Kentucky Derby 2025: Runner-by-Runner Guide for the Run for the Roses

The most exciting two minutes in sports is set for the first Saturday in May, as this year’s crop of three-year-old’s compete in the opening leg of the Triple Crown at Churchill Downs.

Ahead of studying the Kentucky Derby trends and making your selection, you can find our runner-by-runner guide for the race here.

Kentucky Derby Runner-by-Runner Guide

The field for the 2025 Kentucky Derby will not be finalized until declarations are made official on April 26, 2025. However, you can find our runner-by-runner guide of the top-qualified horses on the Road to the Kentucky Derby here.

Burnham Square

Burnham Square was the highest point scorer on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. The three-year-old by Liam’s Map was last seen beating East Avenue by a nose in the G1 Blue Grass Stakes. However, that prep hasn’t been the most informative when it comes to Derby contenders.

Sandman

Sandman’s late finishing speed could be a factor that bettors latch onto in the Derby this year. Despite enduring early setbacks in his three-year-old season, he firmly got back on track with an excellent effort in the G1 Arkansas Derby when beating Publisher by over two lengths.

Journalism

Journalism comes out on top based on Equibase and Bayer Speed Figures this year. The stalker was last seen winning the G1 Santa Anita Derby, battling back from setbacks to hold off Baeza by just under a length. However, the fact that he has never run in a bigger field would be a major concern.

Rodriguez

Rodriguez is one of a number of contenders for the history-chasing Bob Baffert. A change in tactics saw him set the pace before sprinting clear to land the G2 Wood Memorial. Once again comes up against Journalism and Citizen Bull, but the change in tactics could at least threaten a reversal in form.

Tiztastic

Tiztastic secured his spot in the Derby field with an excellent performance in the G1 Louisiana Derby. A skillful ride by Joel Rosario saw the three-year-old save ground throughout, before beating Chunk Of Gold by over two lengths. Will need improvement, but not without a chance.

Tappan Street

The fast-improving Tappan Street could be a solid Derby contender for Brad Cox. After finishing a close second behind Burnham Square in the G3 Holy Bull, he made a striking impression when holding off Sovereignity to land the G1 Florida Derby. Eye-catching credentials.

Sovereignity

Sovereignity has been regarded as one of the leading Derby hopes since landing the G3 Street Sense at Churchill Downs last year. Has since won the G2 Fountain Of Youth, but came up short against Tappan Street in the G1 Florida Derby. This closer will need luck to be on his side.

Final Gambit

Final Gambit will attract interest based on his win in the Jeff Ruby. His finishing effort on the all-weather at Turfway Park was eye-catching, despite giving the field a head start after falling out of the gates. A first start on the dirt awaits at Churchill Downs, but there are worse longshots.

Coal Battle

Coal Battle was a leading Derby hope back in February after landing a visually impressive win over Madaket Road in the G2 Rebel Stakes. However, he will need to bounce back after finishing seventh lengths behind Sandman in the G1 Arkansas Derby. His versatility ensures that he will be hard to dismiss.

Chunk Of Gold

Chunk Of Gold could deliver a memorable Derby win for owner Terry Stephens. The three-year-old has finished second on his last three attempts in stakes company, including when just two lengths behind Tiztastic in the G1 Louisiana Derby. Will be a popular selection, but has plenty to find.

Citizen Bull

Citizen Bull could be one of the forgotten horses in the Derby field for trainer Baffert. The three-year-old was the winner of the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile last season, before returning with a dominant win in the G3 Robert B Lewis. Will need to bounce back after finishing nine lengths behind Journalism in the G1 Santa Anita Derby.

Owen Almighty

Owen Almighty will line up in the Derby this year, despite Lynch indicating that the trip could stretch his stamina. Was an eye-catching winner of the G3 South Tampa Bay Derby, before finishing only sixth in the G1 Blue Grass. The reservations of his connections that the Derby trip may not suit can’t be overlooked.

East Avenue

East Avenue bounced back to somewhere near his best when narrowly denied by a nose in the G1 Blue Grass. Was largely disappointing on his prior performances, finishing tenth in the G2 Risen Star and ninth in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Well-bred but questions to answer.

Publisher

No horse has broken their maiden in the Derby since 1933, but that is something that Publisher will be attempting to do in 2025. Has run creditably in recent races, including when second in the G1 Arkansas Derby. Tough challenge, despite being a son of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah.

American Promise

American Promise finally looked to produce a career-best performance when easily winning the Virginia Derby. However, has already been disappointing in the Risen Star and Southwest Stakes this year. Has reportedly trained well for the race, but an outside chance at the very best.

Flying Mohawk

Flying Mohawk isn’t without a chance in the Derby this year. Came from miles back to finish second and within four lengths of Final Gambit in the Jeff Ruby. He looked better the further he went, and the extended Derby trip could at least give him a very decent chance at a huge prize.

Grande

Grande could be one of the runners that plummets in price before the Derby. He boasts untapped potential, and ran extremely well when finishing second despite a wide trip in the G1 Wood Memorial. Velazquez is an eye-catching booking, and his progression could see him running into a place at Churchill Downs.

Luxor Cafe

Japan’s leading hope in the Derby this year comes in the form of Luxor Cafe. The three-year-old has won three times in stakes company, and topped the standings on the Japanese leg of the Road to the Kentucky Derby. A visually impressive display in the Fukuryu Stakes has substance, while Admire Daytona finished second to Luxor Cafe before winning the UAE Derby. Leading contender.

Admire Daytona

Admire Daytona is the second Japanese hope in the Derby this year. The three-year-old has twice been beaten by Luxor Cafe, but was a close second behind the reappearing rival last November. Produced a career-best effort from a low draw when landing the UAE Derby. Looks like the more unlikely contender from overseas.

Built

Built is yet to be officially confirmed for the Derby. However, he will have plenty to find on all available form after finishing third in the Risen Star Stakes and fifth in the Louisiana Derby. Likely to make up the numbers if travelling to Churchill Downs.