2025 KENTUCKY DERBY CONTENDERS & ODDS

Sitting proudly among the top horse races in the world and affectionately known as the Run for the Roses, the Grade One Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the Triple Crown of horse racing.

The the 151st renewal of "fastest two minutes in sports" takes place on Saturday, May 3 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky and below you will see information relating to each of the 2025 entries.

JOURNALISM 3-1 MORNING-LINE FAVORITE FOR 151st KENTUCKY DERBY

Citizen Bull 20-1

Who is Kentucky Derby horse Citizen Bull? Citizen Bull is a budding star as a bay colt who's blazed through his juvenile campaign with the kind of progression that gets Derby dreamers excited. Breaking his maiden at Del Mar in mid-August, this son of No Joke showed he was no joke himself, taking a 5 1/2-furlong maiden special weight by daylight with Martin Garcia in the irons.

The real story here isn't just the wins -- it's the way this colt has developed. After cutting his teeth in sprints, he tackled seven furlongs in September at Del Mar, finishing third in stakes company. That loss proved to be a mere stepping stone. His morning works at Santa Anita -- particularly that bullet five-eighths in 58.80 on October 26 -- telegraphed his readiness for the big stage.

And boy, did he deliver. First came a commanding victory in the Road to the Kentucky Derby prep of the American Pharoah Stakes at Santa Anita, stretching out to 1 1/16 miles like he was born to route. Then, just weeks later, he put an exclamation point on his campaign by capturing the Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Del Mar, cementing his status as the division leader and earning 30 more points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.

The numbers tell the tale: four starts, three wins, one show, and a bankroll swelling past $1.3 million. But it's the way he's done it -- stretching from sprints to routes, handling different tracks, and beating increasingly tougher competition -- that has the racing world buzzing. His systematic progression through his workout pattern, from those early two-furlong breezes at Los Al to his recent stakes-winning form, reads like a textbook example of patient, masterful development.

For handicappers keeping notes for 2025: here's a colt who's won from different posts, handled fast tracks with aplomb, and shown tactical versatility. The Triple Crown trail beckons, and Citizen Bull has already proven he's got the tools to answer the call.

Neoequos 30-1

Who is Kentucky Derby horse Neoequos? Neoequos, a bay colt by Neolithic out of Bold Birdie (by Birdstone), has emerged as an intriguing Kentucky Derby prospect for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. Through seven career starts, he's compiled a record of 2-2-2 with earnings of $291,050.

The colt has shown versatile tactical speed and the ability to rate effectively. His most recent effort in the Florida Derby (G1) (1 1/8 miles) resulted in a solid third-place finish, beaten four lengths, where he demonstrated both tactical speed and stamina by leading at the three-sixteenths pole before being overtaken late. Prior to that, he finished third in the Fountain of Youth S. (G2) at 1 1/16 miles, showing consistent form at longer distances.

His pedigree offers some intrigue for the Kentucky Derby distance. While his sire Neolithic is relatively unproven as a stallion, his damsire Birdstone won the Belmont Stakes (G1) and has proven to be a source of stamina in pedigrees. His recent workouts at Gulfstream Park have been sharp, including a five-furlong move in 1:00.20 on April 18.

Class-wise, Neoequos has shown steady improvement with each start in graded stakes company. His ability to carry his speed over a distance and maintain his form through a demanding campaign suggests he could handle additional ground. However, his pedigree and recent performances indicate the 1 1/4 miles of the Kentucky Derby might test the outer limits of his stamina.

Final Gambit 30-1

Who is Kentucky Derby horse Final Gambit? Final Gambit lived up to his name at Turfway Park-rolling the dice in a bold move and hitting the jackpot in the $770,000 Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3). With a sweeping, stretch-drive surge, the bay colt claimed one of the season's key 100-point Kentucky Derby prep races and punched his ticket to Churchill Downs.

