get PPs | |||||
| Saturday, Apr 5, 2025 |
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| Saturday, Apr 5, 2025 |
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| Saturday, Apr 5, 2025 |
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| Saturday, Apr 12, 2025 |
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European Road to the Derby
| Date | Race / Track / Distance | Winner | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, Sep 28, 2024 |
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Hotazhell |
Hotazhell
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| Saturday, Sep 28, 2024 |
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Wimbledon Hawkeye |
Wimbledon Hawkeye
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| Sunday, Oct 6, 2024 |
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Camille Pissarro |
Camille Pissarro
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| Saturday, Oct 26, 2024 |
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Hotazhell |
Hotazhell
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| Friday, Feb 28, 2025 |
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Titanium Emperor |
Titanium Emperor
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| Saturday, Apr 5, 2025 |
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Japan Road to the Derby
| Date | Race / Track / Distance | Winner | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, Nov 23, 2024 |
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Natural Rise |
Natural Rise
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| Wednesday, Dec 11, 2024 |
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Myriad Love |
Myriad Love
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| Sunday, Feb 23, 2025 |
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Luxor Cafe |
Luxor Cafe
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| Saturday, Mar 29, 2025 |
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Journalism
Colt by Curlin – Mopotism, by Uncle Mo
Bred in Kentucky by Don Alberto Corp. ($825,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling purchase by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners)
Journal
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Citizen B
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Feb 26,2025
Coal Battle locked up a spot in the Kentucky Derby with his win in the Grade 2 Rebel last Sunday at Oaklawn Park. Whether he goes straight to the classic or has one more prep in the Arkansas Derby is
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Nicole Russo
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California Burrito’s résumé has looked better over time as horses he tangled with last year have come back with strong efforts. And now, with less than 10 weeks to the Kentucky Derby, he has furth
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Brad Free
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Brad Free
Feb 26,2025
WHO’S HOT
Coal Battle and Madaket Road finished one-two in the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park, but opinions may differ on who ran better. Coal Battle benefited from a perfect trip behind a
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Burnham Square
Nicole Russo
Feb 26,2025
Burnham Square
Gelding by Liam’s Map – Linda, by Scat Daddy
Bred in Kentucky by Whitham Thoroughbreds
Burnham Square, winner of the Grade 3 Holy Bull, looks to take the next step on Gulfs
Coal Battle proves himself again; wears down Madaket Road for Rebel score
Mary Rampellini
Feb 23,2025
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Coal Battle remained unbeaten on dirt Sunday, when he won his third Kentucky Derby points race in the Grade 2, $1.25 million Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park.
Coal Battle won his
Solid field of eight drawn for Fountain of Youth showdown
Mike Welsch
Feb 23,2025
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Three of the top 14 3-year-olds on Daily Racing Form’s latest Derby Watch list, Burnham Square (third), Sovereignty (sixth), and River Thames (14th), are among the eight h
California Burrito holds off Baby Max to win Battaglia Memorial
Nicole Russo
Feb 22,2025
On Friday night at Turfway Park, trainer Tom Drury Jr. saddled Admit in the 1 1/16-mile Cincinnati Trophy. The filly ran out of ground to reel in loose-on-the-lead White Rocks, settling for second in
Kentucky Derby 2025: Cox hopes for hot pace in Rebel
Mary Rampellini
Feb 19,2025
Trainer Brad Cox is hopeful Admiral Dennis will get the right kind of setup in the Grade 2, $1.25 million Rebel Stakes on Sunday at Oaklawn Park. The son of Constitution won an allowance last out at F
Kentucky Derby 2025: Baeza looks to leap from maiden victory to Santa Anita Derby
Brad Free
Feb 19,2025
Though few 3-year-olds transition successfully from maiden victory to Grade 1, few have as much natural ability and pedigree power as Baeza. The well-bred colt’s dominating maiden route victory Feb.
Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for Feb. 19, 2025
Brad Free
Feb 19,2025
WHO’S HOT
Magnitude was hot, then not. Magnitude crushed the Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds by nearly 10 lengths and would have been favored this week on the Daily Racing Form Derby Watch Top
Kentucky Derby 2025: Caesars the last Vegas sportsbook to offer fixed-odds futures
Brad Free
Feb 19,2025
Remember when many Las Vegas sportsbooks offered winter-book wagering on the Kentucky Derby? The list is down to one, as Ceasars is the last Las Vegas sportsbook to offer fixed-odds future wagers on t
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Sandman
Nicole Russo
Feb 19,2025
Sandman
Colt by Tapit – Distorted Music, by Distorted Humor
Bred in Kentucky by Lothenbach Stables ($1.2 million Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co. March 2-year-olds in training purchase by West Poin
With storm approaching, Oaklawn rearranges calendar; Rebel Day is now Sunday
Mary Rampellini
Feb 18,2025
In advance of a winter storm system, Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Ark., has moved the Rebel Stakes card to Sunday, according to track president Lou Cella. The card featuring the Kentucky Derby points
Kentucky Derby 2025: Cyclone State early favorite in Saudi Derby
Steve Andersen
Feb 19,2025
Led by Cyclone State, the winner of the Jerome Stakes at Aqueduct on Jan. 4, Saturday’s Group 3, $1.5 million Saudi Derby at a mile in Saudi Arabia has three nominees to the American Triple Crown in
Getaway Car noses out Caldera in thrilling Sunland Derby stretch run
Mary Rampellini
Feb 16,2025
Getaway Car picked up 20 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby on Sunday when he came back along the rail to win by a nose over Caldera in the $400,000 Sunland Park Derby. It was another nine lengt
Coal Battle, Speed King headline 14-horse Rebel Stakes field
Mary Rampellini
Feb 16,2025
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Coal Battle and Speed King, who have won the first two Kentucky Derby points races this meet at Oaklawn Park, will both be part of a 14-horse field for the track’s Grade 2, $1.
Magnitude in fine shape after Risen Star shocker
Marcus Hersh
Feb 16,2025
Not only did Magnitude run fast, but he recovered fast as well.
Magnitude, performing more like a 4-5 shot than the 43-1 chance that he was, blitzed the Risen Star Stakes early Saturday evening at
Magnitude ($88.40) roars with dominating upset of Risen Star
Marcus Hersh
Feb 15,2025
In an earthquake of an upset, Magnitude rumbled home a blowout winner of the Risen Star Stakes on Saturday at Fair Grounds.
It’s not just that Magnitude scored at boxcar odds of 43-1. He rolled t
Pletcher Derby hopeful Vassimo tests positive for betamethasone
Matt Hegarty
Feb 13,2025
Vassimo, an aspiring Kentucky Derby candidate trained by Todd Pletcher who has been entered in this weekend’s Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds in New Orleans, tested positive for a regulated medica
Citizen Bull made 6-1 favorite in fourth Kentucky Derby future pool
Matt Hegarty
Feb 11,2025
Citizen Bull, last year’s champion 2-year-old colt and the winner of this year’s Robert B. Lewis Stakes in his only 2025 start, has been made the 6-1 individual morning-line favorite for the fourt
Getaway Car highlights field of nine for Sunland Park Derby
Mary Rampellini
Feb 09,2025
Getaway Car will invade from Southern California to lead a field of nine for the $400,000 Sunland Park Derby next Sunday in New Mexico. He will launch his 3-year-old season in the 1 1/16-mile Kentucky
John Hancock likely to skip Tampa Bay Derby, Cox says
David Grening
Feb 09,2025
Add the name John Hancock to the list of lightly raced, later-developing colts from the barn of Brad Cox who will attempt to make it to the Kentucky Derby.
John Hancock’s front-running, hard-foug
East Avenue tops field of 13 for Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds
Marcus Hersh
Feb 08,2025
A field of 13 3-year-olds, headed by Grade 1 winner East Avenue, was entered Saturday for the Risen Star Stakes on Feb. 15.
The Grade 2, $500,000 Risen Star, carded for 1 1/8 miles as the last of 1
John Hancock makes statement with narrow victory in Sam F. Davis Stakes
David Grening
Feb 08,2025
John Hancock declared himself a 3-year-old to watch on the Kentucky Derby trail with a gutsy half-length victory over Owen Almighty in Saturday’s $250,000 Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs.
Kentucky Derby 2025: Godolphin has four good shots in bid for first win
David Grening
Feb 05,2025
Recently honored with its fifth consecutive Eclipse Award for leading owner and having campaigned seven equine North American champions over the last four years, Godolphin – the global operation of
Kentucky Derby 2025: After minor setback, Journalism back on track
Brad Free
Feb 05,2025
Journalism’s splashy arrival as a leading California 3-year-old hit a setback after his impressive win Dec. 14 in the Grade 2 Los Alamitos Futurity. But if a Derby candidate must have a setback, the
Kentucky Derby 2025: Baffert could run two in Saudi Derby
Brad Free
Feb 05,2025
Bob Baffert is contemplating the $1.5 million Saudi Derby on Feb. 22 for Getaway Car and Romanesque, though Baffert’s itinerary for 3-year-olds is subject to change.
