Reagan’s Wit and Tiztastic, two prominent colts from the East Coast, are set to headline a competitive field in this year’s edition of the Grade 3 American Derby at Churchill Downs.
Reagan’s Wit, a consistent performer on the turf, is coming off a decisive win at Pimlico and looks to continue his winning ways. Tiztastic, on the other hand, a dirt specialist with graded stakes experience, will be making his turf debut with a strong record in major stakes races.
The race is set at 1 1/16 miles on the turf course and offers a purse of $250,000, including a $50,000 bonus from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund.
The race has drawn a field of ten three-year-olds, and it is carded as the twelfth race on the Churchill Downs card on Saturday, June 28, 2025. The favorite, Reagan’s Wit, faces a tough challenge from the versatile Tiztastic, who will be looking to prove his mettle on the turf.
Other contenders, such as Flying Mohawk, are also in the mix, promising an exciting and competitive race.
Spot On The Field
Reagan’s Wit (3/1): This colt has been a model of consistency on the turf, with two wins and two seconds in his five starts on the surface. His last win was a hard-fought victory at Pimlico in the JW Murphy Stakes. He possesses tactical speed, having shown the ability to stalk the pace and finish strongly. His recent works at Keeneland have been sharp. The main drawback could be the stiff competition in this Grade 3 race.
2) Flying Mohawk (8/1): This horse enters the American Derby with solid performances in graded stakes races. While he finished well back in the Kentucky Derby, he was a runner-up in the John Battaglia Memorial Stakes. His turf form is impressive, with two wins and a second from five starts. He is another off-the-pace runner who could benefit from a hot early pace.
3) Tiztastic (5/2): A proven commodity on the dirt, this colt has competed in some of the most prestigious races for his age group, including the Kentucky Derby, Louisiana Derby, and Rebel Stakes. He has a solid record with three wins, one second, and two thirds in nine starts. This will be his first start on turf, which is a major question mark, but his trainer and jockey are a potent combination.
4) Siesta Key (20/1): A colt with a perfect record on the turf, with two wins from two starts, Siesta Key has been competitive in allowance company. He has shown a good closing kick in his wins. The primary concern is the jump in class to a graded stakes race and the fact that he has not raced since October 2024.
5) Minaret Station (15/1): This horse has been lightly raced but effective, with two wins and a third from three starts. His wins have come on the turf, including a victory in the Bourbon Stakes. He has a strong late kick and could be a major threat if he can work out a clean trip. The biggest unknown is his layoff, which has been over eight months.
6) Native Runner (10/1): Native Runner is coming off a strong win in an optional claiming race at Churchill Downs, where he rallied from off the pace to win by a neck. He has also shown an affinity for the dirt, with a win at Fair Grounds in a maiden special weight race. His turf record is limited to one win in one start. His consistency and a recent win make him a solid contender.
7) Soleil Volant (12/1): This gelding has a consistent record on the turf with one win and two seconds from six starts. He comes into the race off a solid second-place finish behind Reagan’s Wit in the JW Murphy Stakes. He is a versatile runner who can stalk or close, but he has yet to prove he can win against top-level competition.
8) Freedom’s Not Free (7/2): This colt is in excellent form, with three wins and a third from six starts. His last two wins came in graded stakes races on the turf at Santa Anita, where he showed a strong front-running style. He is a proven winner on the turf and will be a tough customer to beat if he can get the lead and set his own pace.
9) Giocoso (10/1): A colt with solid turf form, Giocoso has two wins and one third in five turf starts. He was a winner in an allowance race at Churchill Downs last November. His recent form has been a bit inconsistent, but he has competed in several graded stakes races, which shows his connections have confidence in him.
10) Anegada (12/1): A consistent turf runner, Anegada has one win, two seconds, and three thirds from eight turf starts. He just missed in his last start at Churchill Downs, finishing second to Native Runner. He is a deep closer who will be looking to pick up the pieces late.
Spot On Picks
Win: (1) Reagan’s Wit (3/1) – He has proven he can win on the turf and has been in excellent form this year. His tactical speed gives him a major advantage, and he should be in a great position to pounce when the time is right.
Place: (8) Freedom’s Not Free (7/2) – He is a proven winner on the turf and has shown he can handle graded stakes company. If he can get an uncontested lead, he will be very difficult to pass.
Show: (6) Native Runner (10/1) – He is coming off a win at this very track and has shown a strong closing kick. He is a horse on the rise and could be a major player in the late stages of the race.
Wildcard: (5) Minaret Station (15/1) – He has an impressive record with two wins from three starts, all on the turf. His long layoff is a concern, but if he returns in form, he has the talent to upset this field.
Longshot: (10) Anegada (12/1) – He has been consistent on the turf, with six in-the-money finishes in eight starts. He is a closer who could get a perfect setup with a hot pace and could make a big late run to hit the board at a good price.
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