Date: March 15, 2025 Time: 5:10 PM ET Location: Colonial Downs, New Kent, Virginia
Race Overview
The Grade III Virginia Derby is a prestigious race for three-year-old colts and geldings, offering a purse of $500,000. This year’s race will be contested over 1 1/8 miles on dirt, marking a significant event on the “Road to the Kentucky Derby.” The race features a competitive field of ten promising horses, each vying for a spot in the 2025 Kentucky Derby.
Horses and Pedigrees
Calling Card
Trainer: Michael J. Maker
Pedigree: Sired by Complexity, out of the mare Graceful Rage by Bernardini.
Overview: Calling Card has shown potential in his previous races, with a strong pedigree that suggests he has the ability to perform well in this race.
John Hancock
Trainer: Brad H. Cox
Pedigree: Sired by Constitution, out of the mare Scribbling Sarah by Bernardini.
Overview: John Hancock has demonstrated impressive form, winning both of his starts. He is a strong contender in this field.
American Promise
Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas
Pedigree: Sired by Justify, out of the mare Tapella by Tapit.
Overview: American Promise has a solid racing record and comes from a lineage known for producing top-class racehorses.
Omaha Omaha
Trainer: Michael E. Gorham
Pedigree: Sired by Audible, out of the mare England Swings by English Channel.
Overview: Omaha Omaha has shown promise in his recent starts and has the pedigree to perform well in this race.
Studlydoright
Trainer: John J. Robb
Pedigree: Sired by Nyquist, out of the mare Peach of a Gal by Curlin.
Overview: Studlydoright has been consistent in his performances and has the potential to surprise in this race.
Getaway Car
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Pedigree: Sired by Curlin, out of the mare Surrender Now by Morning Line.
Overview: Getaway Car is the leading money winner in the field and has shown excellent form, making him a strong favorite.
Rapture
Trainer: Brad H. Cox
Pedigree: Sired by Uncle Mo, out of the mare Positively Royal by Bernardini.
Overview: Rapture has shown maturity and improvement in his recent starts, making him a strong contender.
Authentic Gallop
Trainer: Thomas M. Amoss
Pedigree: Sired by Authentic, out of the mare Galloping Ami by Victory Gallop.
Overview: Authentic Gallop has shown potential in his recent starts and has the pedigree to perform well in this race.
Render Judgment
Trainer: Kenneth G. McPeek
Pedigree: Sired by Blame, out of the mare Barbara Gordon by Bernardini.
Overview: Render Judgment has a solid racing record and comes from a lineage known for producing top-class racehorses.
Georgia Magic
Trainer: Raymond Handal
Pedigree: Sired by Good Magic, out of the mare Nightlife Baby by Bernardini.
Overview: Georgia Magic has shown potential in his recent starts and has the pedigree to perform well in this race.
Jockeys
Calling Card: Luan Machado
John Hancock: Mike E. Smith
American Promise: Nik Juarez
Omaha Omaha: Raul E. Mena
Studlydoright: Xavier Perez
Getaway Car: Irad Ortiz, Jr.
Rapture: Flavien Prat
Authentic Gallop: Javier Castellano
Render Judgment: Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr.
Georgia Magic: Sheldon Russell
Trainers
Michael J. Maker: Known for his success with top-class horses, Maker has a strong record in stakes races.
Brad H. Cox: A highly respected trainer with numerous Grade 1 victories, Cox is known for his success with young talent.
D. Wayne Lukas: A veteran trainer with a wealth of experience, Lukas has a strong record in stakes races.
Michael E. Gorham: A seasoned trainer with a solid record, Gorham has shown his ability to develop young talent.
John J. Robb: A veteran trainer with a wealth of experience, Robb has a strong record in stakes races.
Bob Baffert: A legendary trainer with multiple Triple Crown victories, Baffert is known for his success with top-class horses.
Thomas M. Amoss: A seasoned trainer with a solid record, Amoss has shown his ability to develop young talent.
Kenneth G. McPeek: A highly respected trainer with numerous Grade 1 victories, McPeek is known for his success with young talent.
Raymond Handal: A seasoned trainer with a solid record, Handal has shown his ability to develop young talent.