“This is when I nominate ev
Kentucky Derby 2025: First Resort trying to catch up on missed training
Brad Free
Feb 05,2025
While his Grade 2 Remsen winner Poster runs Saturday in the $250,000 Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs, trainer Eoin Harty also looks forward to the return of First Resort, winner of the Grade 2
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Citizen Bull
Nicole Russo
Feb 05,2025
Citizen Bull
Colt by Into Mischief – No Joke, by Distorted Humor
Bred in Kentucky by Robert and Lawana Low ($675,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase by SF Bloodstock/Starlight Racing/Madaket
Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for Feb. 5, 2025
Brad Free
Feb 05,2025
WHO’S HOT
Citizen Bull opens as 10-1 favorite on the Derby Watch Top 20 after a front-running comeback win Feb. 1 in the Grade 3 Robert B. Lewis at Santa Anita. Wire-to-wire winner of the Breeder
Kentucky Derby 2025: Cox still high on Patch Adams
Mary Rampellini
Feb 05,2025
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Patch Adams emerged from his fourth-place finish in last month’s Grade 3 Southwest at Oaklawn Park in excellent condition, trainer Brad Cox said Tuesday, with plans for the hor
Garcia expecting great things of Citizen Bull after Robert Lewis triumph
Steve Andersen
Feb 02,2025
ARCADIA, Calif. - Martin Garcia is not only the regular rider of Citizen Bull, the champion 2-year-old male of 2024 and a stakes winner at Santa Anita on Saturday. He may be the colt’s greatest admi
Dutrow says timing just right as Captain Cook targets Wood Memorial
David Grening
Feb 02,2025
When Rick Dutrow watches Captain Cook train in the morning, very little about the son of Practical Joke stands out to the veteran horseman.
“He looks like a regular horse, a regular 9-to-5
Burnham Square makes statement with Holy Bull triumph
Mike Welsch
Feb 01,2025
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Burnham Square overcame what trainer Ian Wilkes described as “a lot of adversity” and took a major step forward on the Kentucky Derby trail by registering a very professio
Citizen Bull returns with easy score in Robert B. Lewis
Brad Free
Feb 01,2025
ARCADIA, Calif. – Citizen Bull picked up right where he left off.
The champion juvenile colt of 2024 took advantage of a favorable trip Saturday at Santa Anita, where he scored a front-running vi
Captain Cook fires quick Withers time to start on Kentucky Derby trail
Marcus Hersh
Feb 01,2025
Captain Cook easily made the jump from the maiden ranks to stakes competition winning the $250,000 Withers Stakes by 2 1/4 lengths Saturday at Aqueduct and landing at least somewhere near the Kentucky
Speed King ($30.60) scores 20 more Kentucky Derby points with Southwest victory
Mary Rampellini
Jan 25,2025
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Jockey Rafael Bejarano began wintering at Oaklawn Park two seasons ago in search of a Kentucky Derby prospect, and everything came up roses for him Saturday when he guided Speed
Gaming draws the rail for 3-year-old debut in Southwest Stakes
Mary Rampellini
Jan 19,2025
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Eclipse Award finalist Gaming will battle impressive maiden winners Patch Adams and American Promise for Kentucky Derby points next Saturday at Oaklawn Park when he breaks from t
Cox unbothered by Disco Time's slow time in Lecomte win
Marcus Hersh
Jan 19,2025
The slowest raw time in recent Lecomte Stakes history also produced the lowest Beyer Speed Figure in recent Lecomte Stakes history, but trainer Brad Cox believes Disco Time will continue improving thr
Lecomte runner-up Built to bypass Risen Star, wait for Louisiana Derby
Marcus Hersh
Jan 19,2025
Built didn’t win the Lecomte Stakes, regressing from the 92 Beyer Speed Figure he earned winning the Gun Runner on Dec. 21 to a 78, but trainer Wayne Catalano, if nothing else, saw a colt that displ
Disco Time rallies wide, gets up in time to take Lecomte
Marcus Hersh
Jan 18,2025
Disco Time splashed his way to a 3 for 3 record, 20 Kentucky Derby qualifying points, and a neck win in the Grade 3, $250,000 Lecomte Stakes on Saturday at Fair Grounds.
