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The Kentucky Derby is almost here, and the excitement is building. With a fresh lineup of three-year-old contenders, the big question is: who is the best bet this year? Some have dominated prep races, while others are peaking at the right time.

Past performances, pedigree, and racing style play a role, but surprises happen yearly. A fast starter might fade, and a closer could storm ahead at the wire. Finding the right pick takes more than just looking at the odds.

Let’s break down the top contenders and see who has the best shot at wearing the roses.

Coal Battle

Coal Battle has gone from an underdog to a serious contender for the 2025 line up for Kentucky Derby after his impressive win in the $1.25 million Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park. The three-year-old colt secured his fourth straight victory and climbed to the top of the Derby points leaderboard with 70 points.

Breaking from the rail in a 13-horse field, his trainer, Lonnie Briley, had concerns about the position. But jockey Juan Vargas played it smart, keeping Coal Battle off the early pace before making a decisive move.

Madaket Roas was the only thing between him and victory when they reached the final stretch. Coal Battle rushed past and crossed the finish line 1 ¼ lengths ahead of his opponent, although weighing five pounds heavier than him, stopping the clock at 1:43.01.

The win more than doubled his career earnings, pushing him past $1 million and proving his connections made a smart investment at the 2023 Texas Thoroughbred Association Yearling Sale. With a Derby spot secured, he’s not slowing down yet. Next is the $1.5 million Arkansas Derby (G1) on March 29, one last test before Churchill Downs.

Citizen Bull

After a stellar juvenile campaign, Citizen Bull has quickly emerged as a top contender for the Triple Crown trail. The bay colt broke his maiden at Del Mar in August, then stepped up to stakes company in September, finishing third in his first try at seven furlongs. That loss was just a stepping stone.

A sharp bullet workout at Santa Anita signaled his readiness, and he delivered dominantly. He easily stretched out to 1 ⅙ miles, winning the American Pharaoh Stakes before securing his biggest victory in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. That win cemented his status as the division leader, bringing his record to three wins from four starts and pushing his earnings past $1.3 million.

Trained by Bob Baffert, Citizen Bull has shown versatility, winning on different tracks and easily handling longer distances. With Dervt points secured, he’s set to be a major player in 2025.

Opera Ballo

Opera Ballo is set to headline the first European Road to the Kentucky Derby qualifier of 2025 at Kempton Park. Trained by Charlie Appleby and owned by Godolphin Racing, the colt turned heads with an 8 1/2-length maiden win over a mile at the same track last month. William Buick takes the reins for the first time, with Opera Ballo expected to be the heavy favorite.

His stablemate, Olympus Point, also lines up after winning a one-mile handicap at Newmarket last September. He later finished second in a seven-furlong race and now makes his 2025 debut as a gelding. Saddadd, another key contender, returns after winning a one-mile allowance race at Southwell in December.

This race offers Derby qualifying points on a 20-10-6-4-2 scale to the top five finishers. The highest-ranked horses in the European-Middle East series will earn spots in the 2025 Kentucky Derby, provided they finish in the top four overall standings.

Getaway Car

Getaway Car has consistently performed for Bob Baffert’s barn, carrying the colors of a powerhouse ownership group. The dark bay colt has earned $353,000 from six starts, showing versatility in pressing the pace or stalking from mid-pack. His steady progression in distance, from a five-furlong maiden win to strong runs at 1 1/16 miles, suggests he’s still developing his ideal running style.

Recent workouts at Santa Anita highlight his form, with a sharp six-furlong move in 1:13.40, followed by solid drills. His performances in graded stakes, including a strong finish in the Los Alamitos Futurity, prove he belongs among the top Derby contenders.

While the Kentucky Derby’s 1 1/4 miles is uncharted territory, his gradual increase in distance and upward-trending speed figures are promising. With Baffert’s expertise and Getaway Car’s growing potential, he remains one to watch as the 2025 Kentucky Derby trail unfolds.

Built

Built, a promising 3-year-old is making strides on the 2025 Road to the Kentucky Derby. Sired by Hard Spun out of a Curlin mare, he was bred in Kentucky and is trained by Wayne M. Catalano.

He debuted at Ellis Park, finishing third behind a future Grade 1 winner, then won at Keeneland. He claimed the Gun Runner Stakes before placing in the Lecomte (G3) and Risen Star (G2). With 35 Derby points, Built remains a top contender. His pedigree, consistency, and adaptability make him a strong candidate for the Kentucky Derby on May 3.

Who’s Your Derby Pick? Time to Lock It In

The field is shaping up, and the Kentucky Derby contenders are proving their worth. Some have dominated, while others are gaining momentum at the right time. With so much talent, making the right pick takes careful analysis.

Will a front-runner go all the way, or will a late closer steal the show? The countdown to Churchill Downs is on. Now’s the time to study the field, trust the numbers, and place your bet.

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