Kentucky Derby 2025

Saturday, May 3, 2025 Churchill Downs

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Brad Free and David Aragona
Keeneland Logo - designates Keeneland sale graduate
Horse/ Best Beyer Trainer David Aragona Odds
Journalism 108 Michael McCarthy 9-2
Trainer: Michael McCarthy
Last Race: San Felipe, 3/1, 1st by 1 3/4, 108 Next Likely Race: Santa Anita Derby, 1 1/8, Santa Anita, April 5 Owner: Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, et a Sire: Curlin
BF: Highly rated comeback victory by true distance colt propels him to the top of list, 3 for 3 routes
DA: San Felipe changes the game for all; reeled in Barnes with room to spare, looking like Derby fave
Sovereignty 95 Bill Mott 8-1
Trainer: Bill Mott
Last Race: Fountain of Youth, 3/1, 1st by neck, 95 Next Likely Race: Florida Derby, 1 1/8, Gulfstream, March 29 Owner: Godolphin Sire: Into Mischief
BF: Outstanding last-to-first comeback victory was his first start in four months, joins Derby short list
DA: Was thoroughly impressed by his Street Sense last year; returned with same relentless rally in FOY
Barnes 105 Bob Baffert 8-1
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last Race: San Felipe, 3/1, 2nd by 1 3/4, 105 Next Likely Race: Undecided Owner: Zedan Racing Stables Sire: Into Mischief
BF: His 105 Beyer in first route would have won most San Felipes, trainer said Barnes "got a little tired"
DA: Validated the hype despite losing the best prep we've seen so far; still not sure he wants 10F
Citizen Bull 98 Keeneland Logo Bob Baffert 8-1
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last Race: Robert B. Lewis, 2/1, 1st by 3 3/4, 98 Next Likely Race: Santa Anita Derby, 1 1/8, Santa Anita, April 5 Owner: SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Stonestreet Stables, et al; Sire: Into Mischief
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; is he a one-dimensional front-runner?
Coal Battle 91 Lonnie Briley 15-1
Trainer: Lonnie Briley
Last Race: Rebel, 2/23, 1st by 1 1/4, 91 Next Likely Race: Arkansas Derby, 1 1/8, Oaklawn Park, March 29 Owner: Norman Stables Sire: Coal Front
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
Sandman 92 Mark Casse 20-1
Trainer: Mark Casse
Last Race: Rebel, 2/23, 3rd by 1 3/4, 89 Next Likely Race: Arkansas Derby, 1 1/8. Oaklawn Park, March 29 Owner: D. J. Stable, St. Elias Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds Sire: Tapit
BF: Was best finishing second in off-slow Southwest, only third best on speed-friendly track in Rebel
DA: Speed and rail-friendly surface on Rebel Day did him no favors; late-runner needs racing luck
Chancer McPatrick 92 Chad Brown 25-1
Trainer: Chad Brown
Last Race: Tampa Bay Derby, 3/8, 2nd by 3 1/2, 86 Next Likely Race: Wood/Blue Grass, 1 1/8, Aqueduct/Keeneland, April 5 Owner: Flanagan Racing Sire: McKinzie
BF: Two-turn dilemma still unresolved, though rail-skimming runner-up comeback step in right direction
DA: Finished well and at least showed more tactical speed with blinkers; the jury's still out on him
Burnham Square 91 Ian Wilkes 30-1
Trainer: Ian Wilkes
Last Race: Fountain of Youth, 3/1, 4th by 3, 91 Next Likely Race: Blue Grass, 1 1/8, Keeneland, April 5 Owner: Whitham Thoroughbreds Sire: Liam's Map
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
Captain Cook 94 Rick Dutrow 30-1
Trainer: Rick Dutrow
Last Race: Withers, 2/1, 1st by 2 1/4, 94 Next Likely Race: Wood Memorial, 1 1/8, Aqueduct, April 5 Owner: St. Elias Stables Sire: Practical Joke
BF: Passed route test defeating modest AQU field at 9 furlongs, potential Wood fave at same distance
DA: Got a soft trip, but nevertheless finished off Withers convincingly; 94 Beyer is solid for February
Flood Zone 98 Brad Cox 30-1
Trainer: Brad Cox
Last Race: Gotham, 3/1, 1st by 3 1/4, 98 Next Likely Race: U.A.E. Derby, 1 3/16 miles, Meydan, April 5 Owner: Wathnan Racing Sire: Frosted
