The 2025 Kentucky Derby
It’s time once again, boys and girls, for the return of that most glorious event of the springtime, the Kentucky Derby. This annual Derby related missive, now in its 18th year, actually represents the very first of Your Faithful Correspondent’s (YFC) missives written in YFC’s retirement years.
That’s RE-tired, not tired, for those who cynically bemoan the astute equine observations and witty bon mots YFC annually dispenses to throngs of eagerly awaiting fans on every continent and ships at sea.
A smaller, less significant landmark associated with this year’s Derby is the return of trainer Bob Baffert, who was sidelined by Churchill Downs for the previous three years because of a failed drug test for the ultimately disqualified winner of 2021’s Derby, Medina Spirit.
So, CD has essentially told BB that Si Si, he is welcome back. TS for those who still care about the past. I’m looking at you, DEA. So, FFS, let’s get on to the topic at hand PDQ – the field for this year’s Kentucky Derby (in post position order);
Citizen Bull
During the French Revolution it became the practice to address one’s countrymen as “Citizen.” While trainer Bob Baffert is hoping to ration out this guy’s speed a little bit more on Saturday, think it’s likely the ax is going to fall on this one as they come down the homestretch. Mon dieu!
Neoequos
No sense buying any more vowels, might as well go with “L” – as in loser. Bets here mean wheel lands on bankruptcy.
Final Gambit
YFC’s Final Gambit was in the freshman year of college, betting he could pass the Psych 101 final without cracking the textbook all semester. Let’s just say it was not a well thought out plan. Expecting Gambit to get a similar grade on Saturday.
Rodriguez
No relation to the eminently detestable A-Rod – other than the horse’s ass part. Front runner should be on the lead early Saturday but think Baffert runner may be exposed as A-Fraud when the race is over.
American Promise
Winner of the inaugural Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs. Trainer D. Wayne Lukas has made his share of history in the Kentucky Derby but really should be waving the white flag with this guy.
Admire Daytona
Perhaps entered in the wrong race. One of two Japanese entries comes out of a UAE Derby triumph that was more Soap Box Derby than Daytona 500.
Luxor Cafe
This guy is no pyramid scheme, he’s the real deal. Son of American Pharaoh hopes to duplicate sire’s heroics for Japanese connections. Last out effort over a less than quick racetrack was impressive, displaying a powerful late turn of foot. Will be ridden by “Magic Man” Joao Moreira. We’ll find out Saturday just how much heart he has.
Journalism
Great Caesar’s Ghost! The likely favorite has only beaten 12 horses home in his last three stake race triumphs. YFC finds that’s nothing to write home about. After all, he’ll be facing 19 others in the Derby! We’ll find out if Saturday if he’s the type that can write a happy ending in Louisville.
Burnham Square
Many punters will look for a square price on this guy, trained by Ian Wilkes (no relation to Ashley). Here’s hoping he doesn’t burn ‘em. If he does, backers will end up feeling scarlet.
Grande
Parlaying a second place Wood Memorial finish, held in the lush, bucolic acreage of South Ozone Park, New York, into a Kentucky Derby victory may seem like a tall order but if he lights up the toteboard like YFC thinks he might, non-believers will be venti(ng) their frustrations.
Flying Mohawk
New hairstyle trend or legitimate contender? Closer hopes he’ll be flying down the stretch late. Don’t feel like he’ll make the cut. If you want to bet on this guy, well, mo’ hawk tu yah.
East Avenue
Form went South late last year after a promising start to 2 year old season. Trainer Brendan Walsh appears to have resolved the issues with this guy but, nevertheless, bets on this front runner will be a dead end street.
Publisher
Hunch exacta with Journalism? For a horse with 7 starts and no victories, this guy has a lot of subscribers. YFC thinks bets on this guy will end up in Death Notices.
Tiztastic
All time winningest trainer Steve Assmussen still chasing elusive Kentucky Derby victory. Has Louisiana Derby victory under his belt, contended at a distance just 1/16 of a mile shorter than Saturday’s race. So we know he can get the distance. Will Charlie Brown finally get to kick the football?
Render Judgment
No chance. (Bangs gavel). Next!
Coal Battle
Every Kentucky Derby seems to feature a trainer who has for many years labored in the shadows of the high-profile barns led by the likes of Steve Assussmen and Bob Baffert. This year’s entry is 72 year old Lonnie Briley, trainer of Coal Battle. It’s hard not to root for a guy who had never even won a graded stakes race until this year when Coal Battle won the Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park.
Yikes, just realized Lonnie and YFC are peers! That’s somewhat sobering! (Just joking – glug, glug – not really).
Sandman
Woke up in the Arkansas Derby when the front runners blazed off to ridiculously fast early fractions. Another deep closer in a field full of them, Sand has to hope he’s not boxed in when the late running starts.
Sovereignty
Trainer Bill Mott secured his only Kentucky Derby victory to date via the disqualification of Maximum Security in the 2019 race. One of many in this field who will have to come from well back in the pack to secure victory Saturday. Perhaps has an edge over the other closers having scored a victory over the Churchill surface last October, closing against a field that featured fellow Derby starters Tiztastic and Sandman.
Challenge for any deep closer is weaving their way through a field of tiring horses down the homestretch. Will need a lot of things to go right but is certainly capable. A win ‘dis time won’t come with an asterisk.
Chunk of Gold
Another one who will need to come from well out of it early for trainer Ethan (not Adam) West. Backers will be yelling “Holy $#@*!” should this guy end up robbin’ the others. $2,500 purchase is going to return a lot more than that if he wins this event on Saturday.
Owen Almighty
Trainer Brian Lynch was heard to exclaim “God Almighty!” when owners insisted on entering this guy, who has been found wanting as the distances have gotten longer in Derby prep races. Bet him and you’ll be owin’.
Also Eligible (Will draw into the race should there be a scratch in the main body of the field)
Baeza
Goes out for good guy trainer, John Shireffs, best known for training the legendary Zenyatta. Also out of short field stake races in California, which is of concern. Undoubtedly talented but think backers will feel the sting of defeat.
Selections
YFC has been saying for years that a Japanese entry is going to win this race at some point. They came thisclose last year with Forever Young. Think it will happen this year with Luxor Cafe, who should be able to find a comfortable spot not too far back from the early leaders and then show his late acceleration down the lane.
Have to take a flyer on Grande as well. Will be a square price with solid connections and seems to have a running style that fits this race.
Good luck and hold all tickets!
Great write up your selections must have been made after smoking some great weed