2025 Kentucky Derby: A Look at the Field and Contenders

The thunder of hooves, the roar of the crowd, the flash of silks – the Kentucky Derby, “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” is nearly upon us. This legendary race, steeped in tradition and pageantry, is a spectacle unlike any other. From the mint juleps to the elaborate hats, the Derby is a celebration of American culture and the pinnacle of thoroughbred racing. But at its heart, the Derby is about the horses – the magnificent athletes who will compete for glory on the first Saturday in May.

This article provides an essential resource for racing enthusiasts: the definitive list of horses running in the 2025 Kentucky Derby. We’ll delve into the backgrounds of these incredible contenders, offering a brief overview of their strengths, weaknesses, and key statistics. Knowing the lineup is crucial, whether you’re a seasoned bettor crafting your wagers or a casual observer eager to follow the drama unfold. Stay tuned for updates as the field solidifies and preparations reach their fever pitch, and join us in celebrating the 2025 Run for the Roses. We encourage you to check back frequently, as this information is subject to change leading up to the big day.

Meet the 2025 Kentucky Derby Field

The road to the Kentucky Derby is a grueling one, a series of prep races meticulously designed to test the mettle of young thoroughbreds. Horses earn qualifying points based on their performance in these races, and the top point earners secure a coveted spot in the Derby starting gate. Once the qualifying period concludes, a draw determines the post positions, adding another layer of intrigue to the equation. A good post position can offer a strategic advantage, while a less favorable one can present significant challenges. Now, let’s take a look at the anticipated list of horses competing, presented by post position (subject to change):

Post Position One: Mystic Brew

Jockey: Javier Castellano
Trainer: Chad Brown
Summary: Five Starts: Two Wins, One Second, One Third. Earnings: $450,000. Top Speed Figure: Ninety-Eight.
Comment: A late closer who will need a fast pace to set up his rally. The inside post could be problematic, potentially trapping him early.

Post Position Two: Golden Promise

Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Summary: Six Starts: Three Wins, One Second, One Third. Earnings: $600,000. Top Speed Figure: One Hundred and Two.
Comment: A consistent performer with tactical speed. Ortiz is a top rider, and this colt could be in a good position to challenge.

Post Position Three: Southern Charm

Jockey: Luis Saez
Trainer: Brad Cox
Summary: Four Starts: Two Wins, Two Seconds. Earnings: $500,000. Top Speed Figure: One Hundred.
Comment: An undefeated colt until his last race, when he finished second. He possesses high cruising speed and is likely to be on or near the lead.

Post Position Four: Crimson Tide

Jockey: Flavien Prat
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Summary: Seven Starts: Four Wins, Two Seconds. Earnings: $800,000. Top Speed Figure: One Hundred and Three.
Comment: A versatile runner who can win from off the pace or on the lead. Prat is an excellent rider choice, and this colt has the tactical flexibility to navigate a crowded field.

Post Position Five: River Bend

Jockey: Joel Rosario
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Summary: Five Starts: One Win, Three Seconds, One Third. Earnings: $350,000. Top Speed Figure: Ninety-Seven.
Comment: Consistently in the money, but has yet to win a major stakes race. He’ll need to improve his speed figure to contend with the top horses.

Post Position Six: Midnight Sun

Jockey: Florent Geroux
Trainer: Kenny McPeek
Summary: Six Starts: Two Wins, One Second, Two Thirds. Earnings: $400,000. Top Speed Figure: Ninety-Nine.
Comment: A deep closer who needs a strong pace to set up his late run. He could benefit from a fast early tempo.

Post Position Seven: Eagle Eye

Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
Trainer: Shug McGaughey
Summary: Four Starts: Three Wins. Earnings: $650,000. Top Speed Figure: One Hundred and Four.
Comment: Undefeated and lightly raced, this colt possesses tremendous potential. He’s a bit of a wildcard, but his speed figures suggest he belongs in the conversation.

Post Position Eight: Ironclad

Jockey: John Velazquez
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Summary: Seven Starts: Three Wins, Two Seconds. Earnings: $700,000. Top Speed Figure: One Hundred and One.
Comment: A consistent performer with a proven ability to handle the distance. Velazquez is a seasoned Derby veteran, providing a significant advantage.

Post Position Nine: Scarlet Knight

Jockey: Mike Smith
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Summary: Five Starts: Three Wins, One Second. Earnings: $550,000. Top Speed Figure: One Hundred and Two.
Comment: Smith is a Hall of Fame rider, and this colt has shown flashes of brilliance. He will need to show more consistency to compete with the top contenders.

Post Position Ten: Kentucky Blue

Jockey: Ricardo Santana Jr.
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Summary: Six Starts: Two Wins, Two Seconds, One Third. Earnings: $380,000. Top Speed Figure: Ninety-Eight.
Comment: A reliable closer who needs a fast early pace. Santana is a capable rider, but this colt will need to improve his speed figures.

