For many in the horse world, the first Saturday in May is considered a holiday. For those in horse racing, it can only mean one thing: Kentucky Derby Day. It’s the race that every person in the racing industry dreams of winning, and for horse people, it’s probably the race that everyday people in your life reach out to ask which horse is your pick. And if you don’t have a Derby horse yet, don’t worry—we’re taking a look at every horse in the 2025 Kentucky Derby so you can have your pick by the time you’ve finished reading.

The 2025 Kentucky Derby Field

The exciting part about the Kentucky Derby—or any horse race, for that matter—is that any horse that leaves the starting gate can win. The favorite may seem like the obvious pick, but the post-time favorite has not won the Run for the Roses since eventual Triple Crown winner Justify in 2018. In fact, the odds of the official Kentucky Derby winner in the six runnings since 2018 has averaged 35.85-to-1.

Let’s take a look at each horse in the 2025 Kentucky Derby, organized by post position and listed with their morning line odds. With rain in the forecast for Saturday, there are also notes about each horse’s sloppy track aptitude.

1. Citizen Bull (20-1)
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Jockey: Martin Garcia
Race Record: 6 starts: 4 wins, 0 seconds, 1 third
Career Earnings: $1,451,000

Last year’s Champion Two-Year-Old Male after winning the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1), Citizen Bull has not quite replicated his two-year-old form. Though he started the year with a romp in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G3), he finished fourth of five last out in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) in a race won by morning line favorite Journalism. The rail position is not doing him any favors, either. He seems like a horse that wants the lead to himself, but such a position is not so easy to obtain in the Derby. When he’s at his best, he’s one of the most talented in the field, but he does not seem to have matured on the same level as others in this field.

Sloppy Track Potential: Citizen Bull has only raced on a fast track, but he is a son of leading sire Into Mischief, who has had many offspring succeed on a wet track.

2. Neoequos (30-1)
Trainer: Saffie Joseph, Jr.
Jockey: Luis Saez
Race Record: 7 starts: 2 wins, 2 seconds, 2 thirds
Career Earnings: $291,050

Likely to go off at high odds on Saturday, Neoequos has twice been defeated by fellow contender Sovereignty. He’s a horse that appears to want a shorter distance, having been caught in both of his lifetime races over one mile. The 1 ¼-mile distance of the Derby does not seem to be one where he will thrive.

Sloppy Track Potential: Neoequos won his first start of the year on a sloppy track, so track conditions shouldn’t be an issue for him.

3. Final Gambit (30-1)
Trainer: Brad Cox
Jockey: Luan Machado
Race Record: 4 starts: 2 wins, 1 second, 1 third
Career Earnings: $520,639

A last out winner of the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3), which is contested on a synthetic surface, Final Gambit has never made a start on traditional dirt. He’s also faced lesser company than most competitors here, and though he stepped it up in the Jeff Ruby, this is still a big jump in class for him.

Sloppy Track Potential: Having only run on synthetic and turf surfaces, dirt will be an entirely new racing experience for Final Gambit—let alone a sloppy track. However, his sire, Not This Time, achieved the biggest win of his career on a muddy track—at Churchill Downs no less.

4. Rodriguez: SCRATCHED

5. American Promise (30-1)
Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas
Jockey: Nik Juarez
Race Record: 9 starts: 2 wins, 1 second, 1 third
Career Earnings: $444,874

It took American Promise six tries to break his maiden and though he was a runaway winner of the black-type Virginia Derby last out, he was off the board in his two starts against graded stakes company. Long shots have thrived in recent runnings of the Kentucky Derby, but this one would be a surprise.

Sloppy Track Potential: American Promise broke his maiden on a muddy track, but earlier in his career, one of his worst-ever efforts came over a sloppy track.

6. Admire Daytona (30-1)
Trainer: Yukihiro Kato
Jockey: Christophe Lemaire
Race Record: 6 starts: 2 wins, 2 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $672,047

One of two Japanese-based runners, Admire Daytona narrowly won the UAE Derby (G2) in his last start after leading throughout. He’s yet another that will be fighting for the lead, so he will need to be able to handle the pace pressure. Admire Daytona has proven to have some fight in him, though, and he’ll need to use that weapon in the Derby.

Sloppy Track Potential: Admire Daytona’s racing debut was contested on a muddy track, in which he finished fourth. It seems as though the slop will neither help nor harm his chances.

7. Luxor Cafe (15-1)
Trainer: Noriyuki Hori
Jockey: Joao Moreira
Race Record: 6 starts: 4 wins, 1 second, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $379,057

A son of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, Luxor Cafe is the strongest of the two Japanese contenders. Winner of his last four starts, including a runaway win in the Fukuryu Stakes, Luxor Cafe has posted some of the most impressive speed figures of this field. This is the toughest competition he’ll have faced, but he certainly has talent.

Sloppy Track Potential: In his second-ever start, Luxor Cafe was only a neck away from winning on a muddy track.

8. Journalism (3-1)
Trainer: Mike McCarthy
Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
Race Record: 5 starts: 4 wins, 0 seconds, 1 third
Career Earnings: $638,880

Meet Journalism, the morning line favorite for the 2025 Kentucky Derby. He has won four straight races, including the Santa Anita Derby (G1) last out, and has some of the best speed figures in the group. It’s tough to find a knock against him, though an obvious point is that he has been facing small fields—which certainly won’t be the case in the Derby. But on ability alone, Journalism is a formidable favorite.

Sloppy Track Potential: Journalism has only raced on a fast track, which could be a concern for the Derby favorite on a sloppy track. However, his sire Curlin won the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) on a very sloppy track in one of his best lifetime performances.