Trained by Brad Cox and owned by Juddmonte Farm, Final Gambit entered the Jeff Ruby as a lightly regarded outsider, but that status didn't last long. Sitting off the pace in the early stages, he launched a decisive rally around the far turn and took command in the lane, confidently holding off the competition to seal the biggest win of his career.

Bred in Kentucky by Calumet Farm, Final Gambit is by 2017 Horse of the Year Gun Runner out of the Not This Time mare Pachinko. His pedigree blends class and composure-qualities he's starting to showcase as he matures at the right time.

The Jeff Ruby Steaks marked his second win in four starts and a major leap forward. More than just a Derby qualifier, the race demonstrated his ability to handle synthetic footing, tactical positioning, and the pressure of high-stakes competition. With 100 Road to the Kentucky Derby points secured, Final Gambit is all in for the Run for the Roses.

Rodriguez 12-1

Who is Kentucky Derby horse Rodriguez? Rodriguez, by Authentic, stamped himself as a serious Kentucky Derby contender with an authoritative 3 1/2-length victory in the nine-furlong Wood Memorial (G2) at Aqueduct.

The sophomore colt's latest gate-to-wire victory showcases the blend of speed and stamina that has become his calling card.

The Bob Baffert trainee brings an intriguing pedigree for the classic distance. His sire, Authentic, while questioned for stamina early in his career, proved the doubters wrong with victories in the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Breeders' Cup Classic (G1). The dam side adds further staying power through Cherokee Run, who has proven to be an excellent broodmare sire of route performers.

After a runner-up finish sprinting in his debut at Del Mar, Rodriguez has excelled with added ground, breaking his maiden by seven lengths going a mile at Santa Anita before stepping into stakes company. His tactical versatility has been displayed throughout his progression, demonstrating the ability to press the pace or settle when needed -- a crucial attribute for the Derby's demanding 1 1/4 miles.

The dark bay colt's recent works at Santa Anita have been particularly sharp, including multiple five-furlong moves in :59 and change, and a slightly slower drill in 1:00.20 on April 20. His morning drills suggest he's maintaining his form while building stamina. With his proven ability to handle nine furlongs and a running style that should suit the Derby's demands, Rodriguez appears poised to handle the classic distance.

American Promise 30-1

Who is Kentucky Derby horse American Promise? American Promise, a chestnut colt by Triple Crown winner Justify out of Tapella (by Tapit), has emerged as an intriguing Kentucky Derby prospect following a dominant 7 3/4-length victory in the Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs. Trained by Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas, this improving three-year-old has compiled a record of 2-1-1 from nine starts while earning $444,874.

His pedigree is loaded with stamina influences, combining Justify's proven classic ability with the deep stamina of Tapit through his dam's side. This breeding has manifested in American Promise's running style, as he's developed from a mid-pack runner into a versatile performer who can either press the pace or stalk from just off it. His recent form has been particularly noteworthy, with a breakthrough performance in the Virginia Derby at 1 1/8 miles showing his ability to carry his speed over a distance. His recent workouts at Oaklawn Park have been exceptional, including back-to-back five-furlong moves in :59.80 and :59.20, indicating he's maintaining peak form.

Under Lukas's expert guidance, American Promise appears to be peaking at the right time. His confident handling of nine furlongs and strong gallop-outs suggests the Kentucky Derby's 1 1/4-mile distance should be within his scope, making him a legitimate contender for the classic.

Admire Daytona (JPN) 30-1

Who is Kentucky Derby horse Admire Daytona? Junko Kondo's UAE Derby (GII) winner Admire Daytona (JPN) put in half-mile works for Kentucky Derby 151 over a fast track on a Chamber of Commerce Tuesday morning at Churchill Downs.

Admire Daytona, with Yoshimitsu Miyashita aboard, worked in :53.20 starting at the three-eighths pole, with splits of :13, :39.20, and :53.20.

Junko Kondo's UAE Derby winner had his first serious move over the Churchill Downs surface Tuesday morning, recording a half-mile in :53.20 under exercise rider/assistant trainer Yoshimitsu Miyashita.

