With six months to go until the Kentucky Derby 2025, the early points standings are shaping up as six prep races have already been completed, including the impactful Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. These initial races give bettors insight into potential Derby contenders, with early favorites emerging for Saratoga betting and offtrack betting enthusiasts.
The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile offered higher points (30-15-9-6-3 for the top five finishers) than the other prep races, which awarded 10-5-3-2-1 points.
Top Contenders in the Kentucky Derby 2025 Points Standings
Leading the standings is Citizen Bull, trained by Bob Baffert, who has earned 40 points from winning the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and an earlier win in the American Pharoah Stakes (G1). Another strong Baffert trainee, Gaming, sits in second place with 15 points, thanks to his runner-up finish in the Juvenile.
Completing the top three is Getaway Car, also trained by Baffert, with 11 points, collected from his fourth-place finish in the Juvenile and second place in the American Pharoah. Baffert’s trio leads the leaderboard, marking his return as a strong presence in the Derby prep races.
Several notable trainers have contenders within striking distance. Chad Brown’s Chancer McPatrick, Brendan Walsh’s East Avenue, and Philip Bauer’s Jonathan’s Way each have 10 points, while Bill Mott’s Sovereignty rounds out this group with a win in the Street Sense Stakes. These horses have a solid foundation to continue gathering points as the Kentucky Derby trail progresses.
| Horse | Points | Trainer | Last Race |
| Citizen Bull | 40 | Bob Baffert | 1st, Breeders’ Cup Juvenile |
| Gaming | 15 | Bob Baffert | 2nd, Breeders’ Cup Juvenile |
| Getaway Car | 11 | Bob Baffert | 4th, Breeders’ Cup Juvenile |
| Chancer McPatrick | 10 | Chad Brown | 6th, Breeders’ Cup Juvenile |
| East Avenue | 10 | Brendan Walsh | 9th, Breeders’ Cup Juvenile |
| Jonathan’s Way | 10 | Philip Bauer | 7th, Breeders’ Cup Juvenile |
| Sovereignty | 10 | Bill Mott | 1st, Street Sense |
| Hill Road | 9 | Adrian Murray | 3rd, Breeders’ Cup Juvenile |
| Ferocious | 8 | Gustavo Delgado | 5th, Breeders’ Cup Juvenile |
| Owen Almighty | 5 | Brian Lynch | 2nd, Iroquois |
Horses Dreaming of the Kentucky Derby 2025
Looking ahead on the horse racing schedule, the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) on November 30 and the Remsen Stakes (G2) on December 7 will offer more points opportunities. These events can allow new contenders to rise, and as trainers work to position their horses, changes in the standings are likely. Horse racing odds for these upcoming prep races will reflect each contender’s readiness and recent form as they aim to secure a coveted spot in the Derby.
Bob Baffert’s return to the Derby scene has already shaken up the field, with his horses leading the standings. However, other trainers, such as Chad Brown and Brendan Walsh, are positioning their horses to challenge Baffert’s dominance in the coming months and in the Kentucky Derby. Bill Mott’s Sovereignty, with his strong performance in the Street Sense, is also poised to make an impact as the Derby trail progresses.
As more races unfold, new names may emerge in the standings, and additional points will be crucial for those hoping to maintain a spot at the top. Following the offtrack betting scene and Saratoga betting options will allow fans and bettors to stay engaged as the competition heats up.
With each prep race bringing us closer to the Kentucky Derby, Citizen Bull, Gaming, and other top contenders will look to solidify their positions and prepare for a thrilling road to Kentucky.
