The second edition of the east-southeast division scouting report for the Kentucky Derby 2025 introduces a dozen new contenders, including winners from significant races like the Jerome and Grade 3 Lecomte. This region encompasses key prep races in New York, Florida, Virginia, and Louisiana, featuring stakes events at prominent tracks such as Aqueduct, Gulfstream Park, Tampa Bay Downs, Colonial Downs, and Fair Grounds. Trainer Todd Pletcher leads with five horses on the list, while Chad Brown and Brad Cox each contribute three. The updated roster highlights promising performances and potential Derby qualifiers, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
In early January, Cyclone State, an Iowa-bred horse, secured victory in the Jerome Stakes at Aqueduct, demonstrating impressive front-running skills over a one-turn mile. Last weekend, Disco Time maintained his unbeaten record by narrowly winning the Lecomte Stakes on a challenging sloppy track at Fair Grounds. Both horses have earned valuable points on the Derby trail, positioning them as strong contenders for the upcoming season.
Among the notable trainers, Todd Pletcher's stable boasts several promising entries. Grande, a $300,000 yearling purchase, made an immediate impact by winning his maiden special weight race at Gulfstream Park. Similarly, Chad Brown has introduced Chancer McPatrick, who despite not having recent workouts since the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, has already accumulated 10 Derby points. Brad Cox's Disco Time stands out with an undefeated record in three starts, earning 20 Derby points and solidifying his place among the top contenders.
Newcomers to the scene include Rated by Merit, an undefeated Florida-bred horse that triumphed in the In Reality Stakes at Gulfstream, and Sand Devil, a New York-bred allowance winner who dominated by more than 12 lengths in his latest outing. These fresh faces bring excitement and unpredictability to the competition, making the east-southeast division even more competitive.
The upcoming schedule promises thrilling action, with key races like the Holy Bull, Withers, Sam F. Davis, Risen Star, Fountain of Youth, Gotham, Tampa Bay Derby, Virginia Derby, Louisiana Derby, Florida Derby, and Wood Memorial providing crucial opportunities for horses to earn points and enhance their Derby prospects. As the prep season progresses, fans and analysts will closely watch these emerging stars to see which ones can rise to the challenge of the Kentucky Derby.
The addition of these twelve horses to the east-southeast division roster showcases a diverse field of talent. From seasoned veterans to promising newcomers, each horse brings unique strengths and potential to the table. As the prep races unfold, the competition will intensify, revealing which horses have what it takes to make a mark on the Kentucky Derby 2025. The coming months promise to be filled with excitement and anticipation as these equine athletes vie for glory on the road to Churchill Downs.