9. Burnham Square (12-1)
Trainer: Ian Wilkes
Jockey: Brian Hernandez, Jr.
Race Record: 6 starts: 3 wins, 1 second, 1 third
Career Earnings: $977,755

Burnham Square was the game winner of the Blue Grass Stakes (G1) in his final Kentucky Derby prep, in which he overcame a poor trip. This bodes well for the traffic troubles most horses face in the Derby. From a speed figure perspective, he’ll need to step it up a bit, but he could be worth a look.

Sloppy Track Potential: Another horse that has only ever experienced fast tracks, Burnham Square’s pedigree does not provide much insight into how he may fare in the mud.

10. Grande: SCRATCHED

11. Flying Mohawk (30-1)
Trainer: Whit Beckman
Jockey: Joseph Ramos
Race Record: 6 starts: 2 wins, 2 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $295,800

Flying Mohawk was most recently second in the Jeff Ruby Steaks behind Final Gambit and, like that rival, Flying Mohawk has never raced on traditional dirt. He also has only faced company weaker than most of this field, and his speed figures don’t match up. This colt is likely to go off at very high odds.

Sloppy Track Potential: This will be Flying Mohawk’s first dirt start, let alone his first contest on a sloppy track. And with a primarily turf pedigree, it’s difficult to assume his wet track aptitude based on bloodlines.

12. East Avenue (20-1)
Trainer: Brendan Walsh
Jockey: Manuel Franco
Race Record: 5 starts: 2 wins, 1 second, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $654,395

As a two-year-old, East Avenue looked like a top prospect until a lackluster performance in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. He’s never quite returned to his original form, the closest being his narrow second-place finish last out in the Blue Grass Stakes. It would require a huge jump in effort from East Avenue to cross the wire first.

Sloppy Track Potential: East Avenue has only ever raced on fast tracks, but offspring of Medaglia d’Oro typically don’t mind the mud.

13. Publisher (30-1)
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.
Race Record: 7 starts: 0 wins, 2 seconds, 3 thirds
Career Earnings: $407,756

Yes, it’s true—Publisher has never even won a race. Second behind Sandman in the Arkansas Derby (G1) last time, that was one of only two times the son of American Pharoah finished better than third. He’s training well, but this is a huge ask.

Sloppy Track Potential: Again, Publisher has never won a race, but he did finish a decent third on a sloppy track as a two-year-old.

14. Tiztastic (20-1)
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Jockey: Joel Rosario
Race Record: 8 starts: 3 wins, 1 second, 2 thirds
Career Earnings: $1,549,800

The more accomplished trainee of Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen, Tiztastic is entering the Kentucky Derby off a win in the Louisiana Derby (G2). However, he has not been the most consistent horse, with his last win prior to that coming as far back as the Kentucky Downs Juvenile Mile Stakes last September. In the losses between those victories, he’s finished behind many rivals here, including Sovereignty, Sandman, and Coal Battle. He does seem to thrive with distance, though, and his off-the-pace running style may best fit the makeup of this field.

Sloppy Track Potential: Tiztastic has no sloppy track experience, and his pedigree provides little insight as to how he may like it.

15. Render Judgment (30-1)
Trainer: Kenny McPeek
Jockey: Julien Leparoux
Race Record: 7 starts: 1 win, 2 seconds, 1 third
Career Earnings: $250,672

Though trained by last year’s winning conditioner in Kenny McPeek, Render Judgment has not won a race since breaking his maiden in October 2024. That race did come over the Churchill Downs surface, but he has faltered against several rivals here and has never hit the board in graded stakes company. He will likely go into the starting gate with some of the highest odds in the field.

Sloppy Track Potential: Since Render Judgment is another horse that has only experienced fast tracks, if you want to look to his pedigree, offspring of his sire Blame generally don’t mind sloppy tracks.

16. Coal Battle (30-1)
Trainer: Lonnie Briley
Jockey: Juan Vargas
Race Record: 8 starts: 5 wins, 0 seconds, 1 third
Career Earnings: $1,188,875

If you love an underdog, Coal Battle will be easy to root for. His trainer, Lonnie Briley, is 72 years old and had never even run a horse in a graded stakes until Coal Battle won the Rebel Stakes (G2). Next out, Coal Battle was a distant third in the Arkansas Derby behind Sandman and Publisher. For the most part, he has not faced the level of competition he’ll be running against here, either. But if you’re looking for a good story, look no further.

Sloppy Track Potential: Coal Battle has two wins over wet tracks, so rain could be to his advantage.

17. Sandman (6-1)
Trainer: Mark Casse
Jockey: Jose Ortiz
Race Record: 8 starts: 3 wins, 1 second, 2 thirds
Career Earnings: $1,254,595

A last out winner of the Arkansas Derby, Sandman’s closing style may fit this pace-heavy race. Though it is worrisome that he has lost all three of his starts over the Churchill Downs oval, Sandman seems like he may be piecing things together.

Sloppy Track Potential: Sandman has only raced on fast tracks, so a sloppy track would be a toss-up for him. However, being by Tapit and out of a Distorted Humor mare won’t hurt him.

18. Sovereignty (5-1)
Trainer: Bill Mott
Jockey: Junior Alvarado
Race Record: 5 starts: 2 wins, 2 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $572,800

Most recently second in the Florida Derby (G1), Sovereignty seems like a horse that may appreciate the added distance of the Kentucky Derby. He did romp in a graded stakes at Churchill as a two-year-old, so he clearly likes the surface. He does have the second lowest odds on the morning line despite not being overly accomplished, but he could be worth a play.

Sloppy Track Potential: Yet another horse that hasn’t faced a wet track, Sovereignty is, however, a son of Into Mischief—which should help his sloppy track chances.

19. Chunk of Gold (30-1)
Trainer: Ethan West
Jockey: Jareth Loveberry
Race Record: 4 starts: 1 win, 3 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $348,818

Although Chunk of Gold has never finished worse than second, he has also only won a maiden special weight. Though second in both the Risen Star Stakes (G2) and Louisiana Derby, he was not a threat to the winner in either race. He’s certainly another underdog if that’s your angle.