His victory for breeder Jud
Catalano not afraid of Built's outside post in Lecomte
Marcus Hersh
Jan 15,2025
A trainer with a horse entered in the Lecomte Stakes related a recent conversation with another Fair Grounds horse person, the conversational companion suggesting connections of the 3-year-old colt Bu
Lecomte Stakes: Built could be favorite in 14-horse field, maybe ....
Marcus Hersh
Jan 11,2025
They have cometh out of all corners for the Lecomte Stakes on Jan. 18 at Fair Grounds.
The Fair Grounds racing office assembled and finalized the Lecomte and the rest of its six-stakes card Saturda
Coal Battle, after Smarty Jones triumph, points to Rebel Stakes next
Mary Rampellini
Jan 05,2025
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Joy and laughter follow lighthearted trainer Lonnie Briley around, and on Sunday morning the 72-year-old was elated with Coal Battle, who won his second straight Kentucky Derby p
Cyclone State likely to skip Withers; eyes Saudi Derby, Gotham, or Fountain of Youth
David Grening
Jan 05,2025
OZONE PARK, N.Y. - Cyclone State, the 3 1/2-length winner of Saturday’s Jerome Stakes at Aqueduct, is scheduled to ship Jan. 12 to South Florida, where he will train while his connections ponder his
Coal Battle adds more Derby points with third straight win in Smarty Jones
Mary Rampellini
Jan 04,2025
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Coal Battle won his second consecutive Kentucky Derby points race on Saturday, when he bounded away to a four-length win over Mo Quality in the $250,000 Smarty Jones Stakes at Oa
Cyclone State scores stakes-debut Jerome victory
David Grening
Jan 04,2025
OZONE PARK, N.Y. - Cyclone State made a successful stakes debut Saturday at Aqueduct, posting a front-running, 3 1/2-length victory in the $150,000 Jerome Stakes that ran his winning streak to three a
Baffert, McCarthy well stocked for California road to Kentucky Derby
Brad Free
Jan 02,2025
ARCADIA, Calif. – From the first Saturday of each winter month at Santa Anita to the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs, the search is on to find a 3-year-old with the right stuff.
For thos
Strategy pays off as Built triumphs in Gun Runner Stakes
Marcus Hersh
Dec 21,2024
After the 2-year-old Hard Spun colt Built won a seven-furlong maiden race, his second start, in October at Keeneland, trainer Wayne Catalano and owner Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners decided to skip the
Coal Battle grabs Derby points with Springboard Mile upset
Mary Rampellini
Dec 14,2024
Coal Battle picked up 10 points toward the Kentucky Derby on Friday night when he closed for a half-length win over Speed King in the $300,000 Springboard Mile at Remington Pa
Journalism writes his way into divisional picture with Los Alamitos Futurity win
Steve Andersen
Dec 14,2024
CYPRESS, Calif. – Seven weeks after his first start, Journalism won his stakes debut in Saturday’s Grade 2 Los Alamitos Futurity to gain a place among the leading 3-year-old prospects of 2025.
Poster noses Aviator Gui in Remsen, capping big week for trainer Harty
David Grening
Dec 07,2024
OZONE PARK, N.Y. - As he watched the stretch run of Saturday’s Grade 2, $250,000 Remsen Stakes on a television set in the Aqueduct paddock, Eoin Harty, the trainer of Poster, did the lean done by ma
First Resort continues progress, takes Kentucky Jockey Club
Marcus Hersh
Nov 30,2024
The trainer Eoin Harty’s first 2-year-old start of 2024 came on July 5 at Ellis Park, when the Godolphin homebred First Resort scored a snappy maiden sprint win. On Saturday at Churchill Downs, Firs
Breeders' Cup Juvenile: Baffert not setting plans for Citizen Bull, Gaming just yet
David Grening
Nov 02,2024
DEL MAR, Calif. – Trainer Bob Baffert may be able to dream about the Kentucky Derby again but as of Saturday morning, he had no set plans as it pertained to Citizen Bull and Gaming, the one-two
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile: Baffert lands record victory with gate-to-wire score by Citizen Bull
David Grening
Nov 01,2024
DEL MAR, Calif. – After a three-year banishment from the Kentucky Derby, trainer Bob Baffert will be permitted to run horses in the world’s most famous horse race in 2025.
It’s six month
First Kentucky Derby Future Wager pool opens Wednesday
Matt Hegarty
Oct 28,2024
Churchill Downs will open its first 2025 Kentucky Derby future wager pool this Wednesday with 38 individual 2-year-olds on offer as well as two field bets.
