Early Look: Possible fields for 7 major Kentucky Derby preps
{{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}}{{dayPeriod}}
After Saturday's Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs, eight races will remain on the road to Kentucky Derby 2025, starting with the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby and Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) on March 22.
All but one of them offer 100-50-25-15-10 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby, all but assuring a start in the Churchill Downs starting gate for the top two finishers. The Lexington (G3), the final stop on the Derby trail, offers 20-10-6-4-2 points.
Churchill Downs compiled a list of possibles for each of the remaining races except the 1 1/16-mile Lexington.
March 22
Louisiana Derby (G2), Fair Grounds, 1 3/16 miles
|
Silks |
Horse / Sire |
Rating |
Trainer / Jockey |
Last Start / Next Start |
Status |
|
|
Caldera
Liam's Map
|
7.08 |
D. Wayne Lukas
|
2nd, 2025 Sunland Derby LS
2025 Jeff Ruby Steaks G3
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
2nd, 2025 Sunland Derby LS
2025 Jeff Ruby Steaks G3
|
|
|
John Hancock
Constitution
|
7.06 |
Brad H. Cox
|
1st, 2025 Sam F. Davis LS
2025 Virginia Derby LS
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
1st, 2025 Sam F. Davis LS
2025 Virginia Derby LS
|
|
|
Built
Hard Spun
|
6.57 |
Wayne M. Catalano
|
3rd, 2025 Risen Star G2
2025 Louisiana Derby G2
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
3rd, 2025 Risen Star G2
2025 Louisiana Derby G2
|
|
|
Chunk of Gold
Preservationist
|
6.12 |
Ethan W. West
|
2nd, 2025 Risen Star G2
2025 Jeff Ruby Steaks G3
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
2nd, 2025 Risen Star G2
2025 Jeff Ruby Steaks G3
|
|
|
Baby Max
Maximus Mischief
|
6.07 |
Kelsey Danner
|
2nd, 2025 John Battaglia Memorial LS
2025 Louisiana Derby G2
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
2nd, 2025 John Battaglia Memorial LS
2025 Louisiana Derby G2
|
|
|
Instant Replay
Maximum Security
|
5.34 |
Brad H. Cox
|
1st, FG AOC (02/17/2025-R5)
2025 Louisiana Derby G2
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
1st, FG AOC (02/17/2025-R5)
2025 Louisiana Derby G2
|
|
|
Hypnus
Into Mischief
|
4.79 |
Kenneth G. McPeek
|
7th, 2025 Rebel Stakes G2
2025 Louisiana Derby G2
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
7th, 2025 Rebel Stakes G2
2025 Louisiana Derby G2
|
|
|
Classic of Course
Awesome of Course
|
0.00 |
Patrick L. Biancone
|
2nd, GP Allow (2/6/25-R8)
2025 Louisiana Derby G2
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
2nd, GP Allow (2/6/25-R8)
2025 Louisiana Derby G2
|
|
|
Yinzer
Twirling Candy
|
0.00 |
Steven M. Asmussen
|
1st, FG MSW (02/15/2025-R9)
2025 Louisiana Derby G2
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
1st, FG MSW (02/15/2025-R9)
2025 Louisiana Derby G2
|
Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3), Turfway Park, 1 1/8 miles (synthetic)
|
Silks |
Horse / Sire |
Rating |
Trainer / Jockey |
Last Start / Next Start |
Status |
|
|
Poster
Munnings
|
7.12 |
Eoin G. Harty
|
3rd, 2025 Sam F. Davis LS
2025 Jeff Ruby Steaks G3
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
3rd, 2025 Sam F. Davis LS
2025 Jeff Ruby Steaks G3
|
|
|
He's Not Joking
Practical Joke
|
6.27 |
Josie Carroll
|
5th, 2025 Holy Bull G3
2025 Jeff Ruby Steaks G3
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
5th, 2025 Holy Bull G3
2025 Jeff Ruby Steaks G3
|
|
|
Innovator
Authentic
|
6.24 |
D. Wayne Lukas
|
12th, 2025 Rebel Stakes G2
2025 Jeff Ruby Steaks G3
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
12th, 2025 Rebel Stakes G2
2025 Jeff Ruby Steaks G3
|
|
|
Giocoso
Not This Time
|
6.15 |
J. Keith Desormeaux
|
12th, 2025 Risen Star G2
2025 Jeff Ruby Steaks G3
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
12th, 2025 Risen Star G2
2025 Jeff Ruby Steaks G3
|
|
|
California Burrito
Army Mule
|
6.14 |
Thomas Drury Jr.