Sloppy Track Potential: Like most, Chunk of Gold would be making his wet track debut. However, his full sister, Band of Gold, is a stakes winner over a sloppy track.

20. Owen Almighty (30-1)
Trainer: Brian Lynch
Jockey: Javier Castellano
Race Record: 7 starts: 3 wins, 2 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $499,935

Owen Almighty faded to sixth behind Burnham Square and East Avenue in the Blue Grass Stakes last out, which is not an encouraging entry into the Kentucky Derby. He does have success at Churchill Downs, but it would take a lifetime best effort to win here.

Sloppy Track Potential: Since Owen Almighty has never raced on a sloppy track, the only hints you can get are from his pedigree. Both of his parents were winners on muddy or sloppy tracks.

21. Baeza (12-1)
Trainer: John Shirreffs
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Race Record: 4 starts: 1 win, 2 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $148,500

Despite requiring a scratch to draw into the field (which the scratch of Rodriguez has allowed him to do), Baeza has lower morning line odds than most of the others. After all, he was a game second behind morning line favorite Journalism in the Santa Anita Derby. This a wide draw to overcome, but he is of course a half-brother to 2023 Kentucky Derby winner Mage and 2024 Belmont Stakes winner Dornoch.

Sloppy Track Potential: Based in Southern California, Baeza has not faced a sloppy track before. But Belmont Stakes-winning brother Dornoch won the Remsen Stakes (G2) on a muddy track and stakes-placed sister Gunning won two races on muddy or sloppy surfaces.

The post 2025 Kentucky Derby: Make Your Pick appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

In 2021, 17,779 Thoroughbred foals in the United States alone were registered with the Jockey Club. This Saturday, only 20 Thoroughbreds — two of them born in Japan — will load into the starting gate for one of the most illustrious races in the world: the Kentucky Derby. 

Dubbed “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” the 1 ¼-mile race will showcase the 20 3-year-olds that qualified for the Derby via a points system. A crowd of about 150,000 will gather beneath Churchill Downs’ iconic Twin Spires, adorned in their eye-catching hats and best spring attire. Meanwhile, millions of viewers will tune in via television to find out which horse will be presented the winning garland of roses.  

The 2024 Kentucky Derby Field

Will it be an impressive favorite or a shocking long shot crossing the Churchill Downs finish line first this year?

Any horse in the race has a shot—which is exactly what produces so much excitement, and, of course, many betting strategies. Let’s take a look at each horse in this year’s Kentucky Derby, organized by post position and listed with their morning line odds.

1. Dornoch (20-1)
Trainer: Danny Gargan
Jockey: Luis Saez
Race Record: 6 starts: 3 wins, 2 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $552,275

Certainly the most intriguing detail about Dornoch is that he is a full brother to last year’s Kentucky Derby winner, Mage. He was the winner of a small field in the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) in March, and most recently finished fourth in the Blue Grass Stakes (G1) behind Sierra Leone, Just a Touch, and Epic Ride.

With an especially tricky post position along the rail, Dornoch will need to call upon the promise he showed in his earlier form.

2. Sierra Leone (3-1)
Trainer: Chad Brown
Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
Race Record: 4 starts: 3 wins, 1 second, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $918,000

The second choice on the morning line, Sierra Leone enters the Kentucky Derby off a decisive win in the Blue Grass Stakes (G1) just down the road at Keeneland. His only loss to date was by the narrowest of margins to Dornoch last December in the Remsen Stakes (G2), a rival he soundly defeated last out.

An impressive colt that seems to only be improving, Sierra Leone is rightfully one of the top contenders in this race, if he gets the trip.

3. Mystik Dan (20-1)
Trainer: Kenny McPeek
Jockey: Brian Hernandez, Jr.
Race Record: 6 starts: 2 wins, 1 second, 1 third
Career Earnings: $641,360

Although a dominant winner of the Southwest Stakes (G3) two starts back, Mystik Dan failed to repeat that performance next out, finishing third in the Arkansas Derby (G1) in his final prep. He does own a win over the Churchill Downs surface as a 2-year-old, but it will take a much improved effort to be crowned the Derby champion.

4. Catching Freedom (8-1)
Trainer: Brad Cox
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Race Record: 5 starts: 3 wins, 0 seconds, 1 third
Career Earnings: $877,350

Winner of the Louisiana Derby (G2) last out, Catching Freedom has steadily improved and overcome immaturity over the course of his career. His recent speed figures are among some of the best in the 2024 Kentucky Derby field, and he couldn’t ask for a much better rider than Flavien Prat.

With the right trip, and as long as he has continued to mature, Catching Freedom could be a top player.

5. Catalytic (30-1)
Trainer: Saffie Joseph
Jockey: Jose Ortiz
Race Record: 3 starts: 1 win, 2 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $216,825

One of the most inexperienced horses entered in the 2024 Kentucky Derby, Catalytic only has three lifetime starts under his belt, including only one route race. That came last out in the Florida Derby (G1), in which he finished second to Derby favorite Fierceness. He performed well enough to be second, but was defeated by 13 ½ lengths.

To win here would be asking a lot of this lightly raced colt.

6. Just Steel (20-1)
Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas
Jockey: Keith Asmussen
Race Record: 11 starts: 2 wins, 4 seconds, and 1 third
Career Earnings: $724,545

A win from Just Steel would be a heartwarming ending to this year’s Derby, as it would give Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen’s young son Keith his first Derby victory in his very first Derby start. Keith of course has the mount for another Hall of Fame trainer, D. Wayne Lukas, who has won this race four times.

The most experienced horse in the field with 11 starts, Just Steel has won only two of those. But, he has faced difficult trips in many of his races, and last out received a great ride from Asmussen in their first start together, finishing second in the Arkansas Derby (G1). While he’s shown signs of improvement, it would take a big jump from him to defeat this field.