This is the third year that Churchill has
Sovereignty goes last to first in Street Sense
Nicole Russo
Oct 27,2024
It was a coming-out party for some of the powerful Godolphin stable’s young stars on Sunday, as homebreds carrying the outfit’s blue swept the stakes that were co-features on the “Stars of Tomor
Chancer McPatrick goes from last to first to stay unbeaten in Champagne Stakes
David Grening
Oct 05,2024
OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Chancer McPatrick delivered an eye-catching last-to-first victory in Saturday’s Grade 1, $500,000 Champagne Stakes at Aqueduct that could very well send him to Del Mar as the fa
Citizen Bull punches ticket to Breeders’ Cup Juvenile in American Pharoah Stakes
Steve Andersen
Oct 05,2024
ARCADIA, Calif. – A random phone call from jockey Martin Garcia to trainer Bob Baffert in the middle of the week led to Garcia riding the outstanding 2-year-old Citizen Bull to a win in the Grade 1
Jonathan’s Way picks up first Derby points in Iroquois
Nicole Russo
Sep 14,2024
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – After Jonathan's Way overcame trouble for a dominant maiden victory last month at Saratoga, circling the field after being pinched back at the break, trainer Phil Bauer liked
Road to the Derby Series tweaked for 2025
Matt Hegarty
Sep 06,2024
The Road to the Kentucky Derby Series that determines preferences for horses getting into the Derby starting gate has been tweaked this year to award a lower total number of points in races that do no
2025 Virginia Derby moved to dirt, added to Kentucky Derby trail
Marcus Hersh
Aug 12,2024
Colonial Downs, which is owned by Churchill Downs Inc., on Sunday announced it would host a four-day race meeting next March in addition to its regular summer season running from late July through ear
Kentucky Derby Point Standings
Rank
Horse/Trainer
Horse/
Trainer
Horse
Trainer
Points
Non-Restricted Stakes
Earnings
1
Tiztastic
Steve Asmussen
Tiztastic
Steve Asmussen
119
1,395,800
2
Final Gambit
Brad Cox
Final Gambit
Brad Cox
100
446,400
3
Chunk of Gold
Ethan West
Chunk of Gold
Ethan West
75
324,400
4
Coal Battle
Lonnie Briley
Coal Battle
Lonnie Briley
70
1,034,500
5
Owen Almighty
Brian Lynch
Owen Almighty
Brian Lynch
65
415,310
6
Citizen Bull
Bob Baffert
Citizen Bull
Bob Baffert
60
1,376,000
7
Sovereignty
Bill Mott
Sovereignty
Bill Mott
60
364,800
8
American Promise
Wayne Lukas
American Promise
Wayne Lukas
55
335,000
9
Flood Zone
Brad Cox
Flood Zone
Brad Cox
50
165,000
10
Flying Mohawk
Whit Beckman
Flying Mohawk
Whit Beckman
50
156,800
11
Journalism
Mike McCarthy
Journalism
Mike McCarthy
47.5
300,000
12
Getaway Car
Bob Baffert
Getaway Car
Bob Baffert
46
570,800
13
Built
Wayne Catalano
Built
Wayne Catalano
45
180,000
14
Chancer McPatrick
Chad Brown
Chancer McPatrick
Chad Brown
35
550,000
15
John Hancock
Brad Cox
John Hancock
Brad Cox
35
160,000
16
Maximum Promise
Kenny McPeek
Maximum Promise
Kenny McPeek
33
96,150
17
Madaket Road
Bob Baffert
Madaket Road
Bob Baffert
31
244,000
18
Poster
Eoin Harty
Poster
Eoin Harty
31
194,700
19
Burnham Square
Ian Wilkes
Burnham Square
Ian Wilkes
30
171,800
20
Sandman
Mark Casse
Sandman
Mark Casse
29
307,995
21
Render Judgement
Kenny McPeek
Render Judgement
Kenny McPeek
29
126, 210
22
Omaha Omaha
Michael Gorham
Omaha Omaha
Michael Gorham
26
142,500
23
Speed King
Ron Moquett
Speed King
Ron Moquett
25
631,250
24
Instant Replay
Brad Cox
Instant Replay
Brad Cox
25
100,000
25
River Thames
Todd Pletcher
River Thames
Todd Pletcher
25
79,200
26
Sand Devil
Linda Rice
Sand Devil
Linda Rice
25
60,000
27
Hill Road
Adrian Murray
Hill Road
Adrian Murray
24
215,000
28
Rodriguez
Bob Baffert
Rodriguez
Bob Baffert
21.25
76,000
29
Captain Cook
Rick Dutrow Jr.
