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Jamie Clark

If you want to know about all the leading Kentucky Derby horses today for this year’s first leg of the Triple Crown, then this is where you can learn more. We list the standings based on qualifying points for the big race at Churchill Downs and then profile all those runners who made it into the final field.

List of Kentucky Derby Horses Based on Qualifying Points

Kentucky Derby horses

A series of qualifying races take place across America and around the world on The Road to the Kentucky Derby. The better the runners do in those, then the more points and shorter odds on Kentucky Derby horses get. As promised, these are the final standings and runners with qualifying points picked up en route to Churchill Downs in brackets:

  1. Citizen Bull (71.25)
  2. Neoequos (40)
  3. Final Gambit (100)
  4. Rodriguez (121.25) – SCRATCHED
  5. American Promise (55)
  6. Admire Daytona (100)
  7. Luxor Cafe (70)
  8. Journalism (122.5)
  9. Burnham Square (130)
  10. Grande (50) – SCRATCHED
  11. Flying Mohawk (50)
  12. East Avenue (60)
  13. Publisher (60)
  14. Tiztastic (119)
  15. Render Judgment (39)
  16. Coal Battle (95)
  17. Sandman (129)
  18. Sovereignty (110)
  19. Chunk Of Gold (75)
  20. Owen Almighty (65)
  21. Baeza (37.5)

 

Qualifying Points from the Road to Kentucky Derby Series correct as of Monday, April 14.

All Kentucky Derby Runners

While we don’t know the final Kentucky Derby field until a week out from the big race, bettors and horse racing fans could still learn plenty about hopefuls. That is why we asked our expert handicappers to write profiles of the main contenders and later all the runers.

Some will inevitably fall by the wayside through injury or switch targets, but here is more info on the thoroughbreds that could potentially be talked about as Triple Crown picks before the race.

1. Citizen Bull

Citizen Bull silks

  • Sire: Into Mischief
  • Dam: No Joke
  • Damsire: Distorted Humor
  • Foaled: April 2, 2022
  • Breeder(s): Robert & Lawana Low
  • Owner(s): 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
  • Trainer: Bob Baffert
  • Jockey: Martin Garcia
  • Form Figures: 1311-14
  • Stakes Race Wins: American Pharoah Stakes, Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, Robert B Lewis Stakes
  • Qualifying Points: 71.25
  • Morning Line Odds: 20-1

Dual juvenile Grade I winner in the fall, culminating in Breeders’ Cup glory. Landed prep race for Santa Anita Derby, but then faded out of the show into fourth place latest. Raises stamina doubts.

If treated on earlier form, however, could easily bounce back. Same sire as Sovereignty and damsire as Sandman. Connections have another in the field of Kentucky Derby horses, but this one could struggle with lowest post position in the draw.

2. Neoequos

Neoequos silks

  • Sire: Neolithic
  • Dam: Bold Birdie
  • Damsire: Birdstone
  • Foaled: April 28, 2025
  • Breeder(s): Helen Barbazon, Joseph Barbazon & Matalona Thoroughbreds, LLC
  • Owner(s): C2 Racing Stable LLC, Parsard, Ian, Shining Stables LLC and Stefania Farms LLC
  • Trainer: Saffie Joseph
  • Jockey: Edgard Zayas
  • Form Figures: 0122-133
  • Stakes Race Wins: None
  • Qualifying Points: 40
  • Morning Line Odds: 30-1

Made the show in both Fountain Of Youth and Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park. Sire never won beyond extended mile, however, and relying on damsire, who produced 2009 Kentucky Derby winner for required stamina.

Something to find with Sovereignty on latest efforts, so could be more of a miler or even sprinting type. Low draw doesn’t bode well for prospects either.

3. Final Gambit

Final Gambit silks

  • Sire: Not This Time
  • Dam: Pachinko
  • Damsire: Tapit
  • Foaled: February 21, 2022
  • Breeder(s): Juddmonte
  • Owner(s): Juddmonte
  • Trainer: Brad Cox
  • Jockey: Luan Machado
  • Form Figures: 3-211
  • Stakes Race Wins: Jeff Ruby Steaks
  • Qualifying Points: 100
  • Morning Line Odds: 30-1

Third on sole start as a juvenile over a mile at Churchill Downs. Dual Turfway Park winner including Grade III Jeff Ruby Steaks latest. Readily accounted for Flying Mowhawk on that occasion. By the same sire as Epicenter, second in both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes.

Parents alone don’t give pedigree lovers much to go on, though. Damsire Tapit ties him with other Kentucky Derby horses in the field. Barn now without Tappan Street due to injury, but this one for yet strong set of international owner-breeders. Winner came from this gate 12 months ago.

4. Rodriguez – SCRATCHED

Rodriguez silks

  • Sire: Authentic
  • Dam: Cayala
  • Damsire: Cherokee Run
  • Foaled: May 20, 2022
  • Breeder(s): Kingswood Farm & David Egan
  • Owner(s): 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
  • Trainer: Bob Baffert
  • Jockey: Mike Smith
  • Form Figures: 2-1231
  • Stakes Race Wins: Wood Memorial Stakes
  • Qualifying Points: 121.25
  • Morning Line Odds: 12-1

Relatively modest $485,000 yearling buy who placed behind Citizen Bull in February and made the show in the San Felipe Stakes when well adrift of Journalism. Improved on that form with ready success in Grade II Wood Memorial at Aqueduct latest.

Sire new on the scene, but won the 2020 Haskell Stakes, Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup Classic. Speedy damsire makes for interesting pedigree. Further progress certainly can’t be ruled out. Another for the Baffert barn to note as trainer can have Churchill Downs runners again, but scratched with foot injury.

5. American Promise

American Promise silks

  • Sire: Justify
  • Dam: Tapella
  • Damsire: Tapit
  • Foaled: May 1, 2022
  • Breeder(s): Candy Meadows LLC
  • Owner(s): BC Stables LLC
  • Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas
  • Jockey: Nik Juarez
  • Form Figures: 638241-751
  • Stakes Race Wins: Virginia Derby
  • Qualifying Points: 55
  • Morning Line Odds: 30-1

No win in three previous starts at Churchill Downs as a juvenile in the fall after costing $750,000 as a yearling. Landed Virginia Derby on latest outing after minor honors in both Southwest Stakes (seventh) at Oaklawn Park and Risen Star Stakes (fifth) in New Orleans.

Must prove credentials at a higher level in graded company, but by 2018 Triple Crown hero Justify and thus bred to do well for his Hall of Fame trainer. Other Kentucky Derby horses appeal more, however.

6. Admire Daytona

Admire Daytona silks

  • Sire: Drefong
  • Dam: Ice Pastel
  • Damsire: Shackleford
  • Foaled: March 17, 2022
  • Breeder(s): Northern Farm Japan
  • Owner(s): Junko Kondo
  • Trainer: Yukihiro Kato
  • Jockey: Christophe Lemaire
  • Form Figures: 2-141
  • Stakes Race Wins: UAE Derby
  • Qualifying Points: 100
  • Morning Line Odds: 30-1

Japanese horse twice beaten by Luxor Cafe on their own side of the Pacific. Improved on that form when making most of the running at Meydan on Dubai World Cup Night to just land the UAE Derby latest.

That punched his ticket to Churchill Downs. Sire was US Champion Sprinter, but progeny seem to get further. Damsire won the Preakness, meanwhile, yet lacked stamina for this trip. Extra furlong is a concern.

