Uncover the Rising Stars in the 2025 Kentucky Derby Points Race

Springboard Mile: A Game-Changing Win

Coal Battle's victory in the Springboard Mile has catapulted it into the top 10 of the leaderboard. This win not only earned the horse 10 qualifying points but also demonstrated its potential on the track. With a strong performance in the mile race, Coal Battle has shown that it is a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming Derby.

The win also highlights the importance of these early points preps. As horses accumulate points, they move closer to securing a spot in the highly coveted Kentucky Derby. Coal Battle's success serves as an inspiration for other horses and trainers, showing that with a great performance, anything is possible.

Los Alamitos Futurity: A Close Race

Journalism's win in the Grade 2 Los Alamitos Futurity has earned it 10 qualifying points and a place in the top 10. This race was a close one, with Gaming adding three points by finishing third and Getaway Car moving from fourth to third after finishing second. The competition in these early preps is fierce, and every point counts.

The Los Alamitos Futurity is known for producing some of the top Derby contenders, and this year is no exception. The performances of these horses in this race give us a glimpse into the future of the Kentucky Derby and the talent that will be competing on the big stage.

Gun Runner Stakes: The Last Points Prep of the Year

Saturday's Gun Runner Stakes is the final points prep of the year, and it promises to be an exciting race. Five horses have entered the Fair Grounds stakes, which offers 10-5-3-2-1 points to the top five finishers. Among the entries is Render Judgment, who has one Derby point for his fifth-place finish in the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2).

The Gun Runner Stakes will be a crucial race for many of the horses on the leaderboard. With only one more chance to earn points, trainers and owners will be pulling out all the stops to ensure their horses perform at their best. The outcome of this race could have a significant impact on the final standings and the chances of qualifying for the Kentucky Derby.

New Year Points Preps: Smarty Jones and Jerome

The first weekend of the New Year brings two more points preps, the Smarty Jones at Oaklawn and the Jerome at Aqueduct. Both races offer 10-5-3-2-1 points, providing horses with another opportunity to earn valuable qualifying points. These preps will add to the excitement and competition as the Derby season approaches.

The Smarty Jones and Jerome preps will attract some of the top horses and trainers from around the country. It will be a great opportunity to see how these horses have progressed since the previous races and to get a sense of their potential in the upcoming Derby.

The Leaderboard: A Battle for the Top

As we look at the leaderboard, it's clear that there is a fierce battle for the top spots. Citizen Bull currently holds the lead with 40 points, followed closely by Gaming with 18 points. The other horses are jockeying for position, with each race providing an opportunity to move up or fall down the standings.

The trainers and owners of these horses are working hard to ensure their horses are in peak condition and ready to perform. The competition is intense, and every decision and strategy counts. It will be exciting to see how the leaderboard unfolds in the coming months as the Derby season progresses.