BF: Decisive victory one-turn Gotham, fast colt must run long next out to be considered for Ky. Derby
DA: Displayed massive improvement off the switch to Cox in fast Gotham; two turns still a question
River Thames 94 Todd Pletcher 30-1
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Last Race: Fountain of Youth, 3/1, 2nd by neck, 95 Next Likely Race: Undecided Owner: WinStar Farm and CHC Inc. Sire: Maclean's Music
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
Rodriguez 100 Keeneland Logo Bob Baffert 30-1
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last Race: San Felipe, 3/1, 3rd by 11 1/4, 90 Next Likely Race: Undecided Owner: SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Stonestreet Stables Sire: Authentic
BF: No visble alibi for distant third in San Felipe, offered little fight late, blinkers-off under consideration
DA: Again conservatively ridden early to ensure soft trip for Barnes, but lack of finish was disappointing
Madeket Road 90 Bob Baffert 35-1
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last Race: Rebel, 2/23, 2nd by 1 1/4, 90 Next Likely Race: Undecided Owner: SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Dianne Bashor, et al Sire: Quality Road
BF: Calif. shipper runner-up at OP after setting blazing pace, though benefited by speed-friendly surface
DA: Speed/rail did well on Rebel Day, but he still deserves pace upgrade; wonder about added ground
Hill Road 89 Chad Brown 35-1
Trainer: Chad Brown
Last Race: Tampa Bay Derby, 3/8, 3rd by 6 1/4, 83 Next Likely Race: Wood/Blue Grass, 1 1/8, Aqueduct/Keeneland, April 5 Owner: mo Racing UJSA Sire: Quality Road
BF: Decent comeback, super gallop-out by BC Juvenile third-place finisher puts late-runner in 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 35-1
Trainer: Brad Cox
Last Race: Holy Bull, 2/1, 2nd by 1 3/4, 87 Next Likely Race: Florida Derby, 1 1/8, Gulfstream, March 29 Owner: WinStar Farm, CHC Inc., Cold Press Racing Sire: Into Mischief
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 3 starts
Built 92 Keeneland Logo Wayne Catalano 35-1
Trainer: Wayne Catalano
Last Race: Risen Star, 2/15, 3rd by 9 3/4, 92 Next Likely Race: Louisiana Derby, 1 3/16, March 22, Fair Grounds Owner: Eclipse Thoroughbred Partner Sire: Hard Spun
BF: Distant third to since-sidelined Magnitude at FG earned the same fig as stakes romp in December
Owen Almighty 92 Brian Lynch 40-1
Trainer: Brian Lynch
Last Race: Tampa Bay Derby, 3/8, 1st by 3 1/2, 92 Next Likely Race: Undecided Owner: Flying Dutchman Breeding and Racing Sire: Speightstown
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
Chunk of Gold 92 Ethan West 50-1
Trainer: Ethan West
Last Race: Risen Star, 2/15, 2nd by 9 3/4, 92 Next Likely Race: Louisiana Derby /Jeff Ruby, Fair Grounds/Turfway, March 22 Owner: Terry Stevens Sire: Preservationist
BF: Lightly raced $2,500 yearling outfinished 10 others as 43-1 runner-up in Risen Star, banked 25 points
DA: Encountered traffic rallying for 2nd in Risen Star; had shown potential on synth, improved on dirt
California Burrito 92 Tom Drury 50-1
Trainer: Tom Drury
Last Race: John Battaglia, 2/22, 1st by 1/2, 92 Next Likely Race: Jeff Ruby Steaks, 1 1/8, Turfway Park, March 22 Owner: Aaron Haberman and Victoria Haberman Sire: Army Mule
BF: Exploited soft pace wire-to-wire in both recent TP races, would face more speed in Jeff Ruby
DA: Two-time synthetic winner was a handful for runaway Risen Star hero Magnitude on dirt last year
Sand Devil 93 Linda Rice 50-1
Trainer: Linda Rice
Last Race: Gotham, 3/1, 2nd by 3 1/4, 92 Next Likely Race: Wood Memorial, 1 1/8, Aqueduct, April 5 Owner: Chester Broman Sire: Violence
BF: Development seemingly stalled, Gotham runner-up earned virtually same fig as both previous
DA: Hoped to see stronger finish in Gotham; still earned third 90+ Beyer; gets another shot in Wood