7. Luxor Cafe

Luxor Cafe silks

  • Sire: American Pharoah
  • Dam: Mary’s Follies
  • Damsire: More Than Ready
  • Foaled: February 26, 2022
  • Breeder(s): Orpendale/Chelston/Wynatt & Westerberg Ireland Ulc
  • Owner(s): Koichi Nishikawa
  • Trainer: Noriyuki Hori
  • Jockey: Joao Moreira
  • Form Figures: 1-111
  • Stakes Race Wins: Hyacinth Stakes, Fukuryu Stakes
  • Qualifying Points: 70
  • Morning Line Odds: 30-1

Unbeaten Japanese horse by the 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah. Twice defeated Admire Daytona, so looks the pick of the pair crossing the Pacific this time around. Punched his ticket to Churchill Downs with impressive Fukuryu Stakes success latest.

Although unraced outside of his homeland, he’s one of the Kentucky Derby horses of note with a Japanese runner making the show last year. Dam also a Churchill Downs winner, so has the right pedigree for this test.

8. Journalism

Journalism silks

  • Sire: Curlin
  • Dam: Mopotism
  • Damsire: Uncle Mo
  • Foaled: February 6, 2022
  • Breeder(s): Don Alberto Corporation
  • Owner(s): Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Elayne Stables 5 LLC, LaPenta, Robert V., Magnier-Lessee, Mrs. John, Smith-Lessee, Derrick and Tabor-Lessee, Michael B.
  • Trainer: Michael McCarthy
  • Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
  • Form Figures: 311-11
  • Stakes Race Wins: Los Alamitos Futurity, San Felipe Stakes, Santa Anita Derby
  • Qualifying Points: 122.5
  • Morning Line Odds: 3-1 favorite

Won his last four races including Grade I Santa Anita Derby latest. Yearling purchase of $825,000 who clearly trained on from Los Alamitos Futurity success as a juvenile with San Felipe Stakes victory in California on reappearance.

Confirmed that form back at Santa Anita Park where also had Citizen Bull out of the show. By a very versatile sire and similar comments apply to damsire, who produced 2016 Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist. Could be even more to come as seeks fifth win in a row.

9. Burnham SquareBurnham Square silks

  • Sire: Liam’s Map
  • Dam: Linda
  • Damsire: Scat Daddy
  • Foaled: April 9, 2022
  • Breeder(s): Whitham Thoroughbreds LLC
  • Owner(s): Whitham Thoroughbreds LLC
  • Trainer: Ian Wilkes
  • Jockey: Brian Hernandez
  • Form Figures: 231-141
  • Stakes Race Wins: Holy Bull Stakes, Blue Grass Stakes
  • Qualifying Points: 130
  • Morning Line Odds: 12-1

Landed Grade I Blue Grass Stakes around Keeneland latest with late run down the outside. Turned about Fountain Of Youth form with River Thames from Gulfstream Park when punching his ticket to the Kentucky Derby. Something to find with Sovereignty on that Florida run.

Sire successful in 2015 Woodward Stakes and Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. Dam a juvenile Grade II winner at Churchill Downs and shares a sire with Justify, who beat all-comers in his Triple Crown year. Top of Road to the Kentucky Derby rankings with most qualifying points.

10. Grande – SCRATCHED

Grande silks

  • Sire: Curlin
  • Dam: Journey Home
  • Damsire: War Front
  • Foaled: March 9, 2022
  • Breeder(s): KatieRich Farms
  • Owner(s): Repole Stable
  • Trainer: Todd Pletcher
  • Jockey: John Velazquez
  • Form Figures: 112
  • Stakes Race Wins: None
  • Qualifying Points: 50
  • Morning Line Odds: 20-1

Bought for $300,000 as a yearling and landed a couple minor races at Gulfstream Park this winter. Second to Rodriguez in Grade II Wood Memorial Stakes when forced to race very wide around Aqueduct latest, and the only one home within five lengths of the winner.

Dam by a sprinting type, so all the stamina coming from the sire’s side of his pedigree. Owner and barn love having big race runners across America. This one stuck to task well, but needs a late scratching.