Captain Cook
Rick Dutrow Jr.
20
137,500
30
California Burrito
Tommy Drury Jr.
California Burrito
Tommy Drury Jr.
20
109,008
31
Barnes
Bob Baffert
Barnes
Bob Baffert
18.75
180,000
32
Gaming
Bob Baffert
Gaming
Bob Baffert
18
569,000
33
Neoequos
Saffie Joseph, Jr.
Neoequos
Saffie Joseph, Jr.
15
41,250
34
Garamond
Chad Brown
Garamond
Chad Brown
15
36,000
35
Patch Adams
Brad Cox
Patch Adams
Brad Cox
14
71,500
36
Giocoso
Keith Desormeaux
Giocoso
Keith Desormeaux
13
55,345
37
Studlydowright
John Robb
Studlydowright
John Robb
11
274,775
38
East Avenue
Brendan Walsh
East Avenue
Brendan Walsh
10
368,750
39
Baby Max
Kelsey Danner
Baby Max
Kelsey Danner
10
114,776
40
Caldera
Wayne Lukas
Caldera
Wayne Lukas
10
95,360
41
Publisher
Steve Asmussen
Publisher
Steve Asmussen
10
85,000
42
Cyclone State
Chad Summers
Cyclone State
Chad Summers
10
82,500
43
Tappan Street
Brad Cox
Tappan Street
Brad Cox
10
49,000
44
Vassimo
Todd Pletcher
Vassimo
Todd Pletcher
10
20,000
45
Mellencamp
Bob Baffert
Mellencamp
Bob Baffert
8.5
22,000
46
Touchy
Wesley Ward
Touchy
Wesley Ward
6
105,000
47
Innovator
Wayne Lukas
Innovator
Wayne Lukas
6
103,658
48
Dapper Moon
Dallas Stewart
Dapper Moon
Dallas Stewart
6
46,328
49
Gate to Wire
Todd Pletcher
Gate to Wire
Todd Pletcher
5
148,950
50
Tip Top Thomas
Todd Pletcher
Tip Top Thomas
Todd Pletcher
5
100,000
51
Brodeur
Mark Casse
Brodeur
Mark Casse
5
10,500
52
Clock Tower
Wesley Ward
Clock Tower
Wesley Ward
4
103,938
53
Take Charge Tom
Robertino Diodoro
Take Charge Tom
Robertino Diodoro
4
103,000
54
Golden Afternoon
Nicholas Vaccarezza
Golden Afternoon
Nicholas Vaccarezza
4
73,875
55
Camp Hale
Ian Wilkes
Camp Hale
Ian Wilkes
4
10,000
56
Smooth Cruisin
Karen Headley
Smooth Cruisin
Karen Headley
3.75
18,000
57
Mo Plex
Jeremiah Englehart
Mo Plex
Jeremiah Englehart
3
156,250
58
Filoso
Chad Summers
Filoso
Chad Summers
3
59,875
59
Smokem Wicked
Dallas Stewart
Smokem Wicked
Dallas Stewart
2
140,050
60
He’s Not Joking
Josie Carroll
He’s Not Joking
Josie Carroll
2
85,249
61
Bon Temps
Wayne Lukas
Bon Temps
Wayne Lukas
2
39,625
62
Monet’s Magic
Ben Colebrook
Monet’s Magic
Ben Colebrook
2
36,000
63
Admiral Dennis
Brad Cox
Admiral Dennis
Brad Cox
2
35,520
64
Rank
Doug O’Neill
Rank
Doug O’Neill
2
12,500
65
Itsmybirthday
Robertino Diodoro
Itsmybirthday
Robertino Diodoro
2
11,640
66
Uncle Jim
Brad Cox
Uncle Jim
Brad Cox
2
10,000
67
Bracket Buster
Victoria Oliver
Bracket Buster
Victoria Oliver
1
5,820
About the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs
The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the American Triple Crown series for 3-year-old Thoroughbreds. Held each year at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on the first Saturday in May, the race track has presented the Kentucky Derby continuously since 1875. The Kentucky Derby is run at the distance of 1 1/4 miles and is arguably the most famous horse race in the world.