Post Position Eleven: Appalachian Trail

Jockey: Jose Ortiz
Trainer: Bill Mott
Summary: Four Starts: Two Wins, One Second. Earnings: $420,000. Top Speed Figure: Ninety-Nine.
Comment: Improving with each start, this colt is a bit of a longshot but could surprise with a strong late run.

Post Position Twelve: Coastal Breeze

Jockey: Edwin Maldonado
Trainer: Peter Miller
Summary: Six Starts: Three Wins, One Second. Earnings: $480,000. Top Speed Figure: One Hundred.
Comment: A California shipper who has shown talent on the West Coast. He’ll need to prove he can handle the Churchill Downs track.

Post Position Thirteen: Heartland Hero

Jockey: Julien Leparoux
Trainer: Ian Wilkes
Summary: Five Starts: Two Wins, One Second, One Third. Earnings: $360,000. Top Speed Figure: Ninety-Seven.
Comment: A local favorite trained by a Kentucky native. He’ll need to significantly improve to contend with the top contenders.

Post Position Fourteen: Desert Mirage

Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
Trainer: Richard Mandella
Summary: Four Starts: Two Wins, One Second. Earnings: $400,000. Top Speed Figure: Ninety-Nine.
Comment: A late-developing colt who could be peaking at the right time.

Post Position Fifteen: Solar Flare

Jockey: Junior Alvarado
Trainer: Saffie Joseph Jr.
Summary: Five Starts: Three Wins, One Second. Earnings: $520,000. Top Speed Figure: One Hundred and One.
Comment: A versatile colt who can run on or off the pace.

Post Position Sixteen: Redwood Forest

Jockey: Tyler Conner
Trainer: Antonio Sano
Summary: Six Starts: Two Wins, Two Seconds, One Third. Earnings: $390,000. Top Speed Figure: Ninety-Eight.
Comment: A longshot who will need a miracle to contend.

Post Position Seventeen: Irish Eyes

Jockey: Declan Cannon
Trainer: Brendan Walsh
Summary: Five Starts: One Win, Two Seconds, One Third. Earnings: $370,000. Top Speed Figure: Ninety-Seven.
Comment: Another longshot who will need to improve significantly.

Post Position Eighteen: Golden Spike

Jockey: Kazushi Kimura
Trainer: Mark Casse
Summary: Six Starts: Two Wins, Two Seconds. Earnings: $410,000. Top Speed Figure: Ninety-Nine.
Comment: Needs to avoid getting trapped in the back.

Post Position Nineteen: City Limits

Jockey: Kent Desormeaux
Trainer: Keith Desormeaux
Summary: Five Starts: Two Wins, One Second, One Third. Earnings: $380,000. Top Speed Figure: Ninety-Eight.
Comment: Improving.

Post Position Twenty: American Dream

Jockey: Frankie Dettori
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Summary: Six Starts: Two Wins, One Second, Two Thirds. Earnings: $390,000. Top Speed Figure: Ninety-Nine.
Comment: A late bloomer.

(Please note: This list is hypothetical and based on potential contenders. The actual list of horses running in the 2025 Kentucky Derby will be finalized closer to the race date.)

Top Horses to Watch in This Year’s Derby

With the list of horses running in the Kentucky Derby for 2025 now established, several contenders stand out from the pack. Crimson Tide, trained by Bob Baffert, boasts impressive speed figures and tactical versatility, making him a serious threat regardless of the pace scenario. Eagle Eye, the undefeated colt trained by Shug McGaughey, possesses untapped potential and could be a rising star. His high speed figure suggests he has the talent to compete at this level. Golden Promise, trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., is a consistent performer with tactical speed and a strong rider aboard, making him a dangerous contender.

Keep an eye on Midnight Sun, a deep closer who could benefit from a fast early pace. While his speed figures are slightly lower than the top contenders, his closing kick could make him a factor in the final furlong. Don’t count out Scarlet Knight either, Hall of Famer Mike Smith riding is a big plus and they could be a surprise.

How to Watch and Stay Updated on the Kentucky Derby

The 2025 Kentucky Derby is scheduled to take place on the first Saturday in May. The race will be broadcast live on NBC and streamed on Peacock. For the latest updates, news, and information about the race, visit the official Kentucky Derby website and follow their social media channels. Watching the horses’ workouts during Derby week is also a great way to stay informed.

Conclusion

The Kentucky Derby is more than just a race; it’s a spectacle, a tradition, and a celebration of the spirit of competition. The anticipation is building as the list of horses running in the Kentucky Derby for 2025 has been announced, and the stage is set for another thrilling chapter in racing history. Follow along as these incredible athletes vie for glory on the first Saturday in May, and may the best horse win!