11. Flying Mohawk

Flying Mohawk silks

  • Sire: Karakontie
  • Dam: Bonbons Fleur
  • Damsire: Twirling Candy
  • Foaled: February 18, 2022
  • Breeder(s): John O’Meara
  • Owner(s): Two Eight Racing, Berry Family Racing LLC and Kaleta Racing
  • Trainer: D. Whitworth Beckman
  • Jockey: Joseph Ramos
  • Form Figures: 6251-12
  • Stakes Race Wins:
  • Qualifying Points: 50
  • Morning Line Odds: 30-1

Twice sold for $25,000 and $72,000 at the sales, and two minor wins so far. Chased home Final Gambit in the Grade III Jeff Ruby Steaks latest. Out of a French 2000 Guineas and Breeders’ Cup Mile winner on turf, but didn’t stay further on that surface.

Damsire offers more encouragement stamina wise, but didn’t actually win over a Triple Crown distance. Other Kentucky Derby horses have more obvious claims of running well at the trip come Churchill Downs’ big race.

12. East Avenue East Avenue silks

  • Sire: Medaglia D’Oro
  • Dam: Dance Music
  • Damsire: Ghostzapper
  • Foaled: February 4, 2022
  • Breeder(s): Godolphin
  • Owner(s): Godolphin
  • Trainer: Brendan Walsh
  • Jockey: Manuel Franco
  • Form Figures: 119-02
  • Stakes Race Wins: Breeders’ Futurity
  • Qualifying Points: 60
  • Morning Line Odds: 20-1

Step back in right direction when chinned on the wire by Burnham Square in the Blue Grass at Keeneland latest. Disappointing when a well-beaten favorite in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and Risen Star Stakes either side of winter break before that.

Showed early promise when landing Grade I Breeders’ Futurity also around Keeneland in the fall. Sire fourth in the Kentucky Derby himself and second in Belmont Stakes, but produced famous Kentucky Oaks heroine Rachel Alexandra. Damsire a Breeders’ Cup Classic winner, but looks owner-breeders’ second string to Sovereignty.

13. Publisher

Publisher silks

  • Sire: American Pharoah
  • Dam: Indian Pride
  • Damsire: Proud Citizen
  • Foaled: February 6, 2022
  • Breeder(s): Brereton C. Jones
  • Owner(s): Gus King & The Estate Of Brereton C. Jones
  • Trainer: Steven Asmussen
  • Jockey: Irad Ortiz
  • Form Figures: 3332-642
  • Stakes Race Wins: None
  • Qualifying Points: 60
  • Morning Line Odds: 20-1

Cost $600,000 as a yearling and still a maiden. That doesn’t tell the whole story, however, as career best when splitting Sandman and Coal Battle with Grade I Arkansas Derby second latest. A repeat of that effort means he can’t be ruled out of contention.

While sire needs no introduction to followers of Triple Crown races, damsire produced a Kentucky Oaks winner. Connections will definitely feel this one has a big prize in him somewhere this season.

14. Tiztastic

Tiztastic silks

  • Sire: Tiz The Lsw
  • Dam: Keesha
  • Damsire: Tapit
  • Foaled: April 30, 2022
  • Breeder(s): Capital Bloodstock / Camas Park Stud
  • Owner(s): Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC, Magnier, Mrs. John, Tabor, Michael B. and Smith, Der
  • Trainer: Steven Asmussen
  • Jockey: Joel Rosario
  • Form Figures: 51123-351
  • Stakes Race Wins: Louisiana Derby
  • Qualifying Points: 119
  • Morning Line Odds: 20-1

Sold twice a yearling and Listed victory on turf as a juvenile. Subsequently switched to the dirt and twice made the show at Churchill Downs. Improved on all previous form with Grade II Louisiana Derby victory at the New Orleans Fair Grounds latest.

Didn’t have the speed for a mile on this surface over the fall and winter, but this trip more suitable. By the 2020 Florida Derby, Belmont Stakes (reduced distance) and Travers Stakes winner. Damsire is sire of Sandman. Represents powerful global owners and respected.