7. Honor Marie (20-1)
Trainer: Whit Beckman
Jockey: Ben Curtis
Race Record: 5 starts: 2 wins, 2 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $526,175

Although winless this year, Honor Marie was a strong second last out in the Louisiana Derby (G2). He does have two victories at Churchill Downs to his record, with a win in the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) and his debut as a 2-year-old last fall.

He is training well and clearly loves the Louisville oval, so he could be worth a look as a longshot.

8. Just a Touch (10–1)
Trainer: Brad Cox
Jockey: Florent Geroux
Race Record: 3 starts: 1 win, 2 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $281,700

Looking to follow in his sire Justify’s footsteps with a win in the Derby off of just three previous starts, all in his 3-year-old year, Just a Touch is worthy of a glance. A strong second to Sierra Leone in the Blue Grass Stakes (G1) last out, his solid speed figures keep improving and he’s proven he can handle a fast early pace well — and that’s certainly something to be expected in the Derby most years.

Though he may get bet down as a “wise guy” horse, Just a Touch may just deserve to be included in the discussion of top picks.

9. Encino – SCRATCHED

10. T O Password (JPN) (30-1)
Trainer: Daisuke Takayanagi
Jockey: Kazushi Kimura
Race Record: 2 starts: 2 wins, 0 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $163,339 

The longshot of the two Japan charges, T O Password is the most lightly raced horse in the group, with only two starts under his belt. He earned a Japan Road to the Derby berth with a win in the Fukuryu Stakes, but barely held on to win that race, crossing the wire a head in front.

Not only is this a huge jump in class for T O Password, but his fatigue in the late stretch of a shorter race last out certainly creates distance concerns for the 1 ¼-mile distance of the Kentucky Derby.

11. Forever Young (JPN) (10-1)
Trainer: Yoshito Yahagi
Jockey: Ryusei Sakai
Race Record: 5 starts: 5 wins, 0 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $2,049,451 

Undefeated in five starts, including a convincing win last out in the UAE Derby, Forever Young may be the most formidable horse Japan has sent to the Kentucky Derby. He’s certainly up for the distance, and has proven himself head and shoulders above his peers up to this point.

It’s always a bit of an unknown when an international horse competes in the Derby, but Forever Young looks to be a real contender.

12. Track Phantom (20–1)
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Jockey: Joel Rosario
Race Record: 7 starts: 3 wins, 2 seconds, 1 third
Career Earnings: $405,000

Track Phantom was a leading contender early on in the road to the 2024 Kentucky Derby, but he enters here off of two losses. Most recently fourth behind Catching Freedom and Honor Marie in the Louisiana Derby, the colt does, however, have strong speed figures.

Based on how he’s faltered in his last two races, Track Phantom doesn’t seem like he wants the distance here. He gets the addition of blinkers for the Derby, but the question is if that will make enough of a difference.

13. West Saratoga (50–1)
Trainer: Larry Demeritte
Jockey: Jesus Castanon
Race Record: 10 starts: 2 wins, 5 seconds, 1 third
Career Earnings: $460,140

One of the longest shots on the morning line, West Saratoga would be a fairytale winner for connections who are just happy to be in the game. The colt has a graded stakes win over the Churchill Downs surface to his credit, having won the Iroquois Stakes (G3) there as a 2-year-old. However, he has not won since and his speed figures don’t stack up against the others.

But if you like to bet the gray, West Saratoga is your Derby horse — he’s the only gray in the field.

14. Endlessly (30–1)
Trainer: Mike McCarthy
Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
Race Record: 6 starts: 5 wins, 0 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $707,200

While he has done little wrong in his career, Endlessly has been facing much lighter competition than this and has only raced on turf and synthetic surfaces. He was a dominant winner of the Jeff Ruby (G3) last out, and certainly has talent, but the dirt is a big question for him.

15. Domestic Product (30–1)
Trainer: Chad Brown
Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.
Race Record: 5 starts: 2 wins, 1 second, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $314,200

A game winner of the Tampa Bay Derby (G3) last out in March, Domestic Product does appear to have improved as a 3-year-old and certainly has accomplished connections. He has been training well, but it would take a massive jump in effort and speed for him to pull the upset.

16. Grand Mo the First (50-1)
Trainer: Victor Barboza, Jr.
Jockey: Emisael Jaramillo
Race Record: 6 starts: 2 wins, 0 seconds, 4 thirds
Career Earnings: $214,650

One of three 50-1 longshots on the morning line, Grand Mo the First not only hasn’t won since last September, but he has never won against stakes company. He picked up Kentucky Derby points with several third-place finishes on the Derby trail this year, but it would take by far the best effort of his life to shock the crowd here.

17. Fierceness (5-2)
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Jockey: John Velazquez
Race Record: 5 starts: 3 wins, 0 seconds, 1 third
Career Earnings: $1,703,850

Fierceness stamped himself as the 2024 Kentucky Derby favorite with a 13 ½-length romp in his final prep, the Florida Derby (G1). The colt was last year’s Eclipse Champion 2-Year-Old Male, which he clinched with a dominant win in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1). 

He does seem like the kind of horse to need just the right trip to win and his recent training has left a bit to be desired. But on talent and speed figures alone, he is the best of this field on paper.

18. Stronghold (20-1)
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Jockey: Antonio Fresu
Race Record: 6 starts: 3 wins, 3 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $827,200

Fresh off a game win in the Santa Anita Derby (G1), Stronghold has never been worse than second in his 6-start career thus far. The question of how competitive of company he’s faced does create some worry, but he has done very little wrong.

19. Resilience (20-1)
Trainer: Bill Mott
Jockey: Junior Alvarado
Race Record: 6 starts: 2 wins, 1 second, 1 third
Career Earnings: $494,630

Most recently a clear winner of the Wood Memorial (G2), Resilience seems to have only recently come into his own. The Into Mischief colt also leaves a bit to be desired as far as speed figures go, but he should benefit from the long distance of the Derby. It will take a big jump for him to find the wire first.