Road to the Derby

Date Race / Track / Distance Winner / Beyer    
Saturday, Sep 14, 2024
Iroquois Churchill Downs , 1 1/16 Miles
Winner: Jonathan’s Way
Beyer: 90
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 10-5-3-2-1
Jonathan’s Way 90 Race Recap View Chart
Jonathan’s Way 90
Saturday, Oct 5, 2024
Breeders' Futurity (G1) Keeneland
Winner: East Avenue
Beyer: 95
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 10–5–3–2–1
East Avenue 95 Race Recap View Chart
East Avenue 95
Saturday, Oct 5, 2024
American Pharoah (G1) Santa Anita , 1 1/16 Miles
Winner: Citizen Bull
Beyer: 88
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 10-5-3-2-1
Citizen Bull 88 Race Recap View Chart
Citizen Bull 88
Saturday, Oct 5, 2024
Champagne Belmont at the Big A , 1 Mile
Winner: Chancer McPatrick
Beyer: 92
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 10-5-3-2-1
Chancer McPatrick 92 Race Recap View Chart
Chancer McPatrick 92
Sunday, Oct 27, 2024
Street Sense (G3) Churchill Downs , 1 1/16 Miles
Winner: Sovereignty
Beyer: 87
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 10–5–3–2–1
Sovereignty 87 Race Recap View Chart
Sovereignty 87
Friday, Nov 1, 2024
Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) Del Mar , 1 1/16 Miles
Winner: Citizen Bull
Beyer: 96
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 30–15–9–6–3
Citizen Bull 96 Race Recap View Chart
Citizen Bull 96
Saturday, Nov 30, 2024
Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) Churchill Downs , 1 1/16 Miles
Winner: First Resort
Beyer: 88
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 10–5–3–2–1
First Resort 88 Race Recap View Chart
First Resort 88
Saturday, Dec 7, 2024
Remsen Aqueduct , 1 1/8 Miles
Winner: Poster
Beyer: 84
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 10-5-3-2-1
Poster 84 Race Recap View Chart
Poster 84
Friday, Dec 13, 2024
Springboard Mile Remington Park , 1 Mile
Winner: Coal Battle
Beyer: 84
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 10-5-3-2-1
Coal Battle 84 Race Recap View Chart
Coal Battle 84
Saturday, Dec 14, 2024
Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) Los Alamitos Race Course , 1 1/16 Miles
Winner: Journalism
Beyer: 87
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 10-5-3-2-1
Journalism 87 Race Recap View Chart
Journalism 87
Saturday, Dec 21, 2024
Gun Runner Fair Grounds , 1 1/16 Miles
Winner: Built
Beyer: 92
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 10-5-3-2-1
Built 92 Race Recap View Chart
Built 92
Saturday, Jan 4, 2025
Jerome Aqueduct , 1 Mile
Winner: Cyclone State
Beyer: 84
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 10-5-3-2-1
Cyclone State 84 Race Recap View Chart
Cyclone State 84
Saturday, Jan 4, 2025
Smarty Jones Oaklawn Park , 1 Mile
Winner: Coal Battle
Beyer: 84
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 10-5-3-2-1
Coal Battle 84 Race Recap View Chart
Coal Battle 84
Saturday, Jan 18, 2025
Lecomte (G3) Fair Grounds , 1 1/16 Miles
Winner: Disco Time
Beyer: 77
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 20-10-6-4-2
Disco Time 77 Race Recap View Chart
Disco Time 77
Saturday, Jan 25, 2025
Southwest (G3) Oaklawn Park , 1 1/16 Miles
Winner: Speed King
Beyer: 93
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 20-10-6-4-2
Speed King 93 Race Recap View Chart
Speed King 93
Saturday, Feb 1, 2025
Holy Bull (G3) Gulfstream Park , 1 1/16 Miles
Winner: Burnham Square
Beyer: 90
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 20-10-6-4-2
Burnham Square 90 Race Recap View Chart
Burnham Square 90
Saturday, Feb 1, 2025
Robert B. Lewis (G3) Santa Anita , 1 1/16 Miles
Winner: Citizen Bull
Beyer: 98
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 20-10-6-4-2
Citizen Bull 98 Race Recap View Chart
Citizen Bull 98
Saturday, Feb 1, 2025
Withers (G3) Aqueduct , 1 1/8 Miles
Winner: Captain Cook
Beyer: 94
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 20-10-6-4-2
Captain Cook 94 Race Recap View Chart
Captain Cook 94
Saturday, Feb 8, 2025
Sam F. Davis Tampa Bay Downs , 1 1/16 Miles
Winner: John Hancock
Beyer: 85
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 20-10-6-4-2
John Hancock 85 Race Recap View Chart
John Hancock 85
Saturday, Feb 15, 2025
Risen Star (G2) Fair Grounds , 1 1/8 Miles
Winner: Magnitude
Beyer: 108
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 50-25-15-10-5
Magnitude 108 Race Recap View Chart
Magnitude 108
Sunday, Feb 16, 2025
Sunland Derby Sunland , 1 1/16 Miles
Winner: Getaway Car
Beyer: 92
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 20-10-6-4-2
Getaway Car 92 Race Recap View Chart
Getaway Car 92
Saturday, Feb 22, 2025
John Battaglia Memorial Turfway , 1 1/16 Miles
Winner: California Burrito
Beyer: 92
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 20-10-6-4-2
California Burrito 92 Race Recap View Chart
California Burrito 92
Sunday, Feb 23, 2025
Rebel (G2) Oaklawn , 1 1/16 Miles
Winner: Coal Battle
Beyer: 91
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 50-25-15-10-5
Coal Battle 91 Race Recap View Chart
Coal Battle 91
Saturday, Mar 1, 2025
Gotham (G3) Aqueduct , 1 Mile
Winner: Flood Zone
Beyer: 98
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 50-25-15-10-5
Flood Zone 98 Race Recap View Chart
Flood Zone 98
Saturday, Mar 1, 2025
Fountain of Youth (G2) Gulfstream Park , 1 1/16 Miles
Winner: Sovereignty
Beyer: 98
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 50-25-15-10-5
Sovereignty 98 Race Recap View Chart
Sovereignty 98
Sunday, Mar 2, 2025
San Felipe (G2) Santa Anita , 1 1/16 Miles
Winner: Journalism
Beyer: 108
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 50-25-15-10-5
Journalism 108 Race Recap View Chart
Journalism 108
Saturday, Mar 8, 2025
Tampa Bay Derby (G3) Tampa Bay Downs , 1 1/16 miles
Winner: Owen Almighty
Beyer: 92
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 50-25-15-10-5
Owen Almighty 92
Owen Almighty 92
Saturday, Mar 15, 2025
Virginia Derby Colonial Downs , 1 1/8 Miles
Winner: American Promiese
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 50-25-15-10-5
American Promiese Race Recap
American Promiese
Saturday, Mar 22, 2025
Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) Turfway , 1 1/8 Miles
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 100-50-25-15-10
Saturday, Mar 22, 2025
Louisiana Derby (G2) Fair Grounds , 1 3/16 Miles
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 100-50-25-15-10
Saturday, Mar 29, 2025
Florida Derby (G1) Gulfstream , 1 1/8 Miles
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 100-50-25-15-10
Saturday, Mar 29, 2025
Arkansas Derby (G1) Oaklawn , 1 1/8 Miles
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 100-50-25-15-10
Saturday, Apr 5, 2025
Wood Memorial (G2) Aqueduct , 1 1/8 Miles
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 100-50-25-15-10
Saturday, Apr 5, 2025
Blue Grass (G1) Keeneland , 1 1/8 Miles
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 100-50-25-15-10
Saturday, Apr 5, 2025
Santa Anita Derby Santa Anita , 1 1/8 Miles
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 100-50-25-15-10
Saturday, Apr 12, 2025
Lexington (G3) Keeneland , 1 1/16 Miles
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 20-10-6-4-2

