Ultimate Road to the Kentucky Derby Racing Guide
Dec 10, 2024
Ultimate Racing Guide for the 151st Kentucky Derby
Finding a horse to follow on the Road to the Kentucky Derby could be overwhelming for some. Typically around 20,000 Thoroughbreds hope to earn their way as one of 20 contenders in the Kentucky Derby, here our experts have compiled all the information you need for learning who to cheer on! Discover expert picks, analysis, insider news and more! Bookmark this helpful page to find regular updates and added information over time.
Official Kentucky Derby 150 Programs
Grab your official Kentucky Derby 150 Program from last year. Be sure to keep an eye out for this years betting guide as we get to closer to Kentucky Derby 151. Check out the official Kentucky Derby 150 programs here!
- Quick Reference Index; jump to a specific section
Before they were Derby contenders, they were foals ready to prove themselves. Tales from the Crib by Kellie Reilly highlights the beginning steps of our Derby field.
Kentucky Derby Features
Pedigree Fun Facts
- Pedigree fun facts: Tiztastic
- Pedigree fun facts: Journalism
- Pedigree fun facts: Speed King
- Pedigree fun facts: Citizen Bull
- Pedigree fun facts: Coal Battle
- Pedigree fun facts: Disco Time
- Pedigree fun facts: Burnham Square
Looking Ahead
- Looking Ahead: Cornucopian and Speed King seek Arkansas Derby points and purse
- Looking ahead: trainers Pletcher and McPeek seek to secure Derby berth in Blue Grass
- Looking Ahead: California Burrito and Charlie's to Blame vie for 100 points in the Jeff Ruby Steaks
- Looking Ahead: Getaway Car and Authentic Gallop highlight new Derby prep
- Looking Ahead: Patch Adams and Brodeur head to Tampa Bay Derby
- Looking Ahead: Patch Adams and Brodeur head to Tampa Bay Derby
- Looking Ahead: Sand Devil and My Mitole Highlight Gotham Stakes
- Looking Ahead: First Resort and Spirit Rags go for Derby points in the Battaglia
- Looking Ahead: Hall of Fame trainers send Getaway Car and Caldera to Sunland Park Derby
- Looking Ahead: Kentucky Derby hopefuls Poster and Smoken Boy
- Looking Ahead: Encounter Speed King, owner Ted Bowman, trainer Ron Moquett ahead of Southwest S.
- Looking Ahead: Kentucky Derby hopefuls Ferocious and Burnham Square
Kentucky Derby Alumni & Kentucky Oaks Update
- Kentucky Derby alumni update: Disarm set to return to graded stakes company
- Kentucky Derby Alumni Update: Honor Marie set to make 4-year-old debut
- Kentucky Oaks Alumni Update: Thorpedo Anna Makes 4-Year-Old Debut in Azeri
- Kentucky Oaks Alumni Update: Thorpedo Anna Makes 4-Year-Old Debut in Azeri
- Kentucky Derby Alumni Update: Hit Show Ships West for Big 'Cap
- Kentucky Derby Alumni Update: Epic Ride
- Kentucky Derby Alumni: Saudi Cup update
- Kentucky Derby Alumni Update: Just Steel
- Kentucky Derby Alumni Update: White Abarrio and Mystik Dan
- Kentucky Derby Alumni Update: Hit Show and Catching Freedom
Features and History
- Baeza a Kentucky Derby candidate in both pedigree and name
- Kentucky Derby’s Lucky Losers: Skywalker (1985)
- What is the Kentucky Derby Championship Series?
- Olympia a losing Kentucky Derby favorite who still won all over
- Top 12 prospects to follow on Road to 2025 Kentucky Derby
- 2025 Kentucky Derby News and Notes
- $250,000 Guaranteed Prize Pool Announced for Return of Kentucky Derby Betting Challenge Tournament on TwinSpires
- What do Rachel Alexandra, Man o' War and Big Exchange Have In Common?
- What type of horses run in the Kentucky Derby?