20. Society Man (50-1)
Trainer: Danny Gargan
Jockey: Frankie Dettori
Race Record: 5 starts: 1 win, 1 second, 1 third
Career Earnings: $196,705 

While every horse in the gate has a chance, Society Man does seem to be the most overmatched in the Kentucky Derby field. He only just broke his maiden in March, and then followed that up with a second-place finish in the Wood Memorial (G2). Prior to that, he’d only hit the board once in three other maiden special weight efforts.

21. Epic Ride (30-1)
Trainer: John Ennis
Jockey: Adam Beschizza
Race Record: 5 starts: 2 wins, 2 seconds, 1 third
Career Earnings: $253,166

It was just two years ago when #21, drawn in off the scratch of a main body entrant, made Derby history as Rich Strike surprised everyone with his 80-1 Kentucky Derby upset. While Epic Ride likely won’t go off at odds quite that high, it would still take a surprising effort from him to pull the upset. He was a respectable third in the Blue Grass Stakes (G1) behind Sierra Leone and Just a Touch last out, but he will have his work cut out for him.

Let us know in the comments here, or on Facebook (Horse Illustrated) or Instagram (@horseillustrated) who your 2024 Kentucky Derby pick is! Click here to subscribe to Horse Illustrated.

The post 2024 Kentucky Derby: Make Your Pick appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

It’s the first Saturday in May, and in Louisville, Ky., that can only mean one thing: it’s Kentucky Derby Day.

Each year on this day (aside from the delayed, no-spectator race in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), a large field of 3-year-old Thoroughbreds step out onto the esteemed Churchill Downs oval to compete for the garland of roses—one of the highest honors in horse racing.

Steeped in tradition, the Kentucky Derby is the first leg in American racing’s Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes in Maryland two weeks later and the Belmont Stakes in New York three weeks after that. Only 13 horses in history have achieved the feat of sweeping all three races, and only two have done so since 1978.

But before a horse has a shot at etching his name in the Triple Crown history books, he must first overcome the greatest two minutes in sports: the Kentucky Derby.

This year—after multiple scratches in the final days leading up to the race, including the forced scratch of Lord Miles as a result of the suspension of trainer Saffie Joseph and the scratch of morning line favorite Forte this morning—the field will feature 18 horses. Just shy of its full capacity of 20 horses, all three also-eligible entries drew in as a result of the scratches. Of course, an also-eligible upset the Derby last year when Rich Strike shocked the world at 80-1 odds from the #21 post.

The 2023 Kentucky Derby Field

Will another long shot take everyone by surprise at the Churchill Downs finish line this year?

Any horse that breaks from the starting gate has a shot—and that’s what creates so much anticipation, excitement, and, of course, betting strategies. Let’s take a look at each horse in this year’s Kentucky Derby.

1. Hit Show (30-1)
Trainer: Brad Cox
Jockey: Manuel Franco
Race Record: 5 starts: 3 wins, 1 second, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $404,375

Second by just a nose last out in the Wood Memorial, Hit Show is one of four entrants for trainer Brad Cox. His only finish out of the money did come at Churchill Downs as a 2-year-old, but this long shot is on the improve.

2. Verifying (15-1)
Trainer: Brad Cox
Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
Race Record: 6 starts: 2 wins, 2 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $489,900

In his last start, Verifying finished only a neck behind morning line second choice Tapit Trice in the Blue Grass. He has yet to achieve a win in graded stakes company, but at the best of his game, his speed figures are among the best in the field. He will need that kind of effort to stay with the best here.

3. Two Phil’s (12-1)
Trainer: Larry Rivelli
Jockey: Jareth Loveberry
Race Record: 8 starts: 4 wins, 1 second, 1 third
Career Earnings: $683,450

Among the six entering the Derby off of a win, Two Phil’s was a dominant winner of his final prep, but that came on a synthetic surface. He has finished behind the likes of fellow contenders Forte, Confidence Game, Angel of Empire and Sun Thunder. He will need to repeat the level of his last effort, but he will have many fans cheering for him.

4. Confidence Game (20-1)
Trainer: Keith Desormeaux
Jockey: James Graham
Race Record: 7 starts: 3 wins, 1 second, 2 thirds
Career Earnings: $785,525

Out of a half-sister to the great race mare Zenyatta, Confidence Game has not run since February 25, but that race resulted in a win in the Rebel Stakes. He has won twice in four starts at Churchill, but with over two months since his last race and speed figures that show room for improvement, a win would take a lifetime best effort.

5. Tapit Trice (5-1)
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Jockey: Luis Saez
Race Record: 5 starts: 4 wins, 0 seconds, 1 third
Career Earnings: $883,650

The second choice on the morning line, Tapit Trice is the stablemate of scratched morning line favorite Forte. Undefeated in 2023, the gray colt enters the Kentucky Derby off of wins in the 2023 Blue Grass Stakes and Tampa Bay Derby. He has done nothing wrong this year.

6. Kingsbarns (12-1)
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Jockey: Jose Ortiz
Race Record: 3 starts: 3 wins, 0 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $657,300

One of the most lightly raced horses in this field with only three starts, all of which have been as a 3-year-old, he is nonetheless defeated in each of those. An easy winner of the Louisiana Derby last out, it’s difficult to knock this colt for anything other than his lack of experience.

7. Reincarnate (50-1)
Trainer: Tim Yakteen
Jockey: John Velazquez
Race Record: 7 starts: 2 wins, 3 seconds, 2 thirds
Career Earnings: $345,650

Third behind Angel of Empire and King Russell last out in the Arkansas Derby, Reincarnate has not won since the Sham Stakes in January. As his races have gotten longer, his speed figures have dropped, which is cause for concern.

