Meet the Contenders: 2025 Virginia Derby
Getaway Car (Photo by Benoit Photo)
March 11th, 2025
Meet the horses running in the 2025 Virgina Derby at Colonial Downs. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential. The star rating of 1 to 5 represents the opportunity to perform well. Be sure to follow these contenders by adding them to your stable alerts.
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Calling Card wins at Aqueduct. (Photo by Coglianese Photo)
#1 Calling Card **
Pro: His very best form is possibly good enough to earn a minor slice.
Con: Made little impact in Lecomte (G3) and Gotham (G3); might need easier.
John Hancock winning the Sam F. Davis S. at Tampa Bay Downs (Photo by SV Photography)
#2 John Hancock
REPORTEDLY WILL SCRATCH
American Promise wins at Oaklawn Park. (Photo by Coady Media)
#3 American Promise **
Pro: Unplaced in two more difficult spots, so class drop should help.
Con: Past one-turn attempts weren’t very good, though they were very early in his career.
TwinSpires
#4 Omaha Omaha ***
Pro: Placed in both Aqueduct preps this year, and a possible faster pace here can help.
Con: Lacks tactical foot and often leaves himself with much ground to make up.
Studlydoright wins the Nashua Stakes at Belmont at the Big A. (Photo by Coglianese Photo / Credit to Chelsea Durand)
#5 Studlydoright **
Pro: Has done his best work around one turn; blinkers off potentially a plus.
Con: Recent form on dirt leaves something to be desired.
Getaway Car (Photo by Benoit Photo)
#6 Getaway Car *****
Pro: Dual stakes winner the horse to beat on class and accomplishment.
Con: So far, hasn’t run like a horse that’s going to love increasing distances.
Rapture wins at Oaklawn Park. (Photo by Coady Media)
#7 Rapture ****
Pro: Exits big maiden win at Fair Grounds and fits well here despite inexperience.
Con: Said inexperience is the main drawback and unlikely to offer much value.
Authentic Gallop wins at Oaklawn Park. (Photo by Coady Media)
#8 Authentic Gallop **
Pro: Starting to figure things out of late with two wins in his last three starts.
Con: Tested for class as he concedes stakes experience to most.
Render Judgment wins at Churchill Downs. (Photo by Coady Media / Credit to Kurtis Coady)
#9 Render Judgment **
Pro: Consistently earns Brisnet Speed ratings in the 80s for the Kenny McPeek barn.
Con: No real excuse in the Risen Star (G2); might need stiffer class drop.
Georgia Magic wins at Aqueduct. (Photo by Coglianese Photo)
#10 Georgia Magic *
Pro: Figures prominent from the outset and recently posted a bullet work.
Con: Previous stakes attempt was poor; faded badly against allowance foes last time.
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