Kentucky Derby hopefuls begin arriving at Churchill Downs

Tiztastic, winner of the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby, arrived at Churchill Downs early Tuesday morning from Fair Grounds to Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen’s Barn 38, where he’ll begin his preparations for Kentucky Derby 2025.

Tiztastic qualified for the $5 million run for the roses with a 7-1 upset victory in Saturday’s points prep at Fair Grounds under jockey Joel Rosario.

“We thought he’d run a better race in the Louisiana Derby with the extra distance, and he took the step forwarded he needed,” Asmussen said. “He has a great mind to him. I think he ran a solid race, but there is more in him.”

John Hancock, who finished fourth in the Louisiana Derby, also arrived at Churchill Downs from Fair Grounds early Tuesday to trainer Brad Cox’s Barn 22. He was joined by Godolphin’s Good Cheer, the likely favorite for the Kentucky Oaks (GI).

Built, who finished fifth in the Louisiana Derby, arrived at Churchill Downs from Fair Grounds early Monday to trainer Wayne Catalano’s Barn 14.