|
1st, 2025 John Battaglia Memorial LS
2025 Jeff Ruby Steaks G3
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
1st, 2025 John Battaglia Memorial LS
2025 Jeff Ruby Steaks G3
|
|
|
Charlie's To Blame
Blame
|
6.12 |
Peter Eurton
|
1st, 2025 Kitten's Joy LS
2025 Jeff Ruby Steaks G3
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
1st, 2025 Kitten's Joy LS
2025 Jeff Ruby Steaks G3
|
|
|
Baby Max
Maximus Mischief
|
6.07 |
Kelsey Danner
|
2nd, 2025 John Battaglia Memorial LS
2025 Louisiana Derby G2
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
2nd, 2025 John Battaglia Memorial LS
2025 Louisiana Derby G2
|
|
|
Flying Mohawk
Karakontie
|
5.79 |
D. Whitworth Beckman
|
1st, FG AlwOC (1/30/25-R8)
2025 Jeff Ruby Steaks G3
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
1st, FG AlwOC (1/30/25-R8)
2025 Jeff Ruby Steaks G3
|
|
|
Septarian
Protonico
|
5.45 |
Chad C. Brown
|
6th, 2025 Risen Star G2
2025 Jeff Ruby Steaks G3
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
6th, 2025 Risen Star G2
2025 Jeff Ruby Steaks G3
|
|
|
Baker Hayfield
Street Sense
|
0.00 |
Destin G. Heath
|
5th, TP MSW (3/5/25-R8)
2025 Jeff Ruby Steaks G3
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
5th, TP MSW (3/5/25-R8)
2025 Jeff Ruby Steaks G3
|
|
|
Megalodon
Medaglia d'Oro
|
0.00 |
Josie Carroll
|
1st, TP MSW (2/22/25-R5)
2025 Jeff Ruby Steaks G3
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
1st, TP MSW (2/22/25-R5)
2025 Jeff Ruby Steaks G3
|
|
|
Sock It To Me
Violence
|
0.00 |
Anthony Stephen
|
4th, TP MSW (2/22/25-R5)
2025 Jeff Ruby Steaks G3
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
4th, TP MSW (2/22/25-R5)
2025 Jeff Ruby Steaks G3
|
March 29
Florida Derby (G1), Gulfstream Park, 1 1/8 miles
|
Silks |
Horse / Sire |
Rating |
Trainer / Jockey |
Last Start / Next Start |
Status |
|
|
Sovereignty
Into Mischief
|
7.44 |
William I. Mott
|
1st, 2025 Fountain of Youth G2
2025 Florida Derby G1
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
1st, 2025 Fountain of Youth G2
2025 Florida Derby G1
|
|
|
River Thames
Maclean's Music
|
6.89 |
Todd A. Pletcher
|
2nd, 2025 Fountain of Youth G2
2025 Florida Derby G1
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
2nd, 2025 Fountain of Youth G2
2025 Florida Derby G1
|
|
|
Tappan Street
Into Mischief
|
6.39 |
Brad H. Cox
|
2nd, 2025 Holy Bull G3
2025 Florida Derby G1
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
2nd, 2025 Holy Bull G3
2025 Florida Derby G1
|
|
|
Disruptor
Gun Runner
|
6.27 |
Todd A. Pletcher
|
1st, GP MSW (3/1/25-R6)
2025 Florida Derby G1
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
1st, GP MSW (3/1/25-R6)
2025 Florida Derby G1
|
|
|
Neoequos
Neolithic
|
6.19 |
Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.