European Road to the Derby

Date Race / Track / Distance Winner
Saturday, Sep 28, 2024
Beresford Stakes (Group 2) Curragh , 1 Mile (T)
Winner: Hotazhell Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 10-5-3-2-1
Hotazhell
Hotazhell
Saturday, Sep 28, 2024
Royal Lodge (Group 2) Newmarket , 1 Mile (T)
Winner: Wimbledon Hawkeye Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 10–5–3–2–1
Wimbledon Hawkeye
Wimbledon Hawkeye
Sunday, Oct 6, 2024
Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (Group 1) Longchamp , ∼ 7 Furlongs (T)
Winner: Camille Pissarro Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 10–5–3–2–1
Camille Pissarro
Camille Pissarro
Saturday, Oct 26, 2024
Futurity Trophy Doncaster , 1 Mile (T)
Winner: Hotazhell Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 10–5–3–2–1
Hotazhell
Hotazhell
Friday, Feb 28, 2025
Patton Dundalk , 1 Mile (S)
Winner: Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 20–10–6–4–2
Saturday, Apr 5, 2025
UAE Derby (G2) Meydan Racecourse , 1 3/16 miles
Winner: Beyer:

Japan Road to the Derby

Date Race / Track / Distance Winner
Saturday, Nov 23, 2024
Cattleya Tokyo Racecourse , ~ 1 Mile
Winner: Natural Rise Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 10-5-3-2-1
Natural Rise
Natural Rise
Wednesday, Dec 11, 2024
Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun Kawasaki , 1 Mile
Winner: Myriad Love Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 20–10–6–4–2
Myriad Love
Myriad Love
Sunday, Feb 16, 2025
Hyacinth Tokyo Racecourse , 1 Mile
Winner: Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 30–15–9–6–3
Saturday, Mar 22, 2025
Fukuryu Nakayama , 1 1/8 Miles
Winner: Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4-5): 40–20–12–8–4

All Top Kentucky Derby News

Journalism, early Derby favorite, works half-mile at Santa Anita

Brad Free Mar 16,2025
ARCADIA, Calif. – Journalism, early favorite for the Santa Anita Derby and Kentucky Derby after a decisive victory in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes on March 1, posted his first work since then early

Kentucky Derby: Rain could delay Journalism's work a few days

Brad Free Mar 12,2025
Rain this week at Santa Anita is a minor glitch for Journalism, favorite for the Kentucky Derby after a 108 Beyer Speed Figure victory March 1 in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes. But weather and track c