15. Render Judgment

Render Judgment silks

  • Sire: Blame
  • Dam: Barbara Gordon
  • Damsire: Commissioner
  • Foaled: March 8, 2022
  • Breeder(s): Green Lantern Stables
  • Owner(s): Baccari Racing Stable LLC, Dream Walkin Farms, Inc., MJM Racing and Rocket Ship Racing
  • Trainer: Kenny McPeek
  • Jockey: Julien Leparoux
  • Form Figures: 2153-825
  • Stakes Race Wins: None
  • Qualifying Points: 39
  • Morning Line Odds: 30-1

Churchill Downs winner last fall who cost $310,000 as a yearling. Virginia Derby second when no match for American Promise either side of down the field efforts in the Risen Star and Blue Grass Stakes. Hard to make form case on that evidence.

Sire progressed out of graded handicaps to 2010 Breeders’ Cup Classic glory. Damsire by A.P. Indy, so there’s stamina in his pedigree. Needs to find more with Burnham Square and East Avenue clear of him around Keeneland last time.

16. Coal Battle

Coal Battle silks KD

  • Sire: Coal Front
  • Dam: Wolfblade
  • Damsire: Midshipman
  • Foaled: April 6, 2022
  • Breeder(s): Hume Wornall & Jay Adcock
  • Owner(s): Norman Stables LLC
  • Trainer: Lonnie Briley
  • Jockey: Juan Vargas
  • Form Figures: 14711-113
  • Stakes Race Wins: Rebel Stakes
  • Qualifying Points: 95
  • Morning Line Odds: 30-1

At a yearling sales price of just $70,000, he’s one of the cheaper Kentucky Derby horses this time. A dual Listed winner over a mile as a juvenile, he completed a hat-trick at that level in the Smarty Jones at Oaklawn Park in January.

Followed-up on that with Grade II Rebel Stakes win around the same track before fading into third in the Arkansas Derby latest. Sire initially a sprinter, but stayed a mile as he aged. Profile of damsire does little to allay fears he won’t stay the Churchill Downs trip.

17. Sandman

Sandman silks

  • Sire: Tapit
  • Dam: Distorted Music
  • Damsire: Distorted Humor
  • Foaled: February 27, 2022
  • Breeder(s): Lothenbach Stables Inc
  • Owner(s): D. J. Stable LLC, St. Elias Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds and CJ Stables
  • Trainer: Mark Casse
  • Jockey: Jose Ortiz
  • Form Figures: 51531-231
  • Stakes Race Wins: Arkansas Derby
  • Qualifying Points: 129
  • Morning Line Odds: 6-1

Roan grey colt who cost $1,200,000 as a juvenile and took his form to a new level with Grade I Arkansas Derby glory latest. Wayward when veering right at Oaklawn Park 100m from wire, but always holding Publisher with Rebel Stakes conqueror Coal Battle beaten behind.

Sire does produce Kentucky Derby horses but progeny often run better in Belmont Stakes. Concern is three worst performances in his career to date were at Churchill Downs with two fifths and a show behind Sovereignty in the fall. Must prove he likes the track.

18. Sovereignty

Sovereignty silks

  • Sire: Into Mischief
  • Dam: Crowned
  • Damsire: Bernardini
  • Foaled: February 22, 2022
  • Breeder(s): Godolphin
  • Owner(s): Godolphin
  • Trainer: Bill Mott
  • Jockey: Junior Alvarado
  • Form Figures: 421-12
  • Stakes Race Wins: Street Sense Stakes, Fountain Of Youth Stakes
  • Qualifying Points: 110
  • Morning Line Odds: 5-1

Impressive Churchill Downs winner on final start as a juvenile. Five lengths too good for Tiztastic and Sandman on that occasion in Grade III Street Sense Stakes. Landed Fountain Of Youth at Gulfstream Park with late surge on reappearance.

Not disgraced when behind Tappan Street, who he shares a sire with, and closing on the winner in the Florida Derby there latest. Came wide from the rear with late run for second and should have no issues with extra distance. With Tappan Street out, this one feared for another powerful owner-breeding operation and pick of their two Kentucky Derby horses.