|
3rd, 2025 Fountain of Youth G2
2025 Florida Derby G1
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
3rd, 2025 Fountain of Youth G2
2025 Florida Derby G1
|
|
|
Grande
Curlin
|
6.05 |
Todd A. Pletcher
|
1st, GP AlwOC (2/27/25-R8)
2025 Florida Derby G1
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
1st, GP AlwOC (2/27/25-R8)
2025 Florida Derby G1
|
Arkansas Derby (G1), Oaklawn, 1 1/8 miles
April 5
Blue Grass (G1), Keeneland, 1 1/8 miles
|
Silks |
Horse / Sire |
Rating |
Trainer / Jockey |
Last Start / Next Start |
Status |
|
|
River Thames
Maclean's Music
|
6.89 |
Todd A. Pletcher
|
2nd, 2025 Fountain of Youth G2
2025 Florida Derby G1
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
2nd, 2025 Fountain of Youth G2
2025 Florida Derby G1
|
|
|
Chancer McPatrick
McKinzie
|
7.35 |
Chad C. Brown
|
2nd, 2025 Tampa Bay Derby G3
2025 Blue Grass Stakes G1
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
2nd, 2025 Tampa Bay Derby G3
2025 Blue Grass Stakes G1
|
|
|
Coal Battle
Coal Front
|
7.04 |
Lonnie Briley
|
1st, 2025 Rebel Stakes G2
2025 Arkansas Derby G1
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
1st, 2025 Rebel Stakes G2
2025 Arkansas Derby G1
|
|
|
Hill Road
Quality Road
|
6.80 |
Chad C. Brown
|
3rd, 2025 Tampa Bay Derby G3
2025 Wood Memorial G2
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
3rd, 2025 Tampa Bay Derby G3
2025 Wood Memorial G2
|
|
|
East Avenue
Medaglia d'Oro
|
6.70 |
Brendan P. Walsh
|
10th, 2025 Risen Star G2
2025 Oaklawn Mile G3
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
10th, 2025 Risen Star G2
2025 Oaklawn Mile G3
|
|
|
Burnham Square
Liam's Map
|
6.67 |
Ian R. Wilkes
|
4th, 2025 Fountain of Youth G2
2025 Blue Grass Stakes G1
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
4th, 2025 Fountain of Youth G2
2025 Blue Grass Stakes G1
|
|
|
Disruptor
Gun Runner
|
6.27 |
Todd A. Pletcher
|
1st, GP MSW (3/1/25-R6)
2025 Florida Derby G1
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
1st, GP MSW (3/1/25-R6)
2025 Florida Derby G1
|
|
|
Grande
Curlin
|
6.05 |
Todd A. Pletcher
|
1st, GP AlwOC (2/27/25-R8)
2025 Florida Derby G1
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
1st, GP AlwOC (2/27/25-R8)
2025 Florida Derby G1
|
Santa Anita Derby (G1), Santa Anita, 1 1/8 miles
Wood Memorial (G2), Aqueduct, 1 1/8 miles
|
Silks |
Horse / Sire |
Rating |
Trainer / Jockey |
Last Start / Next Start |
Status |
|
|
Chancer McPatrick
McKinzie
|
7.35 |
Chad C. Brown
|
2nd, 2025 Tampa Bay Derby G3
2025 Blue Grass Stakes G1
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
2nd, 2025 Tampa Bay Derby G3
2025 Blue Grass Stakes G1
|
|
|
Hill Road
Quality Road
|
6.80 |
Chad C. Brown
|
3rd, 2025 Tampa Bay Derby G3
2025 Wood Memorial G2
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
3rd, 2025 Tampa Bay Derby G3
2025 Wood Memorial G2
|
|
|
Captain Cook
Practical Joke
|
6.67 |
Richard E. Dutrow, Jr.
|
1st, 2025 Withers LS
2025 Wood Memorial G2
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
1st, 2025 Withers LS
2025 Wood Memorial G2
|
|
|
Disruptor
Gun Runner
|
6.27 |
Todd A. Pletcher
|
1st, GP MSW (3/1/25-R6)
2025 Florida Derby G1
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
1st, GP MSW (3/1/25-R6)
2025 Florida Derby G1
|
|
|
Sand Devil
Violence
|
6.12 |
Linda Rice
|
2nd, 2025 Gotham G3
2025 Wood Memorial G2
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
2nd, 2025 Gotham G3
2025 Wood Memorial G2
|
|
|
Grande
Curlin
|
6.05 |
Todd A. Pletcher
|
1st, GP AlwOC (2/27/25-R8)
2025 Florida Derby G1
|
Possible |
Last Race
Next Race
|
1st, GP AlwOC (2/27/25-R8)
2025 Florida Derby G1
|
This is the 17th and final installment of a weekly feature exclusive to Horse Racing Nation tracking the...
Forever Young earned a sparkling 140 Horse Racing Nation speed figure for his victory in Saturday's Breeders' Cup...
The Fasig-Tipton November Sale, held Monday at the Newtown Paddocks in Lexington, Ky., posted sales of more than...
Owen Almighty , the Grade 3 Tampa Bay Derby winner who most recently placed third in the Perryville...
A decade after Michelle Payne became the first woman win Australia's most famous race, Jamie Melham has etched herself...