- Horsepower in the Bluegrass: The Economic Impact of Horse Racing
- How Kentucky Derby betting traditions have changed over time since 1875
- Best horses to enter the Kentucky Derby undefeated and lose
- Surprise in the Sun: Chateaugay and the 1963 Kentucky Derby
- The Upset Heard Around the Racing World: Dark Star and the 1953 Kentucky Derby
- Kentucky Derby fashion over the decades 1875-2024
Kentucky Derby Handicapping Education
- Handicapper John Mucciolo's Top 5 Kentucky Derbies
- Betting Smarter: Ashley Anderson’s 3 tips for betting your first Pick 3
- Betting Smarter: Ashley Anderson’s 3 tips for betting your first exacta exotic bet
- Betting Smarter: 4 lessons from 4 years of working in horse racing
- Betting Smarter: Ashley Anderson’s favorite tips for betting horse racing
- Betting Smarter: Ashley Anderson’s five tips for your first time betting horse racing
Up-to-date 2025 Kentucky Derby News
- 2025 Kentucky Derby contenders – Cox to be well-represented in major qualifiers
- 2025 Kentucky Derby contenders – Journalism vaults into favorite’s role for McCarthy
- 2025 Kentucky Derby contenders – Pletcher preparing Disruptor, Grande for stakes debuts
- Churchill Downs News Release: Churchill Downs Unveils Official Style Guide to Inspire Fans Globally to Craft Their Dream Derby Look in Celebration of the 151st Kentucky Derby
- vineyard vines Kentucky Derby 151 Collection
- Five new sophomores emerge on the Kentucky Derby trail
- 2025 Triple Crown Early Nominations Feature 373 of World's Top 3-Year-Old Thoroughbreds
- Churchill Downs News Release: Official Kentucky Derby 151 Mint Julep Glass Unveiled
KENTUCKY DERBY PREP SEASON (2024-2025)
IROQUOIS | Points 10-4-3-2-1 | September 2024
Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile | LIVE |
CHAMPAGNE| Points 10-4-3-2-1 | October 2024
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile | LIVE |
AMERICAN PHAROAH |Points 10-4-3-2-1 | October 2024
Race Preview | Study Guide | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile | LIVE |
BREEDERS' FUTURITY | Points 10-4-3-2-1 | October 2024
Race Preview | Study Guide | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile | LIVE |
STREET SENSE | Points 10-4-3-2-1 | October 2024
Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile |
BREEDERS' CUP JUVENILE | Points 30–12–9–6-3 | November 2024
Study Guide | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile | LIVE DAY 1 | LIVE DAY 2 |
KENTUCKY JOCKEY CLUB | Points Points 10-4-3-2-1 | November 2024
Race Preview | Study Guide | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
REMSEN | Points 10-5-3-2-1 | December 2024
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
LOS ALAMITOS FUTURITY |Points 10-5-3-2-1 | December 2024
Race Preview | Study Guide | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile |
SPRINGBOARD MILE | Points 10-5-3-2-1 |December 2024
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
GUN RUNNER | Points 10-5-3-2-1 | December 2024
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
SMARTY JONES | Points 10-5-3-2-1 | January 2024
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
JEROME | Points 10-5-3-2-1 | January 2024
Race Preview | Study Guide | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
LECOMTE | 20-10-6-4-2 | January 2024
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
SOUTHWEST | 20-10-6-4-2 | January 2024
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
HOLY BULL | 20-10-6-4-2 | February 2024
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
ROBERT B. LEWIS | 20-10-6-4-2 | February 2024
Race Preview | Study Guide | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
WITHERS | 20-10-6-4-2 | February 2024
Race Preview | Study Guide | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
SAM F. DAVIS | 20-10-6-4-2 | February 2024
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
JOHN BATTAGLIA MEMORIAL | 20-10-6-4-2 | February 2024
Race Preview | Study Guide | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
KENTUCKY DERBY CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON (2024-2025)
RISEN STAR | Points 50-25-15-10-2 | February 2025
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile | Chat | Live Blog
SUNLAND DERBY | Points 50-25-15-10-2 | February 2025
Race Preview | Study Guide | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
REBEL | Points 50-25-15-10-2 | February 2025
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
GOTHAM | Points 50-25-15-10-2 | March 2025
Race Preview | Study Guide | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile | LIVE
FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH | Points 50-25-15-10-2 | March 2025
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile | LIVE
SAN FELIPE | Points 50-25-15-10-2 | March 2025
Race Preview | Study Guide | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile | LIVE
TAMPA BAY DERBY | Points 50-25-15-10-2 | March 2025
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
VIRGINIA DERBY | Points 50-25-15-10-2 | March 2025
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
JEFF RUBY STEAKS | Points 100-50-25-15-10 | March 2025
Race Preview | Study Guide | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile | LIVE Chat | LIVE Blog
LOUISIANA DERBY | Points 100-50-25-15-10 | March 2025
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile | LIVE Chat | LIVE Blog
FLORIDA DERBY | Points 100-50-25-15-10 | March 2025
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile | LIVE Blog
ARKANSAS DERBY | Points 100-50-25-15-10 | March 2025
Race Preview | Study Guide | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile | LIVE Blog
