2Sandman

Owner

D. J. Stable LLC, St. Elias Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds and CJ Stables

Trainer

Mark E. Casse

Jockey

Ortiz, Jose L.

Breeder

Lothenbach Stables Inc

Earnings

$1,117,995

Color

Gray or Roan

Home > Derby Horses > Sandman

Overview

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.

Related Articles for Kentucky Derby horse Sandman:

MUCCIOLO: Kentucky Derby Horse Profile: Sandman

REILLY: Sandman closes the deal in Arkansas Derby; Quietside wins Fantasy duel

PRESS RELEASE: Kentucky Derby Update: Arkansas Derby Winner Sandman Arrives at Churchill Downs

MUCCIOLO: Study Guide: 2025 Arkansas Derby

TWINSPIRES: Florida Derby and Arkansas Derby: LIVE odds, picks, coverage, horse racing news, and more

TWINSPIRES: 2025 Kentucky Derby News and Notes

BRISNET: The Complete Kentucky Derby Guide powered by Brisnet

Ultimate Road to the Kentucky Derby Racing Guide

Pedigree

Sire Name Tapit

Dam Name Distorted Music

Derby News April 15, 2025

Kentucky Derby Update: Kentucky Derby Contenders Coal Battle, Sandman Tune Up for First Saturday in May

On a crisp Tuesday morning at Churchill Downs, Kentucky Derby 151 contenders Coal Battle (five furlongs, 1:01.20) and Sandman (four furlongs, :49.60) turned in published workouts as the countdown to the first Saturday in May begins to intensify.
Sandman,...

Horse Profile April 1, 2025

Kentucky Derby Horse Profile: Sandman

West Point Thoroughbreds, CJ Stables, D. J. Stable, and St. Elias Stable’s Sandman picked up 100 points on the 2025 Road to the Kentucky Derby challenge series following an impressive, 2 ½-length score in the lucrative, $1.5 million Arkansas Derby...

Derby News April 1, 2025

Kentucky Derby Update: Arkansas Derby Winner Sandman Arrives at Churchill Downs

It was an earlier-than-usual morning for trainer Mark Casse’s team on Tuesday as they welcomed Arkansas Derby (Grade I) winner Sandman to Churchill Downs just after 4 a.m. ET to begin his preparations for the $5 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford...