The Street to the 2025 Kentucky Derby Introduced by Woodford Reserve makes a cease this weekend in New Mexico for the Sunland Park Derby. The 1 1/16-mile race Sunday at Sunland Park gives a complete of 42 qualifying factors on a 20-10-6-4-2 scale for the primary jewel of the Triple Crown Might 3 at Churchill Downs. Final yr’s Sunland Park Derby winner, Stronghold, went on to win the Santa Anita Derby.
1. Itsmybirthday (20-1 morning-line odds): Vekoma colt from the household of main sire Tapit stretches out in distance after back-to-back dash victories at Turf Paradise. Has some early pace however doesn’t seem like a need-the-lead sort. Doesn’t look overmatched whereas going through the perfect competitors of his profession.
JOCKEY: Harry Hernandez; TRAINER: Robertino Diodoro
2. Bear in mind Large Jim (12-1): Loads of pace on this race may set the desk for this nearer who at all times appears to be gaining late. Rallied from 14 lengths again to complete second by a size within the Riley Allison Derby at Sunland Jan. 17. Price a protracted have a look at 12-1 on the morning line.
JOCKEY: Elvin Gonzalez; TRAINER: Dick Cappellucci
3. Smash It (12-1): Third because the odds-on favourite within the Riley Allison Futurity after working some quick races in Southern California as a 2-year-old and shutting out 2024 with a stakes win at Zia Park. Addition of elite jockey Geroux is a plus, however his finest races have been in sprints.
JOCKEY: Florent Geroux; TRAINER: Todd Fincher
4. Getaway Automotive (9-5): Corridor of Fame coach Bob Baffert ships graded stakes winner to New Mexico in the hunt for his fourth profession win on this race. This colt was the runner-up in 2024 in Grade 1 American Pharoah Stakes Introduced by DK Horse and enters off second in Grade 2 Los Alamitos Futurity. The most definitely winner, however he’ll be challenged for the lead and figures to be a really quick worth.
JOCKEY: Juan Hernandez; TRAINER: Bob Baffert
5. Spenard (20-1): Enormous class and distance check for well-bred Spun to Run colt from household of Birdstone popping out of a runaway win in a maiden dash at Turf Paradise. Ought to be distinguished early.
JOCKEY: Luis Valenzuela; TRAINER: Tena Birdwell
6. Take Cost Tom (8-1): He’s 3-for-3 with a stakes win on this observe within the one-mile Riley Allison Futurity. Faces a lot stronger competitors right here, however he must be near the tempo early and all he does is win. Worth is true.
JOCKEY: Orlando Mojica; TRAINER: Robertino Diodoro
7. McKinzie Avenue (4-1): Makes first begin for brand new coach after shifting from Southern California barn of Tim Yakteen. A number of Grade 1-placed as a 2-year-old however was well-beaten in his two most up-to-date begins when fading late at shorter distance. Desire others.
JOCKEY: Ramon Vazquez; TRAINER: Justin Evans
8. Sensitive (7-2): Loads of tempo may arrange his closing kick, and he has been aggressive at this degree. Stamina the large query in his first strive stretching out in distance after 4 sprints. First starter at Sunland for coach with greater than 2,300 profession wins.
JOCKEY: Joel Rosario; TRAINER: Wesley Ward
9. Caldera (5-1): Appeared like a lightbulb got here on in his most up-to-date begin, a front-running 5 ½-length romp at this distance Jan. 17 at Oaklawn Park. Posted good exercise for this for his Corridor of Fame coach. Win candidate.
JOCKEY: Rafael Bejarano; TRAINER: D. Wayne Lukas
THE PICK: Caldera
LIVE LONGSHOT: Itsmybirthday
SUPERFECTA: 9-4-1-2