Admire Daytona warmed up in the one-mile chute for about 10 minutes, then walked clockwise to the finish line. After briefly standing at the wire, he jogged back to the chute, stood for approximately five minutes, then began his work.

The son of Drefong started picking up his gallop at the half-mile pole and, from the three-furlong marker, worked through splits of :13 and :39.20.

"With only three weeks between races, we just prepped him the same way we did in Dubai," Miyashita said. "We let him decide what he wanted to do over the four furlongs. He increased his speed a bit in the straight on his own and really it was exactly like the kind of work he turned in prior to the UAE Derby. He has managed to maintain his pre-UAE Derby physical condition perfectly so we just have to help him keep it until race day."

Luxor Cafe 15-1

Who is Kentucky Derby horse Luxor Cafe? A Kentucky-bred son of Triple Crown champion American Pharoah, Luxor Cafe is a full brother to Cafe Pharoah, who topped the 2020 Japan Road but didn't ship for that pandemic-delayed Derby. Cafe Pharoah ultimately developed into a Japanese champion at the age of five.

Luxor Cafe secured a Kentucky Derby spot by winning the Japan Road invitation. Luxor Cafe has been favored in all six of his career starts and has beaten Admire Daytona in both of their meetings in Japan.

Luxor Cafe brings several significant qualities - raw talent, two-turn aptitude, a progressive profile, and a just-off-the-pace running style that could put him in an advantageous position. Since three of his four wins have come on a good track, rain at Churchill Downs would be a plus.

Journalism 3-1

Who is Kentucky Derby horse Journalism? Journalism, a bay colt by Curlin out of Mopotism (by Uncle Mo), has emerged as a serious Kentucky Derby contender following an impressive victory in the San Felipe S. (G2) at Santa Anita. Trained by Michael McCarthy, this improving three-year-old has compiled a record of 3-0-1 from four starts while earning $338,880. His pedigree is loaded with classic potential, combining two-time Horse of the Year Curlin's stamina with Uncle Mo's brilliance through his Grade 1-placed dam Mopotism.

This breeding has manifested in Journalism's running style, as he's developed from a closing sprinter into a tactically versatile router who can either press the pace or stalk from just off it.

His recent form has been particularly noteworthy, with three consecutive victories culminating in a professional 1 3/4-length score in the San Felipe (G2) at 1 1/16 miles. His ability to settle early and produce a sustained drive through the stretch suggests the Kentucky Derby's 1 1/4-mile distance should be well within his scope.

Under McCarthy's patient handling, Journalism has shown steady improvement with each start while maintaining his conditioning through a consistent work pattern at Santa Anita, including back-to-back five-furlong moves in 1:01.40. His progression from maiden winner to graded stakes performer, combined with his efficient stride and professional demeanor, suggests he's still developing and could be peaking at the perfect time for the Triple Crown trail.

Burnham Square 12-1

Who is Kentucky Derby horse Burnham Square? Burnham Square, by Liam's Map, is rapidly emerging as a serious player in the three-year-old ranks, and his recent nine-furlong stakes victory at Keeneland suggests we might be just scratching the surface of his potential.

The Whitham Thoroughbreds homebred has made remarkable strides since his maiden claiming debut last October. After breaking through spectacularly at Gulfstream Park with a nine-length romp at two turns, the bay gelding has captured two stakes, including an impressive last-to-first triumph in his latest.

The Ian Wilkes trainee brings a compelling package when considering the classic distance. His ability to settle, navigate traffic, and produce a sustained rally was on full display at Keeneland in the Blue Grass (G1) when overcoming trouble to get up in time. The way he's finished his routes, particularly in his last two wins, suggests the added ground of 1 1/4 miles should be well within his scope.

His female family adds intrigue to his distance capabilities. Being out of a Scat Daddy mare provides a nice counterbalance to his brilliantly fast sire, Liam's Map. The combination has produced a versatile runner who's shown both tactical speed and the ability to rate effectively.