Kentucky Derby: Citizen Bull's name has some moving parts

Brad Free Mar 12,2025
What’s behind the name Citizen Bull? The 2024 champion 2-year-old male ranks among the leading Kentucky Derby prospects for an ownership group that includes SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stab

Kentucky Derby 2025: Captain Cook on his toes getting ready for Wood Memorial

David Grening Mar 12,2025
While trainer Rick Dutrow is happy to have two months between starts for his blossoming 3-year-old Captain Cook, the horse apparently seems ready to get back to action sooner than later. Captain Co

Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for March 12, 2025

Brad Free Mar 12,2025
WHO’S HOT The plan for Owen Almighty to target the Grade 2 Pat Day Mile on May 3 at Churchill Downs still makes sense, but that plan may have changed after his slow-pace front-running win March 8

Kentucky Derby 2025: This year, Cox has the numbers but not the power

Marcus Hersh Mar 12,2025
Brad Cox won a Kentucky Derby the first time he ran a horse in the race. Granted, Mandaloun’s Derby victory in 2021 did not prove especially satisfying. Mandaloun crossed the finish second and

Pat Day Mile or Kentucky Derby? That's the question for Owen Almighty

David Grening Mar 09,2025
OLDSMAR, Fla. - When it comes time to sit down with his owners to discuss future plans for Tampa Bay Derby winner Owen Almighty, trainer Brian Lynch will have plenty of evidence to make his case for r

Owen Almighty runs away with Tampa Bay Derby, owners now face big decision

David Grening Mar 08,2025
OLDSMAR, Fla. - Owen Almighty sped off to a dominant, front-running, 3 1/2-length victory in Saturday’s Grade 3, $400,000 Tampa Bay Derby on Saturday at Tampa Bay Downs, but that doesn’t change tr

Kentucky Derby 2025: Brown using Tampa Derby to get Chancer McPatrick rolling

David Grening Mar 05,2025
INDIANTOWN, Fla. – Three times in the last seven years, as the field turned into the stretch of the Kentucky Derby, trainer Chad Brown thought his horses were in position to win the race. It wasn

Kentucky Derby 2025: Gaming pointed to Virginia Derby

David Grening Mar 05,2025
Gaming, who finished eighth in the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn in his 3-year-old debut, will make his next start in the $500,000 Virginia Derby on March 15 at Colonial Downs, trainer Bob Baffe

Kentucky Derby 2025: Wilkes plowing ahead with Burnham Square

David Grening Mar 05,2025
Disappointed, but not discouraged, trainer Ian Wilkes said Burnham Square, fourth as the favorite in Saturday’s Grade 2 Fountain of Youth, will continue down the Triple Crown trail and be pointed to

Kentucky Derby 2025: Baeza going all in for Santa Anita Derby

Brad Free Mar 05,2025
The connections of impressive maiden winner Baeza hope the Santa Anita Derby has at least six starters, which means the full allotment of Kentucky Derby qualifying points will be awarded. Regardless,

Kentucky Derby 2025: Journalism to return to track after electrifying win

Brad Free Mar 05,2025
Journalism was scheduled to resume training this week at Santa Anita, weather permitting, after a smashing victory March 1 in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes, his first start since Dec. 14, when he won

Kentucky Derby: Who's hot who's not for March 5, 2025

Brad Free Mar 05,2025
WHO’S HOT Journalism rockets to favoritism on the Derby Watch Top 20 following a decisive 108 Beyer Speed Figure comeback victory over heavily favored Barnes in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes on S

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Journalism

Nicole Russo Mar 05,2025
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

Plans for Sovereignty, River Thames undecided after Fountain of Youth

Mike Welsch Mar 02,2025
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – After watching Sovereignty and River Thames finish first and second, respectively, just a neck apart, in Saturday’s Grade 2 Fountain of Youth, it’s only natural for ever

Journalism's San Felipe victory caps special four-win day for McCarthy

Steve Andersen Mar 02,2025
ARCADIA, Calif. – For a trainer who spent Saturday afternoon trekking to the Santa Anita winner’s circle three times after graded stakes and four times overall, both personal bests, Michael McCart

After Gotham win, Cox has plenty of options for Flood Zone

David Grening Mar 02,2025
Flood Zone, the 3 1/4-length winner of Saturday’s Grade 3 Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct, was expected to return to trainer Brad Cox’s stable at Payson Park in Florida this week while his connections m

Sovereignty catches River Thames at wire to spring surprise Fountain of Youth victory

Mike Welsch Mar 01,2025
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Trainer Bill Mott voiced his concern earlier in the week about his late-running Sovereignty having to make his 3-year-old debut over what is generally considered a speed-fav

