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For over a century, the Run for the Roses has been the defining test for three-year-old Thoroughbreds, a grueling 1 1/4-mile journey that requires speed, stamina, and tactical brilliance.

But getting to Churchill Downs isn’t easy. Every contender must earn their place through challenging prep races, accumulating points in the Road to the Kentucky Derby standings. This year, a handful of elite competitors have risen to the top, proving they have what it takes to compete for racing’s most coveted prize.

Let’s check the top contenders for the 2025 Kentucky Derby, their strengths, defining victories, and chances of claiming glory in Louisville.

Sandman

With 129 points, Sandman sits atop the leaderboard, and for good reason. His performance in the Arkansas Derby was nothing short of breathtaking. Sitting seventh after half a mile and trailing the leaders by a staggering thirteen and a half lengths, he looked beaten before he even had a chance to fight.

But as the field rounded the final turn, he unleashed a turn of foot that left his rivals in the dust. He devoured the lead, surged past the front-runners, and stormed home with unrelenting power in just a few strides. It was the kind of victory that turns heads and shifts the betting lines.

Sandman is a colt built for the big moments, trained by Mark Casse, and owned by a powerful syndicate that includes D. J. Stable LLC, St. Elias Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds, and CJ Stables. His sire, Tapit, is one of the most influential stallions in modern racing, renowned for producing horses that thrive over long distances. José Ortiz’s jockey is a master of timing, capable of navigating through heavy traffic and delivering a perfectly executed ride.

With Derby Day approaching, the 2025 Kentucky Derby odds are taking shape, and Sandman is emerging as a top contender. His explosive late-running style makes him an exciting pick, but his success hinges on a fast early pace. If the frontrunners set a slow tempo, he may struggle to make up ground. Bettors will be watching closely to see if the conditions favor his strengths.

Tiztastic

Tiztastic enters the Derby with 119 points, having secured his spot with a commanding victory in the Louisiana Derby. Unlike Sandman, who prefers to make one explosive move from the back of the pack, Tiztastic is more of a tactical closer, positioning himself in the middle of the field before striking. This ability to adapt makes him a dangerous contender.

Trained by Steve Asmussen and owned by Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC, Magnier, Tabor, and Smith, he is a colt bred for greatness. His sire, Tiz the Law, won the Belmont Stakes easily, and his maternal grandsire, Tapit, has long been a source of stamina-rich bloodlines. This combination suggests Tiztastic will have no trouble handling the grueling ten-furlong distance of the Kentucky Derby.

His running style gives him an advantage over one-dimensional closers like Sandman. He is not entirely dependent on a hot pace, as he can stay within striking distance without burning too much energy early. His ability to adjust to different race scenarios makes him a legitimate threat to win the Derby, especially if the race unfolds unpredictably.

Sovereignty

With 110 points, Sovereignty has emerged as a serious contender, representing the powerhouse operation of Godolphin. Trained by Bill Mott and ridden by Manuel Franco, he has steadily progressed throughout his career, improving with each start. His defining moment came in the Fountain of Youth Stakes, where he overcame an exhaustive trip and a determined field to win dramatically.

His pedigree is a fascinating mix of speed and stamina. As a son of Into Mischief, he inherited natural speed, but his dam, by Bernardini, provides the classic distance foundation needed for the Derby. This combination makes him one of the more intriguing contenders in the field.

His biggest challenge will be stretching out to the entire mile and a quarter. While he has been strong at a mile and a sixteenth, he has yet to prove that he can sustain his speed over the Derby’s demanding ten furlongs. If he can handle the distance, he has the potential to be one of the most dangerous horses in the race.

Tappan Street

With 110 points, Tappan Street earned his Derby spot with a decisive Florida Derby victory. Trained by Brad Cox and ridden by Luis Saez, he thrives on competition. While not as flashy as Sandman or as versatile as Tiztastic, his determination makes him a serious contender.

Unlike deep closers, Tappan Street stays near the front, conserving energy before moving. In the Florida Derby, he broke well, positioned himself smartly, and took control at just the right moment, holding off challengers with resilience. His ability to maintain his speed without tiring gives him an edge. While closers will rely on a fast pace, Tappan Street will be in the mix from the start. If he gets a clean trip, he’ll be tough to beat.

Final Gambit

Final Gambit rounds out this list with 100 points, having earned his Derby berth with a surprise victory in the Jeff Ruby Steaks. Trained by Brad Cox and owned by Juddmonte, he is the wild card in this year’s field, a colt that has flown under the radar but is peaking at the perfect time.

His win at Turfway Park showcased his ability to handle pressure. Sitting off the early speed, he made a decisive move on the far turn, taking control and never looking back. While the Jeff Ruby Steaks is run on a synthetic surface, his performance suggests he has the mental toughness and physical stamina to compete on the biggest stage.

His most significant question mark will be whether he can translate his form to the dirt at Churchill Downs. If he can, he could be a significant factor.

Who Has the Edge?

As the Kentucky Derby nears, each contender stands out in their way. Sandman has the most powerful finishing kick but depends on a fast pace. Tiztastic is the most adaptable, capable of adjusting to any race setup. Sovereignty has raw talent but must prove he can handle the Derby’s demanding distance. Tappan Street is a relentless fighter who refuses to back down. Final Gambit is the underdog, poised to surprise.

With a deep, talented field set to line up at Churchill Downs, this year’s Derby promises to be one for the history books. Who will rise to the occasion and etch their name alongside legends? The answer will be revealed when the gates fly open on May 3, 2025. One thing is sure: this race is far from predictable.

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