WOOD MEMORIAL | Points 100-50-25-15-10 | April 2025
Race Preview | Study Guide | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile | LIVE Blog
BLUE GRASS | Points 100-50-25-15-10 | April 2025
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
SANTA ANITA DERBY | Points 100-50-25-15-10 | April 2025
Race Preview | Study Guide |Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile | LIVE Blog
LEXINGTON | 20-10-6-4-2 | April 2025
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
KENTUCKY DERBY STATS AND NUMBERS
Road to the Kentucky Derby Top 20 Point Earners
| Rank | Horse | Points | Owners | Trainers | Stable Alerts |
| 1 | Burnham Square | 130 | Whitham Thoroughbreds LLC (Janis R. Whitham) | Ian Wilkes | Burnham Square |
| 2 | Sandman | 129 | D. J. Stable LLC (Leonard C. Green), St. Elias Stable (Vincent Viola), West Point Thoroughbreds (Terry Finley) & CJ Stables (Charles Sonson) | Mark Casse | Sandman |
| 3 | Journalism | 122.5 | Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Elayne Stables 5 LLC & Robert V. LaPenta | Michael McCarthy | Journalism |
| 4 | Rodriguez | 121.25 | SF Racing LLC (Gavin Murphy), Starlight Racing (Jack Wolf), Madaket Stables LLC (Sol Kumin), Stonestreet Stables LLC (Barbara Banke), Dianne Bashor, Determined Stables (Matt Dorman), Robert E. Masterson, Tom J. Ryan, Waves Edge Capital LLC (W. Gregg Slager) & Catherine Donovan | Bob Baffert | Rodriguez |
| 5 | Tiztastic | 119 | Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC (Ron Winchell), Mrs. John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor & Derrick Smith | Steve Asmussen | Tiztastic |
| 6 | Tappan Street | 110 | WinStar Farm LLC (Kenny Troutt), CHC Inc. (Kit Ng) & Cold Press Racing | Brad Cox | Tappan Street |
| 7 | Sovereignty | 110 | Goldolphin LLC | Bill Mott | Sovereignty |
| 8 | Final Gambit | 100 | Juddmonte (Fahad bin Khalid) | Brad Cox | Final Gambit |
| 9 | Coal Battle | 95 | Norman Stables LLC | Lonnie B Riley | Coal Battle |
| 10 | Chunk of Gold | 75 | Terry L. Stephens | Ethan West | Chunk of Gold |
| 11 | Citizen Bull | 71.25 | SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Bashor, Dianne, Determined Stables, Masterson, Robert E., Ryan, Tom J., Waves Edge Capital LLC and Donovan, Catherine | Bob Baffert | Citizen Bull |
| 12 | East Avenue | 60 | Godolphin, LLC | Brendan P. Walsh | East Avenue |
| 13 | Publisher | 60 | Gus King & Estate of Brereton C. Jones | Steve Asmussen | Publisher |
| 14 | American Promise | 55 | BC Stables LLC (John Bellinger & Brian Coelho) | Wayne Lukas | American Promise |
| 15 | River Thames | 50 | Winstar Farm LLC, CHC Inc. | Todd Pletcher | River Thames |
| 16 | Flood Zone | 50 | Wathan Racing | Brad Cox | Flood Zone |
| 17 | Flying Mohawk | 50 | Two Eight Racing, Berry Family Racing LLC & Kaleta Raicing | Whit Beckman | Flying Mohawk |
| 18 | Grande | 50 | Repole Stables (Mike Repole) | Todd Pletcher | Grande |
| 19 | Admire Daytona (JPN) | Euro / Mideast RTKD | Junko Kondo | Yukihioro Kato | Admire Daytona (JPN) |
| 20 | Luxor Cafe | Japan RTKD | Koichi Nishikawa | Noriyuki Hori | Luxor Cafe |
Updated on April 11, 2025
Full listing of Kentucky Derby point standing updates PDF library
KENTUCKY DERBY & OAKS NEWS
Kentucky Derby Future Wager coverage by TwinSpires.com
- Barnes remains 8-1 individual favorite in Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 4
- Scully, Hanson offer selections for KDFW Pool 4
- Citizen Bull early individual choice in Pool 4 of KDFW
- Citizen Bull 29-1 in Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 1
- Chancer McPatrick, East Avenue made co-favorites for KDFW Pool 2; Sire Future Wager on tap
- Scully, Hanson share picks for KDFW Pool 2, Sire Future Wager
- Barnes, Into Mischief close as individual favorites in KDFW Pool 2, Sire Future Wager
- Barnes early individual favorite in Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 3
- Barnes firms into 6-1 individual favoritism in Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 3
European and Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby Coverage
- Euro/Mideast Road: Admire Daytona just holds on in UAE Derby
- Study Guide: 2025 UAE Derby
- Flood Zone draws post 5 in UAE Derby, grand finale on Euro/Mideast Road
- Luxor Cafe bolts up in Fukuryu, wins Japan Road invitation to Kentucky Derby
- Titanium Emperor conquers Mount Kilimanjaro in Patton at Dundalk
- Euro/Mideast Road: Triple Crown nominee Mount Kilimanjaro tops Patton
- Euro/Mideast Road: Triple Crown nominee Mount Kilimanjaro tops Patton
- Japan Road: Luxor Cafe emulates brother Cafe Pharoah with Hyacinth victory
- Opera Ballo brings big reputation into European Road to Derby race at Kempton
- Queen Azteca gets up just in time in UAE Oaks
- Japan Road: Budding stars entered in Hyacinth Stakes
- Queen Azteca looms large in UAE Oaks
- American Pharoah colts among Japan’s exciting 2025 Triple Crown nominees
- Myriad Love beats the boys in Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun
- Natural Rise bids to solidify Japan Road lead in Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun
- Myriad Love beats the boys in Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun
- Japan Road: 16 set for Cattleya Stakes at Tokyo
- Euro/Mideast Road: Ten set for Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere on Arc Day
- Tepin’s son Delacroix meets Euro/Mideast Road race winners in Futurity Trophy
- Camille Pissarro surprises in Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere
Want to back a favorite horse running in a Kentucky Derby prep race? Each of the races found on this page are available for wagering at TwinSpires.com!
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