2025 Kentucky Derby - UPDATED Top 10 - Burnham Square? Citizen Bull? Captain Cook?

Welcome to our latest 2025 Kentucky Derby TOP 10, where we continue tracking the most intriguing three-year-olds on the Road to the Roses. In this video, we break down the recent Holy Bull and Withers Stakes results, offer a fresh update on Citizen Bull, discuss Captain Cook’s impressive run, and raise the question: what do we do with Ferocious? We also look ahead to the upcoming Risen Star, where East Avenue and Jonathan’s Way are set to clash and potentially bring more clarity to this ever-evolving Derby trail.
Burnham Square’s gutsy performance in the Holy Bull at Gulfstream Park earned him 20 qualifying points and turned plenty of heads. Trainer Ian Wilkes noted how Burnham Square overcame a sluggish break before powering home to victory, and the gelding appears even sharper since adding blinkers. Meanwhile, Captain Cook proved his mettle in the Withers at Aqueduct, fending off a longshot challenger to secure 20 crucial Derby points and keep trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. dreaming of a return trip to Churchill Downs.
Citizen Bull remains a major factor on the leaderboard with multiple graded stakes wins to his credit. Our video will detail the latest developments from that camp, including any shifts in training or race plans. As for Ferocious, we still have questions about where he stands following recent performances, so we’ll explore his status and whether he can bounce back. We’re also on high alert for the Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds, where East Avenue and Jonathan’s Way-both accomplished juvenile stakes winners-are aiming to grab up to 50 points in the first Derby prep of the season offering such a lucrative reward.
Whether you’re a seasoned handicapper or just jumping into the excitement, stay tuned for important insights and storylines shaping the 2025 Kentucky Derby. Remember, while we base our preview on factual updates and data, any opinions in the video belong to the creators and do not necessarily reflect the sources we reference. We hope you enjoy this deep dive into the next steps on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, and we look forward to seeing how these contenders fare as the preps heat up. Good luck, and be sure to keep an eye on the Risen Star for a clearer picture of who might emerge as a serious threat on the first Saturday in May.
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[@Mark-y5m5v]

First 3 pass the post in the Holy Bull were last out MSW winners. The race was a glorified NW2. Poster won the Remsen in 1:50.37 and he isn't in the top 10. Captain Cook won the Withers in 1:51.83

[@jeffbauer1609]

Undefeated at route, fastest and improving figures, and Baffert. Citizen Bull certainly should be number 1 as of now. Time will tell if someone else gets better.

[@ptfornatale]

I understand the case but can't shake the idea that he's a very dressed up horse winning team scrimmages.

[@CarlosRamos-bu1xu]

Tanks

[@ptfornatale]

You're welcome!

[@tjpopsit]

Truth is, no sophomore colt has shown more promise than the Bull.

[@ptfornatale]

I think others have shown more promise but none have done as much on the track. Yet

[@tjpopsit]

Believe that.

[@winter1826]

Leaving Sandman on there and not even bringing up Speed King is irresponsible at best. You know how it goes, tho… Since you weren’t at the wedding, don’t show up to the reception.

[@ptfornatale]

Speed King to me was a product of the other speed not breaking. I agree with Eric to leave him off until he proves more.

[@SauceDarzell]

​@@ptfornatale If Speed King beats Coal Battle (4 revenge) & Sandman twice in this months Rebel Stakes, he'll have 2 be in the top 10. I'd put Barnes in there too, but Baffert will probably keep him home 4 the San Felipe rather than ship 2 Oaklawn.

[@LABoyko]

Speed King is a snail. He crawled to the finish line, his final time was slow. Sandman stumbled badly at the start, spotted the field five lengths, ran 4/5 wide the entire way and still almost won the SW.

[@SauceDarzell]

@LABoyko No argument against Sandman & his talent but he's raced greenly @ times & it's cost him. SK has been consistent gtw speed in his 3 starts w/ a lone hiccup losing by a 1/2 length 2 CB @ 8f. He's certainly no snail. His next start will tell us a whole lot.

[@T1_zer0]

Barnes is the one y’all should keep an eye on

[@ptfornatale]

He is number one on the list

[@T1_zer0]

thank you! I ended up seeing he was #1 after I commented, my bad 😅 I think he’s special

[@RandyCalderon-jf6cj]

You guys are not giving citizen bull enough credit this horse is a 2 time grade 1 winner Breeders cup champ.5 starts 4 wins 1 3rd the horse in the in your top 10 you have in front of him is crazy. Baffert didn't even have this horse crank up for his first race back. Get real guys

[@InTheMoneyMediaNetwork]

Mikee P very high on him.....the other guys not so much

[@ptfornatale]

Eric's point in making the list is who is going to be best on the 1st Sat in May. Most accomplished so far is CB.

[@nasirfazal5440]

He was also debarred from the track for 10 years for constantly drugging horses. Comes back takes a mediocre inconsistent horse and wins the biggest of the world, no question asked transfer his expertise to Joe and another 3M in the pocked ,the whole industry is asleep with the bettors,thievery abounds at the race track.

[@ptfornatale]

Thanks for commenting!

[@LABoyko]

Taking a stand against all BC Juvenile participants. They are all overrated. The KYD is shaping up to be another 2024-like pace duel from hell, which has me looking at closers. Soveriegnty is the best of them, but he is missing works at the wrong time of the year.

[@ptfornatale]

I am thinking that Chancer and East could still be something, but definitely against the one who had the easiest trip :)

[@leeaccardy2023]

The derby will be won by a Baffert horse.

[@ptfornatale]

He certainly holds a strong hand as of now!