Horses compete in the Kentucky Derby after qualifying through a series of preparatory races known as the Road to the Kentucky Derby. These stakes races are held at racetracks across the country and award Derby qualifying points to the top four finishers. The Kentucky Derby starters and contenders are comprised of the horses with the most qualifying points, with two of the 20 spots reserved for the top qualifiers from the European and Japanese Road to the Derby qualifying events.
The Kentucky Derby has many traditions, including drinking mint juleps, wearing festive hats, and singing "My Old Kentucky Home" as the horses enter the track. Its sister race, the Kentucky Oaks, exclusively for 3-year-old fillies, takes place the day before the Kentucky Derby, on the first Friday in May. Both Oaks Day and Derby Day are treated as local holidays in Louisville.
The horse who wins the Kentucky Derby receives a blanket of red roses, the official flower of the Kentucky Derby. The race is commonly referred to as the “Run for the Roses.”
The winning horse in the Kentucky Derby becomes the only horse eligible to complete that year's Triple Crown, by running in and winning the two other legs of the series. The middle "jewel" is the Preakness Stakes two weeks later at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, and the final leg is the Belmont Stakes three weeks after the Preakness at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y. In 2024 and 2025, the Belmont Stakes will be held at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. due to ongoing renovations at Belmont Park.
Kentucky Derby Point Standings
Rank
Horse/Trainer
Horse
Trainer
Points
1
Tiztastic
Steve Asmussen
Tiztastic
Steve Asmussen
119
2
Final Gambit
Brad Cox
Final Gambit
Brad Cox
100
3
Chunk of Gold
Ethan West
Chunk of Gold
Ethan West
75
4
Coal Battle
Lonnie Briley
Coal Battle
Lonnie Briley
70
5
Owen Almighty
Brian Lynch
Owen Almighty
Brian Lynch
65
6
Citizen Bull
Bob Baffert
Citizen Bull
Bob Baffert
60
7
Sovereignty
Bill Mott
Sovereignty
Bill Mott
60
8
American Promise
Wayne Lukas
American Promise
Wayne Lukas
55
9
Flood Zone
Brad Cox
Flood Zone
Brad Cox
50
10
Flying Mohawk
Whit Beckman
Flying Mohawk
Whit Beckman
50
11
Journalism
Mike McCarthy
Journalism
Mike McCarthy
47.5
12
Getaway Car
Bob Baffert
Getaway Car
Bob Baffert
46
13
Built
Wayne Catalano
Built
Wayne Catalano
45
14
Chancer McPatrick
Chad Brown
Chancer McPatrick
Chad Brown
35
15
John Hancock
Brad Cox
John Hancock
Brad Cox
35
16
Maximum Promise
Kenny McPeek
Maximum Promise
Kenny McPeek
33
17
Madaket Road
Bob Baffert
Madaket Road
Bob Baffert
31
18
Poster
Eoin Harty
Poster
Eoin Harty
31
19
Burnham Square
Ian Wilkes
Burnham Square
Ian Wilkes
30
20
Sandman
Mark Casse
Sandman
Mark Casse
29
21
Render Judgement
Kenny McPeek
Render Judgement
Kenny McPeek
29
22
Omaha Omaha
Michael Gorham
Omaha Omaha
Michael Gorham
26
23
Speed King
Ron Moquett
Speed King
Ron Moquett
25
24
Instant Replay
Brad Cox
Instant Replay
Brad Cox
25
25
River Thames
Todd Pletcher
River Thames
Todd Pletcher
25
26
Sand Devil
Linda Rice
Sand Devil
Linda Rice
25
27
Hill Road
Adrian Murray
Hill Road
Adrian Murray
24
28
Rodriguez
Bob Baffert
Rodriguez
Bob Baffert
21.25
29
Captain Cook
Rick Dutrow Jr.
Captain Cook
Rick Dutrow Jr.
20
30
California Burrito
Tommy Drury Jr.
California Burrito
Tommy Drury Jr.
20
31
Barnes
Bob Baffert
Barnes
Bob Baffert
18.75
32
Gaming
Bob Baffert
Gaming
Bob Baffert
18
33
Neoequos
Saffie Joseph, Jr.
Neoequos
Saffie Joseph, Jr.
