Five promising horses are making strides toward potential participation in the prestigious Kentucky Derby. Among them, Coal Battle has captured attention after his Grade 2 Rebel Stakes triumph on February 23rd. Following this victory, he completed a five-furlong workout at Oaklawn Park in 1:02.0, marking the tenth fastest time among 23 horses over that distance. With an impressive record of five wins out of seven starts, including four consecutive stakes victories, Coal Battle is currently priced at 15-1 in futures markets. Other notable contenders include Built, Caldera, Clock Tower, and Vassimo, each showcasing their prowess through recent workouts across various tracks.

Coal Battle's preparation under trainer Lonnie Briley continues to impress. Since winning the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes, where he demonstrated exceptional speed and endurance over 1 1/16 miles, Coal Battle has maintained his form with consistent workouts. His latest performance at Oaklawn underscores his readiness for higher-stakes competition. The horse's versatility and competitive edge have positioned him as a strong candidate for upcoming races like the Arkansas Derby (G1), Blue Grass (G1), or directly into the Kentucky Derby itself, as announced by Churchill Downs in a recent press release.

Built, trained by Wayne Catalano, also made headlines with a solid five-furlong workout at Fair Grounds, clocking in at 1:00.4, which ranked third fastest among 31 horses. This follows his commendable third-place finish in the Risen Star (G2) race on February 15th. Meanwhile, Caldera, under the guidance of D. Wayne Lukas, set the pace with the fastest five-furlong time of 59.6 seconds at Oaklawn. His second-place achievement in the Sunland Park Derby further solidifies his potential as a formidable competitor.

Clock Tower, a Grade 3 winner, demonstrated resilience with a 1:01.4 five-furlong workout at Keeneland. Trained by Wesley Ward, his fourth-place finish in the Robert B. Lewis (G3) indicates areas for improvement heading into future contests. Lastly, Vassimo, mentored by Todd Pletcher, achieved a swift 1:00.8 time at Palm Beach Downs, reflecting ongoing development since his fourth-place result in the Risen Star (G2).

The collective efforts of these horses highlight the intense preparation required for one of the most prestigious events in thoroughbred racing. As trainers evaluate options such as the Arkansas Derby, Blue Grass, or direct entry into the Kentucky Derby, fans eagerly anticipate how these athletes will perform on larger stages. Each contender brings unique strengths to the table, ensuring an exciting buildup to the main event.