8. Mage (15-1)
Trainer: Gustavo Delgado
Jockey: Javier Castellano
Race Record: 3 starts: 1 win, 1 second, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $247,200

Another contender with only three lifetime starts, Mage enters the Derby after nearly dethroning Champion 2-Year-Old and Derby morning line favorite Forte in the Florida Derby. Second there, this is a colt full of potential.

9. SCRATCHED

10. SCRATCHED

11. Disarm (30-1)
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Jockey: Joel Rosario
Race Record: 5 starts: 1 win, 2 seconds, 2 thirds
Career Earnings: $327,850

Trained by racing’s all-time winningest trainer Steve Asmussen, Disarm is a spitting image of his champion sire, Gun Runner. He has only won in maiden company and despite twice finishing in the money in graded Derby preps, it will take a large jump in performance for Disarm to upset the Kentucky Derby.

12. Jace’s Road (50-1)
Trainer: Brad Cox
Jockey: Florent Geroux
Race Record: 6 starts: 2 wins, 0 seconds, 2 thirds
Career Earnings: $238,050

Jace’s Road has a very hit-or-miss race record, and has not won since a black-type stakes win as a 2-year-old in December. Effectively defeated in the Southwest Stakes and Louisiana Derby, Jace’s Road has the highest odds of the four Brad Cox entrants.

13. Sun Thunder (50-1)
Trainer: Kenny McPeek
Jockey: Brian Hernandez, Jr.
Race Record: 6 starts: 1 win, 1 second, 1 third
Career Earnings: $247,500

Out of the money in his last two starts and out of the winner’s circle since his maiden win as a 2-year-old on New Year’s Eve, Sun Thunder has been soundly defeated by a number of fellow Derby contenders. He does get blinkers added for this race to try to get him focused on the race earlier, but the question is if that will make enough difference.

14. Angel of Empire (8-1)
Trainer: Brad Cox
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Race Record: 6 starts: 4 wins, 1 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $1,069,375

Angel of Empire enters off of two Derby prep wins, including a dominant victory in the April 1 Arkansas Derby. This colt has steadily improved over the course of his career, and seems to be peaking at the right time.

15. SCRATCHED

16. Raise Cain (50-1)
Trainer: Ben Colebrook
Jockey: Gerardo Corrales
Race Record: 7 starts: 2 wins, 1 second, 1 third
Career Earnings: $296,328

Raise Cain dominated the Gotham Stakes in the mud two starts back, but was a disappointing fifth in the Blue Grass Stakes behind Tapit Trice next out. His only other win came in maiden company, hence the 50-1 odds.

17. Derma Sotogake (10-1)
Trainer: Hidetaka Otonashi
Jockey:Christophe Lemaire
Race Record: 8 starts: 4 wins, 0 seconds, 2 thirds
Career Earnings: $1,162,164

Despite the scratch of Continuar, Japan is still represented by two runners in Derma Sotogake and Mandarin Hero. A runaway winner of the UAE Derby in Dubai last out, Derma Sotogake looks to continue the wave of Japanese success on the world’s biggest racing stage. A Kentucky Derby win eludes the country, but this colt looks like he just may have the chance to make history.

18. Rocket Can (30-1)
Trainer: Bill Mott
Jockey: Junior Alvarado
Race Record: 7 starts: 2 wins, 2 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $383,413

Although Rocket Can kicked off the year with a win in the Holy Bull Stakes, he has regressed since then. Most recently fourth as the beaten favorite in the Arkansas Derby, Rocket Can has the expertise of Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott on his side but may be past his peak.

19. SCRATCHED

20. SCRATCHED

21. Cycle Mischief (30-1)
Trainer: Dale Romans
Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.
Race Record: 7 starts: 2 wins, 0 seconds, 3 thirds
Career Earnings: $246,350

Drawing in as an also-eligible, Cycle Mischief has never won a stakes race. He has, however, been third behind favorite Forte in his last two starts so has proven he can be competitive against the best. However, to defeat them, it will take his best performance yet.

22. Mandarin Hero (20-1)
Trainer: Terunobu Fujita
Jockey: Kazushi Kimura
Race Record: 6 starts: 4 wins, 2 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $386,854

The other contender for Japan, Mandarin Hero was second by just a nose in the Santa Anita Derby behind the scratched Practical Move in his most recent start—which was also his first race stateside. His only other loss also came at a narrow margin, and his Santa Anita speed figure is among the best in the field. Could it be fate that he drew into the race?

23. King Russell (50-1)
Trainer: Ron Moquett
Jockey: Rafael Bejarano
Race Record: 6 starts: 1 win, 3 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $322,350

It took this colt five tries to finally break his maiden, but he seemed to have figured it out then, as he finished second in the grade one Arkansas Derby in his very next start. He’d have to make another massive leap here to spring the upset.

Regardless of who you pick, the 2023 Kentucky Derby is sure to be full of excitement. If you don’t want to miss a second of the action, tune in to NBC today from 12:00 to 7:30 p.m. ET, with various other races on the undercard throughout the day before the Derby starting gates open at 6:57 ET. Coverage is also available to stream live on NBCSports.com, the NBC Sports app and Peacock.

This preview of the 2023 Kentucky Derby is a web exclusive for Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post A Look at the 2023 Kentucky Derby appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Visit Horse Country Tours

If you’re itching to experience all things Kentucky and great equine destinations, but aren’t sure where to start, stop by the Visit Horse Country website.

With tours of Thoroughbred breeding farms and nurseries, sport horse farms, feed mills, retired racehorse facilities, training tracks and equine clinics, you will find a tour for even the pickiest sightseer.

Red Mile Racetrack

Though the state is best known for Thoroughbreds, Standardbred racehorses rule at the Red Mile Racetrack. The second-oldest harness track in the world, visitors will love getting close to the horses in the paddock and watching live racing set against the backdrop of downtown Lexington.

