Kentucky Derby 2025 to Feature Top 20 Horses May 3

The 151st Kentucky Derby, the first leg of the Triple Crown, will take place at Churchill Downs with 20 horses competing after earning qualifying points in prep races. Notable contenders include Grande, trained by Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher and ridden by John Velazquez, who faces historical odds but demonstrated resilience in key prep races. Flying Mohawk, trained by Whit Beckman, enters with a background on turf and all-weather tracks, drawing comparisons to Animal Kingdom’s 2011 upset win; his recent strong finish in the Jeff Ruby Steaks suggests potential for the Derby distance. Owen Almighty, originally not aimed at the Derby, secured enough points after a Tampa Bay Derby win and will be ridden by veteran Javier Castellano, though concerns remain about his stamina over the Derby's distance. The event will be broadcast on NBC and available for streaming. Trainers highlight that the Derby is a race where longshots can prevail, contributing to its enduring unpredictability and excitement.