2025 American Derby – Race Preview & Analysis
Date: June 28, 2025
Track: Churchill Downs
Race: Race 12
Distance: 1 1/16 Miles (Turf)
Purse: $250,000
Eligibility: 3-Year-Olds
Post Time: 6:32 PM ET
Contenders Breakdown
1. Reagan’s Wit
Pedigree: Authentic – Dayienu
Trainer: Cherie DeVaux
Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz
Form: 1st – James W. Murphy Stakes
Analysis: Comes in off a sharp stakes win at Pimlico. Authentic is proving versatile at stud, and this colt has tactical speed and a strong finishing kick. Ortiz fits him well. Major win contender.
2. Flying Mohawk
Pedigree: Karakontie (JPN) – Bonbons Fleur
Trainer: D. Whitworth Beckman
Jockey: Frankie Dettori
Form: 18th – Kentucky Derby
Analysis: Returns to turf after a failed Derby bid. Karakontie is a turf influence, and Dettori’s presence is a major upgrade. Dangerous if he rebounds to earlier form.
3. Tiztastic
Pedigree: Tiz the Law – Keesha
Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen
Jockey: Joel Rosario
Form: 10th – Kentucky Derby
Analysis: Another Derby alum switching surfaces. Tiz the Law adds stamina, and Rosario is a turf ace. Could be a sleeper if he adapts to the lawn.
4. Siesta Key
Pedigree: Into Mischief – Cocoa Beach (CHI)
Trainer: Brad H. Cox
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Form: 8th – 2024 Bourbon Stakes
Analysis: Lightly raced colt with a world-class pedigree. Into Mischief and Cocoa Beach suggest elite potential. Prat-Cox combo is lethal. Intriguing longshot.
5. Minaret Station
Pedigree: Instilled Regard – Beau Recall (IRE)
Trainer: William Walden
Jockey: Cristian A. Torres
Form: 1st – 2024 Bourbon Stakes
Analysis: Stakes winner with a turf-proven pedigree. Beau Recall was a multiple G1 turf mare. Could be overlooked but has the back class to contend.
6. Native Runner
Pedigree: Laoban – Intermittent
Trainer: Kenneth G. McPeek
Jockey: Brian J. Hernandez Jr.
Form: 1st – CD Allowance (6/7/25)
Analysis: Local winner with improving speed figures. Laoban adds grit. Could be a pace factor or stalker depending on trip.
7. Soleil Volant
Pedigree: Karakontie (JPN) – Valentine Wish
Trainer: H. Graham Motion
Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
Form: 2nd – James W. Murphy Stakes
Analysis: Just missed behind Reagan’s Wit last out. Motion is a turf master, and Ortiz is elite. Logical contender with upside.
8. Freedom’s Not Free
Pedigree: Omaha Beach – Wonderfuladventure
Trainer: Mark Glatt
Jockey: Antonio Fresu
Form: 1st – Cinema Stakes
Analysis: West Coast invader with a powerful late kick. Omaha Beach is producing classy turf runners. Fresu is red-hot. Major threat.
9. Giocoso
Pedigree: Not This Time – Nutcracker Suite (IRE)
Trainer: J. Keith Desormeaux
Jockey: Ben Curtis
Form: 5th – American Turf (G1)
Analysis: Faced top company in the American Turf. Not This Time adds class. Could surprise with a clean trip.
10. Anegada
Pedigree: Midshipman – Love Cove
Trainer: Michael J. Maker
Jockey: Luis Saez
Form: 2nd – CD Allowance (6/7/25)
Analysis: Improving gelding with a strong turf foundation. Maker-Saez combo is dangerous. Could round out exotics.
Top Picks:
Win Contender: Reagan’s Wit – sharp form, tactical speed, Ortiz aboard
Main Rival: Freedom’s Not Free – explosive closer, West Coast class
Value Play: Soleil Volant – consistent, Motion-Ortiz combo
Exacta Box: Reagan’s Wit, Freedom’s Not Free, Soleil Volant
Trifecta Add-On: Flying Mohawk – turf pedigree, Dettori magic
