The 2025 Kentucky Derby is quickly approaching, and the race for a spot in the starting gate is heating up! As of now, the leaderboard has seen some exciting new names, and some trainers are making moves with their young horses. Here’s a look at the latest leaderboard after the completion of eight key races.
New Contenders Join the Leaderboard
One of the most exciting updates on the leaderboard is the appearance of Poster, an undefeated colt trained by Eoin Harty. Poster won the Grade 2 Remsen Stakes at Aqueduct by a nose, which helped him earn 10 points and secure the 8th spot on the leaderboard. This was the colt’s first stakes race, and with a perfect 3-for-3 record so far, he’s certainly one to watch as we head towards the Derby.
Poster is joining another Harty trainee, First Resort, in the top 10. First Resort also earned 10 points after winning the Kentucky Jockey Club race, which places him at No. 7. Harty has been involved in several Kentucky Derby campaigns, with his best finish being Colonel John, who finished 6th in 2008.
Top Contenders Still Holding Strong
At the top of the leaderboard, two horses trained by Bob Baffert are holding steady in the 1st and 2nd spots: Citizen Bull and Gaming. Both horses earned points by finishing at the top of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, which took place earlier this year. Citizen Bull leads with 40 points, while Gaming has 15 points. These two have yet to race since their strong performances, but their positions on the leaderboard are still solid.
Upcoming Races to Watch
As the road to the Kentucky Derby continues, two big races are coming up this weekend: the Remington Springboard Mile and the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2). Both races will award points to the top five finishers, which could shift the standings. These points will help determine which horses will have the best chance of securing a spot in the 2025 Kentucky Derby.
Kentucky Derby Points and Standings
Here’s a breakdown of the current standings after 8 races:
- Citizen Bull – 40 points, Bob Baffert
- Gaming – 15 points, Bob Baffert
- Jonathan’s Way – 15 points, Philip Bauer
- Getaway Car – 11 points, Bob Baffert
- Chancer McPatrick – 10 points, Chad Brown
- East Avenue – 10 points, Brendan Walsh
- First Resort – 10 points, Eoin Harty
- Poster – 10 points, Eoin Harty
- Sovereignty – 10 points, Bill Mott
- Hill Road – 9 points, Adrian Murray
Other horses on the leaderboard include Tiztastic, Ferocious, Dapper Moon, and more. The points from these races and upcoming preps will help determine who moves up the ranks and gets a chance to compete in the prestigious Kentucky Derby.
What’s Next for the Kentucky Derby Contenders?
As we get closer to the Kentucky Derby, many more horses will race in stakes events to earn valuable points. Trainers are carefully managing their horses to ensure they’re in peak condition for the big race. As always, the competition will be fierce, and the leaderboard will continue to shift as new contenders rise to the top.
It’s an exciting time for horse racing fans, with many top horses still looking for their chance to shine. Be sure to follow the upcoming races and see which horses earn their spot in the starting gate for the 2025 Kentucky Derby!