The Kentucky Derby is back, and so is a familiar face. After a three-year break, trainer Bob Baffert returns to Churchill Downs. He's known for winning the Derby six times, but this year, one of his horses was pulled from the race. Still, his remaining horse has a fighting chance. The Derby is unlike any other race. Horses haven't run this distance before, and the crowd's energy can be overwhelming. It's a test of speed, strategy, and a bit of luck.

Let's meet the contenders. Citizen Bull is a front-runner, but his recent performance was lackluster. Neoequos needs to be in the lead to compete, but his speed might not be enough. Final Gambit is a mystery, having never raced on dirt. Rodriguez, another of Baffert's horses, was scratched, opening the door for Baeza. American Promise has an experienced trainer, but his track record is spotty. International horses like Admire Daytona and Luxor Cafe add excitement, but they face challenges like travel and unfamiliar tracks.

Journalism is a strong contender, with impressive wins and a strategic running style. Burnham Square has shown promise, but his speed might not be enough. Grande was scratched due to an injury, leaving the field at 19. Flying Mohawk and East Avenue have had mixed results, and Publisher is a long shot, having never won a race. Tiztastic and Render Judgment have had ups and downs, while Coal Battle and Sandman show potential. Sovereignty is lightly raced but has impressive connections. Chunk of Gold is a dark horse, catching the eye of insiders. Owen Almighty had a rough prep race, and Baeza, the late entrant, has shown speed but needs more experience.

The Derby is a mix of strategy and luck. Horses like Citizen Bull and Neoequos need to be in the lead, while others like Journalism and Sandman can bide their time. The international horses bring a different dynamic, and the late entrants add an element of surprise. It's a tough call, but one thing is for sure: the Derby is always full of surprises. The horses have never run this distance before, and the crowd's energy can be overwhelming. It's a test of speed, strategy, and a bit of luck.

Who Will Win the Kentucky Derby 2025? A Look at the Horses

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