The Kentucky Horse Park

With 1,200 acres devoted to celebrating the history of human’s relationship with the horse, the Kentucky Horse Park is a massive theme park for horse lovers, and it’s also a working horse farm.

It is jam-packed with special events and competitions and educational options—museums, exhibits, tours, sculptures, and live horses who live there. You’ll need multiple hours (if not days!) to see everything that interests you. On your don’t-miss list: the Parade of Breeds, trolley tour and the Hall of Champions.

Keeneland Race Course

Without a doubt one of the most beautiful racetracks in the world, Keeneland should make your to-do list even if the horses aren’t running. Races are held only in April and October, but horses train on the grounds year-round.

The Keeneland gift shop is perfect for souvenir hunting, and the world-class Thoroughbred auctions offer jaw-dropping sales prices on horses ranging from blue-blooded weanlings to Breeders’ Cup champions. Check the calendar for racing and sales dates.

Churchill Downs

Though Churchill Downs is the iconic home of the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May, its location may surprise you. Set in Louisville, the track is surrounded by homes and businesses, smack-dab in the middle of the city.

Make sure you block off enough time to visit the interactive Kentucky Derby Museum and schedule a tour of the racing complex. With everything from historic walking tours and breakfast experiences to racehorse workouts and backside tours, there’s sure to be at least one (and probably more!) that strikes your fancy.

Paris

If a small-town feel is more your scene, head to Bourbon County, Ky., home to some of the state’s most iconic Thoroughbred breeding farms. The quaint downtown offers shopping, dining and the Bourbon County Horse Walk of Fame.

Encompassing nine blocks on Main Street, the walk has 60 concrete markers boasting a Bourbon County horse’s name, its farm, its accomplishments and a pair of its shoes. Be sure to snap a pic of number seven: Secretariat.

The Louisville Slugger Museum

Break away from the horses with a stop at the Louisville Slugger Museum—we promise it’s a worthwhile pit stop.

Learn the story behind the world-famous “crack of the bat” and the family that has created baseball bats since 1884. With behind-the-scenes tours, ever-changing curated exhibits and a factory outlet, you’ll be amazed at what you didn’t know about the great American pastime.

Kentucky Cuisine & Beverages

Kentucky is famous for more than Colonel Sanders’ KFC—although the chicken IS tasty, and the café and museum are worth a visit if you’re headed through Corbin!

But no one does “local” quite like Lexington. If you’re interested in the who’s who of Thoroughbred racing, be sure to check out Wallace Station, the Track Kitchen at Keeneland, Carson’s Food and Drink, and the Merrick Inn.

No matter where you are, check the main menu for favorites like burgoo, hot browns and Benedictine spread; the dessert menu for Derby Pie, bread pudding, and bourbon balls; and the drink menu for anything bourbon or locally brewed beer.

Want to make a day of it? Kentucky offers world-class tours of numerous bourbon distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. There’s also the Brewgrass Trail, the Coffee and Donut Trail, and the Beer Cheese Trail.

If nature is more your thing, there are some of America’s best hiking trails at places like Natural Bridge, Red River Gorge and Mammoth Cave, home to the world’s longest known cave system.

This article about equine destinations in Kentucky appeared in the June 2021 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Equestrian Destinations in Kentucky appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Churchill Downs announced plans to celebrate the first Saturday in May, the traditional date of the annual Kentucky Derby, by hosting a day-long at-home Kentucky Derby party—including a virtual Kentucky Derby horse race among the Triple Crown winners—to raise $2 million for COVID-19 emergency relief efforts. Though the 146th Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve was postponed until Sept. 5 this year due to public health concerns related to the spread of COVID-19, Churchill Downs invites fans to honor the annual tradition while staying “Healthy at Home.”

Fans can tune in to a special broadcast on NBC on May 2, from 3 to 6 p.m. EST, which will feature the 2015 Kentucky Derby that began the legendary American Pharoah’s historic Triple Crown run. In addition, the NBC broadcast will highlight Churchill Downs’ first ever virtual horse race—”The Kentucky Derby: Triple Crown Showdown,” a computer-simulated version of a race under the historic Twin Spires of Churchill Downs.

The virtual race, created by Inspired Entertainment, will feature the 13 past Triple Crown winners and use data algorithms, including historical handicapping information about each horse, which helps to determine the probability of their potential finishing positions. Inspired offers an expanding portfolio of content, technology, hardware and services for regulated gaming, betting, lottery, and leisure operators across retail and mobile channels around the world.

Beginning on April 30, fans will be able to visit www.KentuckyDerby.com to choose their favorite horse to win the virtual race and also join Churchill Downs in making a charitable donation to COVID-19 emergency relief efforts. All participants who select the winning horse will be entered to win the ultimate Kentucky Derby 146 VIP Experience. Churchill Downs has pledged to match up to $1 million of donations with funds to be directed to the Team Kentucky Fund and Direct Relief.

The Team Kentucky Fund was initiated by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear to provide assistance to Kentuckians who have been severely financially impacted by the COVID-19 emergency. Direct Relief’s COVID-19 Fund for Community Health supports healthcare workers’ safety and essential services they provide at America’s safety-net community and health centers and clinics. The funds will be disbursed to community health centers, free and charitable clinics and pharmacies, and other non-profit health providers in Direct Relief’s partner network, which includes thousands of community-run nonprofit health facilities in all 50 states and U.S. territories.

A small percentage will be earmarked for the Relief for Equine Industry Needs (R.E.I.N.) Fund. R.E.I.N. was established by the Churchill Downs Foundation in response to the growing needs in the racing industry as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent interruption of customary racing operations. The emergency relief fund specifically addresses the needs of backside communities by providing meals, micro-grants and financial assistance with emergency needs as well as the fulfillment of essential care for horses. The Churchill Downs Foundation was established to support industry charitable initiatives such as Thoroughbred aftercare and health and education opportunities for the valued backside community.