With a steady series of stamina-building works at Palm Meadows and Churchill Downs, Burnham Square appears to be peaking at the right time. His development curve suggests a colt who's still improving and could be sitting on a career-best effort when it matters most.

Grande 10-1

Who is Kentucky Derby horse Grande? Grande, a dark bay or brown colt by Curlin out of Journey Home (by War Front), emerges as an intriguing Kentucky Derby prospect with an exceptional distance-oriented pedigree. His sire Curlin, a two-time Horse of the Year, is renowned for producing classic-distance runners, while the War Front influence on the dam's side adds versatility to his genetic makeup.

Trained by Todd Pletcher for Repole Stable, Grande has shown remarkable progression through his three career starts, all coming in 2025. After an impressive maiden victory going a mile at Gulfstream Park in January, he seamlessly transitioned to two turns, capturing a 1 1/8-mile allowance optional claiming event by 2 1/2 lengths. Most recently, he finished a solid second in the 1 1/8-mile Wood Memorial (G2), beaten 3 1/2 lengths while demonstrating both tactical speed and stamina.

His running style, typically settling in midpack before launching his bid, suggests he should handle the Kentucky Derby's demanding 1 1/4 miles. His consistent work pattern at Palm Beach Downs, including recent maintenance moves, indicates he's preserving his form and fitness.

With earnings of $228,200, Grande has shown steady improvement with each start, progressing from maiden to stakes company while stretching out in distance. While relatively lightly raced with just three starts, his natural stamina and professional demeanor suggest the classic distance is within his scope. However, he must take another step forward to compete with more seasoned Derby contenders.

Flying Mohawk 30-1

Who is Kentucky Derby horse Flying Mohawk? Flying Mohawk, a dark bay or brown colt by Karakontie out of Bonbons Fleur (by Twirling Candy), has emerged as an intriguing Kentucky Derby prospect following a strong second-place finish in the Jeff Ruby S. (G3) at Turfway Park. Trained by D. Whitworth Beckman, this versatile performer has compiled a record of 2-2-0 from six starts while earning $295,800.

His pedigree presents an interesting mix of turf and synthetic influences, with Karakontie being a top-class miler in Europe and Twirling Candy adding versatility through his dam's side.

While most of his success has come on turf and synthetic surfaces, his recent workouts at Fair Grounds on dirt have been encouraging, including a solid five furlongs in 1:01.60. His running style has evolved nicely, showing the ability to adapt to different pace scenarios. This was particularly evident in his Jeff Ruby S. performance, where he overcame early trouble to finish strongly over 1 1/8 miles. His previous win at Fair Grounds demonstrated his tactical speed and ability to kick clear when called upon.

Under Beckman's patient handling, Flying Mohawk has shown steady improvement with each start. While the surface switch to dirt for the Kentucky Derby presents a question mark, his strong finishes at nine furlongs and professional demeanor suggest the classic distance is within his scope. His progression pattern and recent form make him an interesting wild card for the Triple Crown trail.

East Avenue 20-1

Who is Kentucky Derby horse East Avenue? East Avenue, a bay colt by Medaglia d'Oro out of Dance Music (by Ghostzapper), presents an intriguing Kentucky Derby prospect with a pedigree that suggests stamina shouldn't be an issue. His sire line has produced numerous classic-distance performers, while his damsire Ghostzapper adds an additional layer of stamina influence.

East Avenue has shown progressive development in his five career starts, particularly around two turns. After breaking his maiden impressively at Ellis Park going six furlongs, he made a significant leap forward with a commanding 5 1/4-length victory in a stakes event at Keeneland going 1 1/16 miles. While he encountered trouble in his next two starts -- stumbling badly at the start at Del Mar and failing to fire in the Risen Star (G2) at Fair Grounds -- he bounced back with a game second-place finish in his most recent outing at Keeneland going 1 1/8 miles in the Blue Grass (G1).

