Kentucky Derby News (April 19)

With Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott watching every stride, Sovereignty delivered a solid work at Churchill Downs on Saturday.

Sovereignty, the Fountain of Youth (G2) and runner-up in the Florida Derby (G1), breezed 5 furlongs in 1:00.60.

Sovereignty Among Slew of Derby Contenders Posting Workouts

Sovereignty. Maddy Becker/Coady Photo.

“There’s a lot of luck involved in winning the 2025 Kentucky Derby. You obviously have to have the right horse for the race, but you need to have some racing luck go your way,” Mott said. “The goal is to have him the best he can be for the first Saturday in May.”

Exercise rider Guesler Cardona was aboard for the work; Junior Alvarado, Sovereignty’s regular rider who missed the Florida Derby with an injury, will be back aboard on Derby Day.

Kentucky Derby News

Busy Morning at the Downs: Seven 2025 Kentucky Derby Contenders Work

Joining Sovereignty on the Churchill Downs work tab were Blue Grass Stakes (G1) winner Burnham Square (4 furlongs, 49.40); Blue Grass runner-up East Avenue (4 furlongs, 47.60); Jeff Ruby Steaks winner (G3) Final Gambit (5 furlongs, 1:00.80); Jeff Ruby runner-up Flying Mohawk (5 furlongs, 1:00); Arkansas Derby (G1) runner-up Publisher (5 furlongs, :59.60); and Louisiana Derby (G2) winner Tiztastic (5 furlongs, :59.60).

At Turfway Park, Louisiana Derby (G2) runner-up Chunk of Gold worked 4 furlongs in 50.00.

On Friday, Florida Derby (GI) winner Tappan Street worked 5 furlongs in 1:01.40 at Payson Park.

Current Top 20 list for the 2025 Kentucky Derby Contenders (Alphabetical Order, with Jockey and Trainer):

Also-Eligibles:

  • Neoequos (TBA, Saffie Joseph, Jr)
  • Render Judgment (TBA, Kenny McPeek)
  • Baeza (Flavien Prat, John Shirreffs)
  • California Burrito (Irving Moncada, Tom Drury, Jr.).
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