A full day of online festivities is planned on May 2, designed to encourage the perfect interactive Kentucky Derby party at home. Churchill Downs will join the Kentucky Derby Museum and other partners to offer virtual tours, Derby cocktail and fascinator-making instructions, ideas for party decorations, kids’ crafts, Derby-inspired recipes, an at-home Derby fashion contest and much more.

“For many fans around the country, the first Saturday in May has become a part of their family’s yearly traditions,” said Kevin Flanery, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack. “While we eagerly look forward to the 146th Kentucky Derby this year on the first Saturday in September, we will celebrate the annual excitement of our traditional date with our fans and community by offering ways for us to join together for a great cause. Our fans will be captivated by the realistic view of the virtual race, and we can debate, as we do each year, our favorite to win.”

“The anticipation of which Triple Crown winner will emerge as the ultimate champion is thrilling,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Incorporated, “but most importantly, we are proud to use this platform as a force for good by raising money for these worthy COVID-19 emergency initiatives. We urge fans to join us by donating and celebrating with us from home.”

Join the virtual party by posting your home Derby Party experience using #KyDerbyAtHome on Saturday, May 2, and follow @KentuckyDerby on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram on the first Saturday in May to engage with a full day of exciting content and other at-home Derby parties from across the country. Visit www.KentuckyDerbyParty.com regularly for an updated schedule of activities, recipes, ingredient lists, style tips and decorating ideas so that Kentucky Derby fans can be ready to celebrate the first Saturday in May together from home.

Complete COVID-19 Coverage

The post Virtual Kentucky Derby at Home Set for First Saturday in May on NBC With All Triple Crown Winners appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

“Throughout the rapid development of the COVID-19 pandemic, our first priority has been how to best protect the safety and health of our guests, team members and community,” stated Churchill Downs Incorporated CEO Bill Carstanjen. “As the situation evolved, we steadily made all necessary operational adjustments to provide the safest experience and environment. The most recent developments have led us to make some very difficult, but we believe, necessary decisions and our hearts are with those who have been or continue to be affected by this pandemic.

“Our team is united in our commitment to holding the very best Kentucky Derby ever and certainly the most unique in any of our lifetimes,” he continued. “While we are always respectful of the time-honored traditions of the Kentucky Derby, our company’s true legacy is one of resilience, the embracing of change and unshakeable resolve.”

Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks Ticket/ Refund Policy Due to COVID-19

Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby tickets purchased for the originally scheduled dates are automatically valid for the new race dates. Ticket holders may arrive on the new dates in September with their printed ticket or mobile ticket to be scanned for entry at the gates. Information on a new ticket shipment date will be sent directly to ticket purchasers.

For those who purchased a ticket for the Kentucky Derby or the Kentucky Oaks and are not able to attend the newly scheduled race dates, information regarding refund requests will be available at www.KentuckyDerby.com/updates by the end of this week. If your ticket was purchased from a vendor or secondary market website other than Churchill Downs, such as Ticketmaster.com or Derby Experiences, please contact that site directly. Churchill Downs is unable to process refunds for those tickets.

Derby Week Information

The remainder of Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks Week races have not been decided at this time. Please visit www.KentuckyDerby.com/updates for the latest information regarding Opening Night, Champions Day, and other events that may be affected related to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Read more about the impact on the horse industry and catch a list of impacted events and statements from organizations about COVID-19 at www.horseillustrated.com/coronavirus-impact-horse-industry. For all of our coverage, visit www.horseillustrated.com/tag/coronavirus.

The post 2020 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks to be Postponed Due to COVID-19 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

As of 2019, the Kentucky Horse Park’s Hall of Champions is home to several notable horses, including two Kentucky Derby winners: 1984 winner Go for Gin, the oldest living Derby winner, and Funny Cide, the winner in 2003.

t seems there’s some disagreement between the two, so you’ll just have to decide which retired equine athlete you trust more to see who you believe will win the 2019 Kentucky Derby.

It’s always exciting when the first Saturday in May falls on May the Fourth Be With You, because then somebody gets to Photoshop R2D2 onto the back of a horse.

On this #DerbyDay which falls on #StarWarsDay let us be the first to say, May the horse be with you. #TurfParadise pic.twitter.com/JqFlJsp6LX

— Turf Paradise (@turf_paradise) May 4, 2019

(Is that Photoshopped? Or is that actually R2D2 on a horse?)

Fortunately for those of us who missed the Game of Thrones bus, you don’t have to be a fan to enjoy the dry humor of this HBO tweet.

10 bucks on the undead horse on the left. #KentuckyDerby pic.twitter.com/bnUnMduwHy

— HBO (@HBO) May 4, 2019

“AtTheBarnTTYL” is a great racehorse name, especially for the Kentucky Derby.

Your #KentuckyDerby horse name is the first 18 characters of the last text you sent. pic.twitter.com/qyKc1qcu0h

— Horse Illustrated (@HI_mag) May 2, 2019

“Horse-Poor Banana” is also a pretty good one.

It’s #DerbyDay

What is your horse’s name?

Choose an adjective that best describes you + the last food you ate. #KentuckyDerby | #HorseRacing | #churchilldowns pic.twitter.com/OAItD7vep2

— A2D Radio (@a2dradio_com) May 4, 2019

Well, this is just cute.

Today is #DerbyDay! pic.twitter.com/SRtAAQ0kZH

— Sandra Boynton (@SandyBoynton) May 4, 2019

Watch the 2019 Kentucky Derby coverage on NBC starting today at 2:30 p.m. ET. Post time for the Derby is 6:50.

We’re wishing all the horses and jockeys a safe journey in the 145th Kentucky Derby today!

The post Past Kentucky Derby Winners Predict 2019 Derby Outcome appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.