The Godolphin homebred has demonstrated tactical speed and the ability to settle, crucial attributes for the Derby's 1 1/4-mile journey. His recent workout at Churchill, a sharp four-furlong move in :47.30 on April 19, suggests he's maintaining his form. Under trainer Brendan Walsh's care, East Avenue earned $654,395 from his five starts, showing the class needed for top-level competition.

While he hasn't yet raced beyond 1 1/8 miles, his running style and pedigree suggest the classic distance is within his scope.

Publisher 20-1

Who is Kentucky Derby horse Publisher? Publisher, a bay colt by Triple Crown winner American Pharoah out of Indian Pride (by Proud Citizen), has emerged as a legitimate Kentucky Derby contender following a strong second-place finish in the Arkansas Derby (G1) at 1 1/8 miles. Trained by Steve Asmussen, this late-developing three-year-old has shown steady improvement through seven career starts, compiling a record of two seconds and three thirds while earning $407,756.

His pedigree suggests strong classic potential, combining American Pharoah's proven stamina with Proud Citizen's influence through his dam's side. This breeding has manifested in Publisher's running style, as he's developed into a grinding mid-pack runner who makes sustained moves in the stretch.

His recent form has been particularly encouraging, with a fourth in the Rebel S. (G2) followed by his career-best performance in the Arkansas Derby (G1), where he made a strong four-wide move to chase home the winner. His progression through longer distances has been steady, and his recent workouts at Oaklawn Park, including a sharp five furlongs in 1:01.00, indicate he's maintaining his form.

Under Asmussen's patient handling, Publisher has shown the kind of development pattern that suggests his best races are still ahead. His grinding style and proven ability to handle nine furlongs while finishing with energy indicate he should handle the Kentucky Derby's 1 1/4-mile distance, making him an intriguing prospect for the classic.

Tiztastic 20-1

Who is Kentucky Derby horse Tiztastic? Tiztastic, a dark bay/brown colt by Tiz the Law out of Keesha (by Tapit), brings an impressive blend of speed and stamina to his Kentucky Derby (G1) aspirations. His recent victory in the Louisiana Derby (G2) at 1 3/16 miles demonstrated his ability to handle extended distances. He won by 2 1/4 lengths with a strong closing kick after rating inside and making a four-wide move in the stretch.

His running style has evolved from his early sprint races into that of a tactical closer, typically positioning mid-pack before launching his bid. This versatile approach has proven successful at various distances, with three wins from eight career starts and over $1.5 million in earnings. His pedigree suggests natural stamina, as both his sire, Tiz the Law (Belmont Stakes winner), and damsire, Tapit (leading sire of Belmont Stakes winners), are known for producing classic-distance runners.

Trained by Steven Asmussen for the powerful partnership of Winchell Thoroughbreds and the Coolmore connections, Tiztastic has shown steady progression through his stakes campaign. His recent workout pattern at Churchill Downs has been consistent, including a sharp five-furlong move in :59.30 on April 19, indicating continued maintenance of his strong form. While he had a brief setback in the Rebel Stakes (finishing fifth), his bounce-back performance in the Louisiana Derby suggests he's peaking at the right time. His ability to handle the Churchill Downs surface is proven, with solid performances over the track in previous starts, making him a legitimate contender for the Kentucky Derby's demanding 1 1/4 miles.

Render Judgment 30-1

Who is Kentucky Derby horse Render Judgment? Famously owned by the late Country singer Toby Keith, who passed a year ago, Render Judgment has been entered into the 151st Kentucky Derby. Keith's official social media confirmed the news, posting: 'It was Toby's dream...Render Judgment is going to the @KentuckyDerby. He worked so hard to finally have one there! Toby will have the best seat in the house to watch.'

Trainer Kenneth McPeek confirmed the colt's entry following timed workouts on Saturday morning. During the session, Render Judgment posted one of the fastest times among Derby hopefuls.