Journalism upsets previously unbeaten Barnes in San Felipe Stakes

Brad Free Mar 01,2025
ARCADIA, Calif. – All the pre-race hype was on the wrong 3-year-old Saturday in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita. Journalism ran past odds-on favorite Barnes in deep stretch of the Sa

Flood Zone punches ticket to Kentucky Derby with upset in Gotham

Marcus Hersh Mar 01,2025
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani's Wathnan Racing purchased the colt Flood Zone following his second start, a 5 1/4-length win on Jan. 4 in a Florida-bred maiden race at Gulfstream. Whether Flood Zone

Kentucky Derby 2025: Citizen Bull on target for Santa Anita Derby

Brad Free Feb 26,2025
Citizen Bull, the Bob Baffert-trained 2024 champion juvenile male and favorite in the Daily Racing Form Derby Watch Top 20, remains on target for the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby on April 5. Citizen B

Kentucky Derby 2025: Briley not in rush to decide on Coal Battle's next start

Mary Rampellini 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

Kentucky Derby 2025: California Burrito moving on to Jeff Ruby

Nicole Russo Feb 26,2025
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

Kentucky Derby 2025: After two disappointing runs, Baffert regroups with Gaming

Brad Free Feb 26,2025
Is it too soon to give up on Gaming? A Grade 1 winner and second in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, Gaming fell off the Derby radar when he disappointed in two subsequent starts. After finishing a dista

Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for Feb. 26, 2025

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
Coal Battle
Lonnie Briley
Coal Battle
Lonnie Briley
70
1,169,500
2
Owen Almighty
Brian Lynch
Owen Almighty
Brian Lynch
65
415,310
3
Citizen Bull
Bob Baffert
Citizen Bull
Bob Baffert
60
1,376,000
4
Sovereignty
Bill Mott
Sovereignty
Bill Mott
60
364,800
5
American Promise
Wayne Lukas
American Promise
Wayne Lukas
55
335,000
6
Flood Zone
Brad Cox
Flood Zone
Brad Cox
50
165,000
7
Journalism
Mike McCarthy
Journalism
Mike McCarthy
47.5
300,000
8
Getaway Car
Bob Baffert
Getaway Car
Bob Baffert
46
570,800
9
Chancer McPatrick
Chad Brown
Chancer McPatrick
Chad Brown
35
550,000
10
Built
Wayne Catalano
Built
Wayne Catalano
35
160,000
11
Madaket Road
Bob Baffert
Madaket Road
Bob Baffert
31
289,000
12
Burnham Square
Ian Wilkes
Burnham Square
Ian Wilkes
30
171,800
13
Sandman
Mark Casse
Sandman
Mark Casse
29
330,495
14
Render Judgement
Kenny McPeek
Render Judgement
Kenny McPeek
29
126, 210
15
Omaha Omaha
Michael Gorham
Omaha Omaha
Michael Gorham
26
142,500
16
Speed King
Ron Moquett
Speed King
Ron Moquett
25
600,000
17
Chunk of Gold
Ethan West
Chunk of Gold
Ethan West
25
124,400
18
River Thames
Todd Pletcher
River Thames
Todd Pletcher
25
79,200
19
Sand Devil
Linda Rice
Sand Devil
Linda Rice
25
60,000
20
Hill Road
Adrian Murray
Hill Road
Adrian Murray
24
215,000
21
Rodriguez
Bob Baffert
Rodriguez
Bob Baffert
21.25
76,000
22
Captain Cook
Rick Dutrow Jr.
Captain Cook
Rick Dutrow Jr.
20
137,500
23
John Hancock
Brad Cox
John Hancock
Brad Cox
20
120,000
24
California Burrito
Tommy Drury Jr.
California Burrito
Tommy Drury Jr.
20
102,850
25
Tiztastic
Steve Asmussen
Tiztastic
Steve Asmussen
19
804,800
26
Barnes
Bob Baffert
Barnes
Bob Baffert
18.75
180,000
27
Gaming
Bob Baffert
Gaming
Bob Baffert
18
544,000
28
Poster
Eoin Harty
Poster
Eoin Harty
18
157,500
29
Jonathan’s Way
Philip Bauer
Jonathan’s Way
Philip Bauer
15
213,350
30
Neoequos
Saffie Joseph, Jr.
Neoequos
Saffie Joseph, Jr.
15
41,250
31
Garamond
Chad Brown
Garamond
Chad Brown
15
36,000
32
Patch Adams
Brad Cox
Patch Adams
Brad Cox
14
71,500
33
Studlydowright
John Robb
Studlydowright
John Robb
11
274,775
34
East Avenue
Brendan Walsh
East Avenue
Brendan Walsh
10
368,750
35
Baby Max
Kelsey Danner
Baby Max
Kelsey Danner
10
108,640
36
Caldera
Wayne Lukas
Caldera
Wayne Lukas
10
85,360
37
Publisher
Steve Asmussen
Publisher
Steve Asmussen
10
85,000
38
Cyclone State
Chad Summers
Cyclone State
Chad Summers
10
82,500
39
Surfside Moon
James Lawrence II
Surfside Moon
James Lawrence II
10
56,000
40
Tappan Street
Brad Cox
Tappan Street
Brad Cox
10
49,000
41
Vassimo
Todd Pletcher
Vassimo
Todd Pletcher
10
20,000
42
Mo Quality
Chris Davis
Mo Quality
Chris Davis
9
63,750
43
Mellencamp
Bob Baffert
Mellencamp
Bob Baffert
8.5
22,000
44
Maximus Promise
Kenny McPeek
Maximus Promise
Kenny McPeek
8
21,750
45
Touchy
Wesley Ward
Touchy
Wesley Ward
6
105,000
46
Innovator
Wayne Lukas
Innovator
Wayne Lukas
6
66,250
47
Dapper Moon
Dallas Stewart
Dapper Moon
Dallas Stewart
6
46,328
48
Burning Glory
Bill Mott
Burning Glory
Bill Mott
6
24,500
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
Aviator Gui
Chad Brown
Aviator Gui
Chad Brown
5
59,000
52
Brodeur
Mark Casse
Brodeur
Mark Casse
5
10,500
53
Clock Tower
Wesley Ward
Clock Tower
Wesley Ward
4
103,938
54
Take Charge Tom
Robertino Diodoro
Take Charge Tom
Robertino Diodoro
4
103,000
55
Golden Afternoon
Nicholas Vaccarezza
Golden Afternoon
Nicholas Vaccarezza
4
73,875
56
Camp Hale
Ian Wilkes
Camp Hale
Ian Wilkes
4
10,000
57
Smooth Cruisin
Karen Headley
Smooth Cruisin
Karen Headley
3.75
18,000
58
Mo Plex
Jeremiah Englehart
Mo Plex
Jeremiah Englehart
3
156,250
59
Kale’s Angel
Peter Miller
Kale’s Angel
Peter Miller
3
118,625
60
Filoso
Chad Summers
Filoso
Chad Summers
3
59,875
61
Giocoso
Keith Desormeaux
Giocoso
Keith Desormeaux
3
33,025
62
Tux
Bill Mott
Tux
Bill Mott
3
30,000
63
Smokem Wicked
Dallas Stewart
Smokem Wicked
Dallas Stewart
2
140,050
64
He’s Not Joking
Josie Carroll
He’s Not Joking
Josie Carroll
2
79,113
65
Bon Temps
Wayne Lukas
Bon Temps
Wayne Lukas
2
14,625
66
Monet’s Magic
Ben Colebrook
Monet’s Magic
Ben Colebrook
2
36,000
67
Admiral Dennis
Brad Cox
Admiral Dennis
Brad Cox
2
35,520
68
Very Bold
Eoin Harty
Very Bold
Eoin Harty
2
$21,000
69
Rank
Doug O’Neill
Rank
Doug O’Neill
2
12,500
