5 Kentucky Derby horses to watch: Run for the Roses 2025 storylines worth rooting for

[ASFN Admin]

Everyone loves a good story, and the 151st Kentucky Derby is loaded with them.

By now, you've likely read about top contenders, post positions and odds, but what Run for the Roses stories are tugging at your heartstrings?

Would a 72-year-old trainer who's in his first Derby make May 3 even more special, especially if Lonnie Briley wins? Or how about American Pharoah celebrating the 10th anniversary of his Triple Crown run — with two sons in the Derby 151 field? Mike Smith, who is scheduled to ride Rodriguez in the Derby, would become the oldest jockey to win if he crosses the finish line first.

Read about their stories — and more — below:

5 Kentucky Derby horses to watch​

4. Rodriguez, 12-1​

Rodriguez is one of Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert's two horses in the Kentucky Derby. Smith, at 58 years old, would surpass another legend with a victory.

• Owners: SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Stonestreet Stables, Dianne Bashor, Determined Stables, Robert E. Masterson, Tom J. Ryan, Waves Edge Capital and Catherine Donovan
• Trainer: Bob Baffert
• Jockey: Mike Smith
• Road to Derby points: 121.25
• Prep race results: Wood Memorial Stakes (1st), Robert B. Lewis Stakes (2nd) and San Felipe Stakes (3rd)
• Career earnings: $522,800

13. Publisher, 20-1​

2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah sired two Kentucky Derby entrants, Publisher and Luxor Cafe. American Pharoah was the first horse to win the Triple Crown since Affirmed in 1978.

• Owners: Gus King and Estate of Brereton C. Jones
• Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen
• Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
• Road to Derby points: 60
• Prep race results: Arkansas Derby (2nd), Rebel Stakes (4th) and Southwest Stakes (6th)
• Career earnings: $407,756

16. Coal Battle, 30-1​

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Briley will saddle his first horse in the Kentucky Derby, Coal Battle, in the 151st Derby. Coal Battle is Briley's first horse to win a stakes race.

• Owner: Norman Stables LLC
• Trainer: Lonnie Briley
• Jockey: Juan Vargas
• Road to Derby points: 95
• Prep race results: Smarty Jones Stakes (1st), Rebel Stakes (1st) and Arkansas Derby (3rd)
• Career earnings: $1,188,875

11. Flying Mohawk, 30-1​

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St. Xavier alum Whit Beckman is saddling another horse in the Kentucky Derby for the second year in a row. Last year, Honor Marie finished eighth.

• Owners: Two Eight Racing, Berry Family Racing LLC and Kaleta Racing
• Trainer: Whit Beckman
• Jockey: Joe Ramos
• Road to Derby points: 50
• Prep race results: Jeff Ruby Steaks (2nd) and Pilgrim Stakes (5th)
• Career earnings: $295,800

18. Sovereignty, 5-1​

Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott won the Kentucky Derby in 2019. The horse he saddled, Country House, crossed the finish line second in the Run for the Roses but was awarded the win after Maximum Security was disqualified.

• Owner: Godolphin, LLC
• Trainer: Bill Mott
• Jockey: Junior Alvarado
• Road to Derby points: 110
• Prep race results: Fountain of Youth (1st), 2024 Street Sense Stakes (1st) and Florida Derby (2nd)
• Career earnings: $572,800

Reach sports reporter Prince James Story at [email protected] and follow him on X at @PrinceJStory.



This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky Derby lineup 2025: 5 Run for the Roses horses to watch, odds

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