Render Judgment, a Virginia Derby runner-up, breezed five furlongs in :59 under jockey Julien Leparoux during Derby training sessions at Churchill Downs.

Coal Battle 30-1

Who is Kentucky Derby horse Coal Battle? Coal Battle has emerged as one of the most intriguing Kentucky Derby prospects, showcasing remarkable progression through his development arc. The dark bay son of Coal Front has reeled off three consecutive stakes victories, most recently displaying tactical versatility in taking the 1 1/16-mile Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park by 1 1/4 lengths.

His running style has evolved from a speed-oriented approach in his maiden win to a more mature, tractable presence in routes. The colt's ability to settle and accelerate, evidenced by his last two victories where he 'backed up pace, ran on' and 'accelerated 5w 2nd, clear,' suggests a horse learning to harness his natural speed effectively.

The distance question looms large for his classic aspirations. While his sire Coal Front was primarily a miler, damsire Midshipman adds an interesting wrinkle to his stamina prospects. His current form cycle shows a horse thriving with added distance, successfully stretching from 6 1/2 furlongs to 1 1/16 miles while maintaining his finishing punch.

Particularly noteworthy is his versatility across different track conditions, boasting a perfect record on both fast (3-for-3) and wet (2-for-2) surfaces. His steady progression in stakes company, coupled with his tactical adaptability, makes him an intriguing classic prospect, though the final furlong of the Derby remains the ultimate tes

Sandman 6-1

Who is Kentucky Derby horse Sandman? Sandman, a gray and/or roan colt by leading sire Tapit out of Distorted Music (by Distorted Humor), has emerged as a serious Kentucky Derby contender with an impressive progression through his three-year-old campaign. His pedigree suggests strong classic distance potential, combining Tapit's stamina influence with Distorted Humor's speed and versatility.

Currently in peak form, Sandman captured the 1 1/8-mile Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park on March 29, demonstrating both tactical speed and finishing power while defeating a quality field. His running style has evolved from his early sprint attempts to a more measured, stalking approach that should suit the Derby's 1 1/4-mile distance. The colt has shown remarkable development since his maiden win at Saratoga, steadily stretching out in distance while maintaining his competitiveness.

Under trainer Mark Casse's patient handling, Sandman has compiled a solid record of 3-1-2 from eight starts, earning over $1.25 million. His recent workouts at Oaklawn Park, including a five-furlong maintenance move in 1:03.20, indicate he's retaining his conditioning and continuing to develop. His victory at nine furlongs, while showing the ability to settle and finish strongly, suggests he should handle the Derby's classic distance. With his combination of tactical speed, stamina-rich pedigree, and proven graded stakes form, Sandman profiles as a legitimate Kentucky Derby contender who should relish the challenge of 1 1/4 miles.

Sovereignty 5-1

Who is Kentucky Derby horse Sovereignty? Sovereignty has emerged as a serious Kentucky Derby contender, brandishing the combination of tactical speed and finishing power that stamps him as a classic prospect. The Bill Mott-trained Godolphin homebred has shown remarkable progression through his four-race career, culminating in a gutsy neck victory in the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2).

By leading sire Into Mischief out of the Bernardini mare Crowned, Sovereignty's pedigree presents an intriguing blend of speed and stamina influences. While Into Mischief is often associated with brilliant milers, his ability to sire classic runners is well established. The Bernardini bottom side adds a crucial layer of stamina, suggesting the 1 1/4-mile Derby distance is within reach.

His running style has evolved beautifully, from a closing sprinter in his debut to a tactically versatile router who can adapt to varying pace scenarios. This was particularly evident in his last two stakes wins, where he dominated the Street Sense by five lengths before showing determination to prevail in the Fountain of Youth after a wide trip.

The progression in his speed figures tells the tale of a colt hitting his stride at the perfect time, with his numbers improving in each start around two turns. His ability to settle early and produce a strong finishing kick, combined with his professional demeanor, suggests there's still more improvement to come as the distances stretch out.