70
Itsmybirthday
Robertino Diodoro
Itsmybirthday
Robertino Diodoro
2
11,640
71
Uncle Jim
Brad Cox
Uncle Jim
Brad Cox
2
10,000
72
Bracket Buster
Victoria Oliver
Bracket Buster
Victoria Oliver
1
5,820
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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
Coal Battle
Lonnie Briley
Coal Battle
Lonnie Briley
70
2
Owen Almighty
Brian Lynch
Owen Almighty
Brian Lynch
65
3
Citizen Bull
Bob Baffert
Citizen Bull
Bob Baffert
60
4
Sovereignty
Bill Mott
Sovereignty
Bill Mott
60
5
American Promise
Wayne Lukas
American Promise
Wayne Lukas
55
6
Flood Zone
Brad Cox
Flood Zone
Brad Cox
50
7
Journalism
Mike McCarthy
Journalism
Mike McCarthy
47.5
8
Getaway Car
Bob Baffert
Getaway Car
Bob Baffert
46
9
Chancer McPatrick
Chad Brown
Chancer McPatrick
Chad Brown
35
10
Built
Wayne Catalano
Built
Wayne Catalano
35
11
Madaket Road
Bob Baffert
Madaket Road
Bob Baffert
31
12
Burnham Square
Ian Wilkes
Burnham Square
Ian Wilkes
30
13
Sandman
Mark Casse
Sandman
Mark Casse
29
14
Render Judgement
Kenny McPeek
Render Judgement
Kenny McPeek
29
15
Omaha Omaha
Michael Gorham
Omaha Omaha
Michael Gorham
26
16
Speed King
Ron Moquett
Speed King
Ron Moquett
25
17
Chunk of Gold
Ethan West
Chunk of Gold
Ethan West
25
18
River Thames
Todd Pletcher
River Thames
Todd Pletcher
25
19
Sand Devil
Linda Rice
Sand Devil
Linda Rice
25
20
Hill Road
Adrian Murray
Hill Road
Adrian Murray
24
21
Rodriguez
Bob Baffert
Rodriguez
Bob Baffert
21.25
22
Captain Cook
Rick Dutrow Jr.
Captain Cook
Rick Dutrow Jr.
20
23
John Hancock
Brad Cox
John Hancock
Brad Cox
20
24
California Burrito
Tommy Drury Jr.
California Burrito
Tommy Drury Jr.
20
25
Tiztastic
Steve Asmussen
Tiztastic
Steve Asmussen
19
26
Barnes
Bob Baffert
Barnes
Bob Baffert
18.75
27
Gaming
Bob Baffert
Gaming
Bob Baffert
18
28
Poster
Eoin Harty
Poster
Eoin Harty
18
29
Jonathan’s Way
Philip Bauer
Jonathan’s Way
Philip Bauer
15
30
Neoequos
Saffie Joseph, Jr.
Neoequos
Saffie Joseph, Jr.
15
31
Garamond
Chad Brown
Garamond
Chad Brown
15
32
Patch Adams
Brad Cox
Patch Adams
Brad Cox
14
33
Studlydowright
John Robb
Studlydowright
John Robb
11
34
East Avenue
Brendan Walsh
East Avenue
Brendan Walsh
10
35
Baby Max
Kelsey Danner
Baby Max
Kelsey Danner
10
36
Caldera
Wayne Lukas
Caldera
Wayne Lukas
10
37
Publisher
Steve Asmussen
Publisher
Steve Asmussen
10
38
Cyclone State
Chad Summers
Cyclone State
Chad Summers
10
39
Surfside Moon
James Lawrence II
Surfside Moon
James Lawrence II
10
40
Tappan Street
Brad Cox
Tappan Street
Brad Cox
10
41
Vassimo
Todd Pletcher
Vassimo
Todd Pletcher
10
42
Mo Quality
Chris Davis
Mo Quality
Chris Davis
9
43
Mellencamp
Bob Baffert
Mellencamp
Bob Baffert
8.5
44
Maximus Promise
Kenny McPeek
Maximus Promise
Kenny McPeek
8
45
Touchy
Wesley Ward
Touchy
Wesley Ward
6
46
Innovator
Wayne Lukas
Innovator
Wayne Lukas
6
47
Dapper Moon
Dallas Stewart
Dapper Moon
Dallas Stewart
6
48
Burning Glory
Bill Mott
Burning Glory
Bill Mott
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
Aviator Gui
Chad Brown
Aviator Gui
Chad Brown
5
52
Brodeur
Mark Casse
Brodeur
Mark Casse
5
53
Clock Tower
Wesley Ward
Clock Tower
Wesley Ward
4
54
Take Charge Tom
Robertino Diodoro
Take Charge Tom
Robertino Diodoro
4
55
Golden Afternoon
Nicholas Vaccarezza
Golden Afternoon
Nicholas Vaccarezza
4
56
Camp Hale
Ian Wilkes
Camp Hale
Ian Wilkes
4
57
Smooth Cruisin
Karen Headley
Smooth Cruisin
Karen Headley
3.75
58
Mo Plex
Jeremiah Englehart
Mo Plex
Jeremiah Englehart
3
59
Kale’s Angel
Peter Miller
Kale’s Angel
Peter Miller
3
60
Filoso
Chad Summers
Filoso
Chad Summers
3
61
Giocoso
Keith Desormeaux
Giocoso
Keith Desormeaux
3
62
Tux
Bill Mott
Tux
Bill Mott
3
63
Smokem Wicked
Dallas Stewart
Smokem Wicked
Dallas Stewart
2
64
He’s Not Joking
Josie Carroll
He’s Not Joking
Josie Carroll
2
65
Bon Temps
Wayne Lukas
Bon Temps
Wayne Lukas
2
66
Monet’s Magic
Ben Colebrook
Monet’s Magic
Ben Colebrook
2
67
Admiral Dennis
Brad Cox
Admiral Dennis
Brad Cox
2
68
Very Bold
Eoin Harty
Very Bold
Eoin Harty
2
69
Rank
Doug O’Neill
Rank
Doug O’Neill
2
70
Itsmybirthday
Robertino Diodoro
Itsmybirthday
Robertino Diodoro
2
71
Uncle Jim
Brad Cox
Uncle Jim
Brad Cox
2
72
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
Orb
Shug McGaughey
Orb Shug McGaughey 104
About the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs
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).