10 horses to watch in the final top-tier Kentucky Derby preps

April 2nd, 2025

Four weeks out from the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1), only three top-tier Road to the Kentucky Derby qualifiers remain on the agenda.

The results of the Santa Anita Derby (G1) at Santa Anita, the Blue Grass (G1) at Keeneland, and the Wood Memorial (G2) at Aqueduct will all but finalize the Kentucky Derby field.

Here are 10 horses to watch as the Kentucky Derby trail reaches its climax:


Beaza wins at Santa Anita.

Beaza wins at Santa Anita. (Photo by Benoit Photography)

1. Baeza

This half-brother to the 2023 Kentucky Derby winner Mage impressed in a recent maiden race. Now he’ll tackle tougher competition in the Santa Anita Derby.


Barnes wins the San Vicente S. at Santa Anita.

Barnes wins the San Vicente S. at Santa Anita. (Photo by Benoit Photo)

2. Barnes

Talented sprinter Barnes ran fast when finishing a pacesetting second in the 1 1/16-mile San Felipe (G2). Can he stretch his speed over 1 1/8 miles in the Santa Anita Derby?


Captain Cook winning the Withers S. at Aqueduct (Photo by Coglianese Photos/Joe Labozzetta)

Captain Cook winning the Withers S. at Aqueduct (Photo by Coglianese Photos/Joe Labozzetta)

3. Captain Cook

Captain Cook won a fast edition of the 1 1/8-mile Withers S. at Aqueduct. He’s a serious contender while sticking to the same track and distance for the Wood Memorial.


Chancer McPatrick winning the Champagne (G1) at Aqueduct (Photo by Coglianese Photos)

Chancer McPatrick winning the Champagne (G1) at Aqueduct (Photo by Coglianese Photos)

4. Chancer McPatrick

Last year’s Hopeful (G1) and Champagne (G1) winner is 3-for-3 in one-turn races and 0-for-2 in two-turn races. He’ll get another chance to prove himself around two turns in the Blue Grass.


Citizen Bull winning the Robert B. Lewis (G3) at Santa Anita (Photo by Benoit Photo)

Citizen Bull winning the Robert B. Lewis (G3) at Santa Anita (Photo by Benoit Photo)

5. Citizen Bull

The champion two-year-old male of 2024 has won three Road to the Kentucky Derby qualifiers in a row. He’s trained up a storm for the Santa Anita Derby and is a formidable win threat.


East Avenue winning the Breeders' Futurity (G1) at Keeneland (Photo by Coady Media)

East Avenue winning the Breeders' Futurity (G1) at Keeneland (Photo by Coady Media)

6. East Avenue

East Avenue has failed to factor in two starts since crushing the Breeders’ Futurity (G1) at Keeneland last fall. Perhaps returning to Keeneland for the Blue Grass can trigger a turnaround.



Grande wins at Gulfstream Park.

Grande wins at Gulfstream Park. (Photo by Coglianese Photo)

7. Grande

Grande has opened his career with back-to-back wins in maiden and allowance races. The Wood Memorial marks his stakes debut for two-time Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Todd Pletcher.


Journalism, who exits a win over Barnes in the San Felipe, will make his final Kentucky Derby prep in the Santa Anita Derby

Journalism, who exits a win over Barnes in the San Felipe, will make his final Kentucky Derby prep in the Santa Anita Derby(Photo by Horsephotos.com)

8. Journalism

The Kentucky Derby favorite earned a strong 104 Brisnet Speed rating when defeating Barnes in the San Felipe. He’ll aim to keep his momentum going in the Santa Anita Derby.


Owen Almighty winning the Tampa Bay Derby (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs (Photo by SV Photography)

Owen Almighty winning the Tampa Bay Derby (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs (Photo by SV Photography)

9. Owen Almighty

Owen Almighty capitalized on a modest pace when wiring the Tampa Bay Derby (G3) by 3 1/2 lengths, but he beat a strong field. Can he do the same against a quicker pace in the Blue Grass?


River Thames wins at Gulfstream.

River Thames wins at Gulfstream. (Photo by Coglianese Photo / Credit to Lauren King)

10. River Thames

River Thames was beaten only a neck in the Fountain of Youth (G2) by future Florida Derby (G1) runner-up Sovereignty. A similar performance may win him the Blue Grass.