Kentucky Derby News (April 18)

Another day, closer to the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1), there is another change in the field: Madaket Road is out, and Built moves back in.

The latest twist in the Kentucky Derby field occurred Friday when trainer Bob Baffert said Madaket Road would run next in the Pat Day Mile (G2) on Derby Day rather than Run for the Roses.

Madaket Road Out, Built moves Back into the Field

With the defection of Madaket Road, Built Again moves into the field, limited to 20 starters. The connections of Built are not committed to the Derby, so more changes are likely in the cards.

Baffert, who returns to the Derby for the first time since 2021 following his three-year suspension by Churchill Downs, still has two promising contenders in Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) winner Citizen Bull and Wood Memorial (G2) winner Rodriguez.

Neoequos is next in line to get into the field if Built doesn’t run, followed by Render Judgment and Baeza.

Based on the 151st Kentucky Derby qualifying points, the field is limited to 20 starters. A total of 24 can be entered when the field is drawn on April 26.

The multiple owners of Madaket Road also own Citizen Bull and Rodriguez.  

Pivotal Day of Work set for Saturday

Among the 2025 Kentucky Derby contenders scheduled for a penultimate workout on Saturday are Fountain of Youth (G2) winner Sovereignty; Louisiana Derby (G1) winner Tiztastic, and the Blue Grass Stakes (GI) top two finishers Burnham Square and East Avenue.

In other Kentucky Derby News

• Japan’s Admire Daytona jogged a little, then galloped 1 ¼ miles with exercise rider Yoshimitsu Miyashita aboard.
• Japan’s other Derby contender, Luxor Café, is scheduled to arrive at Churchill Downs on Wednesday after being flown to Chicago and completing a 42-hour USDA quarantine.
• Louisiana Derby (G2) runner-up Chunk of Gold is scheduled to work Saturday at Turfway Park for trainer Ethan West.
• Bon Baffert-trained Citizen Bull, Rodriguez, and Madaket Road (now pointed to the Pat Day Mile) are scheduled to arrive at Churchill Downs on Thursday.
• Florida Derby (G1) winner Tappan Street worked 5 furlongs in 1:02.20 at Payson Park in South Florida on Friday (April 18) with trainer Brad Cox observing.
• Flying Mohawk, co-owned by Jayson Werth, is set for a breeze on Saturday. Werth, who appeared on MLB Central Thursday, said: “Let’s get it done this year. You don’t want to be the favorite in the 2025 Kentucky Derby, and we definitely will not be the favorite.”

US Racing Team

The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.