15
34
Garamond
Chad Brown
Garamond
Chad Brown
15
35
Patch Adams
Brad Cox
Patch Adams
Brad Cox
14
36
Giocoso
Keith Desormeaux
Giocoso
Keith Desormeaux
13
37
Studlydowright
John Robb
Studlydowright
John Robb
11
38
East Avenue
Brendan Walsh
East Avenue
Brendan Walsh
10
39
Baby Max
Kelsey Danner
Baby Max
Kelsey Danner
10
40
Caldera
Wayne Lukas
Caldera
Wayne Lukas
10
41
Publisher
Steve Asmussen
Publisher
Steve Asmussen
10
42
Cyclone State
Chad Summers
Cyclone State
Chad Summers
10
43
Tappan Street
Brad Cox
Tappan Street
Brad Cox
10
44
Vassimo
Todd Pletcher
Vassimo
Todd Pletcher
10
45
Mellencamp
Bob Baffert
Mellencamp
Bob Baffert
8.5
46
Touchy
Wesley Ward
Touchy
Wesley Ward
6
47
Innovator
Wayne Lukas
Innovator
Wayne Lukas
6
48
Dapper Moon
Dallas Stewart
Dapper Moon
Dallas Stewart
6
49
Gate to Wire
Todd Pletcher
Gate to Wire
Todd Pletcher
5
50
Tip Top Thomas
Todd Pletcher
Tip Top Thomas
Todd Pletcher
5
51
Brodeur
Mark Casse
Brodeur
Mark Casse
5
52
Clock Tower
Wesley Ward
Clock Tower
Wesley Ward
4
53
Take Charge Tom
Robertino Diodoro
Take Charge Tom
Robertino Diodoro
4
54
Golden Afternoon
Nicholas Vaccarezza
Golden Afternoon
Nicholas Vaccarezza
4
55
Camp Hale
Ian Wilkes
Camp Hale
Ian Wilkes
4
56
Smooth Cruisin
Karen Headley
Smooth Cruisin
Karen Headley
3.75
57
Mo Plex
Jeremiah Englehart
Mo Plex
Jeremiah Englehart
3
58
Filoso
Chad Summers
Filoso
Chad Summers
3
59
Smokem Wicked
Dallas Stewart
Smokem Wicked
Dallas Stewart
2
60
He’s Not Joking
Josie Carroll
He’s Not Joking
Josie Carroll
2
61
Bon Temps
Wayne Lukas
Bon Temps
Wayne Lukas
2
62
Monet’s Magic
Ben Colebrook
Monet’s Magic
Ben Colebrook
2
63
Admiral Dennis
Brad Cox
Admiral Dennis
Brad Cox
2
64
Rank
Doug O’Neill
Rank
Doug O’Neill
2
65
Itsmybirthday
Robertino Diodoro
Itsmybirthday
Robertino Diodoro
2
66
Uncle Jim
Brad Cox
Uncle Jim
Brad Cox
2
67
Bracket Buster
Victoria Oliver
Bracket Buster
Victoria Oliver
1
List of Recent Kentucky Derby Winners
| Year | Horse/Trainer | Horse | Trainer | Beyer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 |
Kenny McPeek
|
Mystik Dan | Kenny McPeek | 100 |
| 2023 |
Gustavo Delgado
|
Mage | Gustavo Delgado | 105 |
| 2022 |
Eric Reed
|
Rich Strike | Eric Reed | 101 |
| 2021 |
Brad Cox
|
Mandaloun | Brad Cox | 101 |
| 2020 |
Bob Baffert
|
Authentic | Bob Baffert | 105 |
| 2019 |
Bill Mott
|
Country House | Bill Mott | 99 |
| 2018 |
Bob Baffert
|
Justify | Bob Baffert | 103 |
| 2017 |
Todd Pletcher
|
Always Dreaming | Todd Pletcher | 102 |
| 2016 |
Doug O'Neill
|
Nyquist | Doug O'Neill | 103 |
| 2015 |
Bob Baffert
|
American Pharoah | Bob Baffert | 105 |
| 2014 |
Art Sherman
|
California Chrome | Art Sherman | 97 |
| 2013 |
Shug McGaughey
|
Orb | Shug McGaughey | 104 |
Q: Who is eligible to run?
The Kentucky Derby is open only to the favorite 3-year-old horses that are nominated to the Triple Crown series, and have earned enough qualifying points.
Q: How do horses earn qualifying points in the Kentucky Derby?
Horses earn qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby through a series of prep races run September – April at multiple tracks across the country. Points available for the races range from 1-100, depending on the quality of the race and where the horse finishes. View the full list of “Road to the Kentucky Derby” qualifying races at left.
Q: How many horses can start in the Kentucky Derby?
Currently a maximum of 20 horses can run in the Kentucky Derby. The largest field was 23 horses (1974) for the 100th running of the Kentucky Derby. The smallest field was just 3 horses (1892 and 1905).