19. Chunk Of Gold

Chunk Of Gold silks

  • Sire: Preservationist
  • Dam: Play For Gold
  • Damsire: Cairo Prince
  • Foaled: May 11, 2022
  • Breeder(s): Brereton C. Jones
  • Owner(s): Terry L. Stephens
  • Trainer: Ethan West
  • Jockey: Jareth Loveberry
  • Form Figures: 1-222
  • Stakes Race Wins: None
  • Qualifying Points: 75
  • Morning Line Odds: 30-1

Placed behind the injured Magnitude in the Grade II Risen Star Stakes and second again to Tiztastic in the Louisiana Derby also at the New Orleans Fair Grounds latest. Cost even less than Coal Battle at the sales as a $2,500 purchase as a yearling.

Sire won the Suburban Stakes and Woodward Stakes both at NYRA tracks over the summer of 2019. Difficult to assess progeny on either side of his pedigree in relation to this, but he’s run well at big odds in two recognized Kentucky Derby prep races.

20. Owen Almighty

Owen Almighty silks
  • Sire: Speightstown
  • Dam: Tempers Rising
  • Damsire: Bayern
  • Foaled: March 5, 2022
  • Breeder(s): Mark Stanley
  • Owner(s): Flying Dutchmen Breeding and Racing LLC
  • Trainer: Javier Castellano
  • Jockey: Irad Ortiz
  • Form Figures: 112-521
  • Stakes Race Wins: Tampa Bay Derby
  • Qualifying Points: 65
  • Morning Line Odds: 30-1

Twice sold colt for $360,000 and $350,000 and progressive over the winter to land Grade III Tampa Bay Derby. Runs in the delayed Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland. Late sire’s progeny stay further than he managed.

Damsire a late-bloomer at the same age who landed the Breeders’ Cup Classic. May have the blend of speed and stamina needed by Kentucky Derby horses these days. Connections initially weren’t sure about running, but now take their chances. Drawn in widest gate of all.

21. Baeza

Baeza silks

  • Sire: McKinzie
  • Dam: Puca
  • Damsire: Big Brown
  • Foaled: May 13, 2022
  • Breeder(s): Grandview Equine
  • Owner(s): C R K Stable LLC and Grandview Equine
  • Trainer: John Shirreffs
  • Jockey: Flavien Prat
  • Form Figures: 9-212
  • Stakes Race Wins: None
  • Qualifying Points: 37.5
  • Morning Line Odds: 12-1

Placed behind Rodriguez and Journalism around Santa Anita either side of minor win there. Expensive yearling purchase at $1,200,000, but only the reserve among Kentucky Derby horses this year.

Sire won Pennsylvania Derby, but not over further. Dam produced two winners of Triple Crown races last couple of seasons, so that suggests he has a chance after sneaking in to the final field with late scratching of Rodriguez.

Kentucky Derby Horses And Jockeys To Follow

It’s not just about the horses in the Kentucky Derby field, but their riders as well. If a jockey has a particularly good recent record or has won the big one at Churchill Downs before, then that will attract interest from bettors.

John Velazquez may be a rider to follow as he has partnered three Kentucky Derby winners to victory since 2011. He takes the ride on board Repole Stable’s hopeful Grande for the Todd Pletcher barn this time.

Flavien Prat, meanwhile, has had his mounts at least make the show in four of the last five years. The Kentucky Derby horses and odds available will reflect such trends. Prat will once again be a popular jockey this time around. He rides Baeza.

It is worth bettors knowing who, if anyone, is the stable jockey for Hall of Fame trainers and major barns from around America. Should they more than one entry representing them in a race, then the rider may have had a choice of mounts.

This can also influence the market on Kentucky Derby betting sites as the jockey should in theory pick the horse with the best chance. It doesn’t always work like that in practice, of course.

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Jamie Clark

Jamie Clark is an expert handicapper with more than a decade of experience in the gambling industry. He has found winners of races all over the world, including the biggest in America like the Kentucky Derby.