Chunk of Gold 30-1

Who is Kentucky Derby horse Chunk of Gold? Chunk of Gold, a gray and/or roan colt by Preservationist out of Play for Gold (by Cairo Prince), has emerged as an intriguing Kentucky Derby prospect following a strong second-place finish in the 1 3/16-mile Louisiana Derby (G2). Trained by Ethan West, this late-developing three-year-old has shown remarkable progression through his four career starts, compiling a record of 1-3-0 with lifetime earnings of $348,818.

His pedigree suggests stamina potential, as his sire Preservationist was a Grade 1 winner who excelled at classic distances, while his dam's sire Cairo Prince adds a blend of speed and stamina influences. This breeding has manifested in Chunk of Gold's running style, as he's developed from a closing sprinter into a tactical router with an impressive finishing kick. His recent form has been particularly noteworthy, with consecutive second-place finishes in the Risen Star (G2) (1 1/8 miles) and Louisiana Derby (G2) (1 3/16 miles) at Fair Grounds. In both races, he demonstrated the ability to settle early and produce a strong late run, suggesting the Kentucky Derby's 1 1/4-mile distance should be within his scope.

His consistent progression through longer distances, coupled with sharp recent workouts at Turfway Park (including a bullet five furlongs in :59.60), indicates he's maintaining his form while continuing to develop. With his closing running style, proven stamina, and improving form, Chunk of Gold profiles as an interesting longshot candidate for the Kentucky Derby.

Owen Almighty 30-1

Who is Kentucky Derby horse Owen Almighty? Owen Almighty brings an intriguing blend of speed and stamina influences to the Kentucky Derby trail, with a pedigree that warrants closer inspection. By champion sprinter Speightstown, he gets a helpful dose of stamina through his damsire Bayern, himself a Breeders' Cup Classic winner who proved effective at the classic distance of 1 ¼ miles.

The Brian Lynch trainee has methodically climbed the class ladder while answering key questions about his development. After a sharp maiden victory sprinting at Churchill Downs, he hss steadily stretched out in distance while maintaining his tactical effectiveness. His recent Tampa Bay stakes double particularly catches the eye -- first capturing a seven-furlong stakes with professional efficiency, then successfully negotiating two turns in back-to-back 1 1/16-mile stakes efforts, finishing second in the Sam F. Davis and then winning the Tampa Bay Derby.

His running style could prove particularly advantageous in the Kentucky Derby's expected pace scenario. Unlike one-dimensional closers who often find trouble in the 20-horse cavalry charge, Owen Almighty possesses the tactical speed to secure position and the finishing power to capitalize. His March 8 Tampa Bay Derby victory showcased this versatility, as he went gate-to-wire and then kicked away in the stretch for a decisive 3 1/2-length score.

The Lynch barn's patient handling suggests there's more in the tank, with the colt's morning works at Palm Meadows reflecting steady maintenance rather than speed-oriented drills. Regular pilot Irad Ortiz Jr.'s commitment speaks volumes about this prospect's potential. While the final furlong of the Derby remains the ultimate test, Owen Almighty's progressive form curve and adaptable running style make him an interesting contender for America's most famous race.

Baeza 12-1

Who is Kentucky Derby horse Baeza? Trainer John Shirreff is no stranger to entering long-shots in the Derby. He unexpectedly won the Kentucky Derby 20 years ago with 50-1 long shot Giacomo. And as we all remember, three years ago the world was shocked to see the long-shot Rich Strike at 80-1 odds win after beginning Derby Week outside of the field as the first alternate.

Baeza finished second to Rodriguez in a mile, maiden special weight race at Santa Anita. He led Derby favorite Journalism before being overtaken down the stretch in the Santa Anita Derby.

"Everybody has a feeling they can win it, or else they wouldn't be in it, right?" Shirreffs said. "Because he ran so well against the favorite in the Kentucky Derby, I think that's a good indication of where he stands amongst the 3-year-olds."