2025 Kentucky Derby Jockeys: Handicapping and Analysis

by Jeremy Block - 4/28/2025

The Kentucky Derby isn’t just about the horses; let’s not forget the jockeys who are the real drivers behind the speed. Sure, the horses may get all the glory, but without the right jockey in the saddle, even the best colt can get lost in the pack.

As we look ahead to this year’s Derby, it’s time to break down the jockeys who are ready to steal the show. From seasoned veterans who’ve seen it all, to the hungry up-and-comers looking for their first big break, each jockey brings a unique style and strategy. So, let’s take a closer look at who’s riding high this year and who might just make the difference in taking home the roses.

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1. Martin Garcia – Citizen Bull

Martin Garcia might not be the first jockey that comes to mind when you think of Derby winners, but he's got plenty of experience under his belt with nearly 12,500 starts. While his career win rate sits at around 15%, he’s actually been more successful on dirt, with a slightly higher winning percentage of 16%.

2. Flavien Prat – Neoequos

If experience were the only factor in winning this race, Flavien Prat would be the favorite. The veteran jockey has had his name on just about every major race and is no stranger to winning on the big stage, with a solid 22% win rate and over 9,000 starts under his belt. Plus, 2025 has been a record year for Prat, winning 28% of his races this year alone.

3. Luan Machado – Final Gambit

Luan Machado might not have the name recognition of some of the big dogs, but he’s making a name for himself. Machado has been quietly stacking up solid results, and now he’s got his shot at the big leagues with Final Gambit. Sure, the horse is a bit of an unknown, but Machado’s got plenty of potential to surprise us all.

4. Mike E. Smith – Rodriguez

Mike E. Smith has won everything there is to win, including two Kentucky Derbies, and a 17% winning percentage over 34,000 starts. Rodriguez may not be the top favorite, but when you’ve got a jockey with Smith’s experience, it’s hard to count him out.

5. Nik Juarez – American Promise

Nik Juarez has had his fair share of ups and downs, but he has a reputation for being relentless. With this kind of drive, it’s easy to see how Juarez could capitalize on a hot streak and prove the doubters wrong.

6. Christophe Lemaire – Admire Daytona (JPN)

Christophe Lemaire’s been absolutely crushing it in Japan, so don’t think he’s some random international jockey just here for the experience. He has more wins than most people can count in the international horse racing business and now he's taking that overseas success to the biggest stage in America.

7. Joao Moreira – Luxor Cafe

Joao Moreira, aka the "Magic Man," has been racing since 2005, with over 10,600 career starts and a win percentage of 22%. While he may not be a household name in the U.S., his international success speaks volumes. In 2017, he set a world record by riding eight winners on a single race card at Sha Tin in Hong Kong.

8. Umberto Rispoli – Journalism

Umberto Rispoli’s been quietly building a pretty nice reputation in the U.S., and now he’s got a shot at the Derby with Journalism. Rispoli has a knack for putting himself in the right position at the right time.

9. Brian Hernandez Jr. – Burnham Square

Brian Hernandez Jr. might not have the biggest name on the list, but he's got the goods when it comes to getting the job done. With just over 19,000 starts, he’s been consistent and cool under pressure, which is exactly what you need in the Derby.

10. John R. Velazquez – Grande

John Velazquez is basically a Kentucky Derby institution. With more big wins than most jockeys could ever dream of, his 18% win rate over 37,000 starts speaks for itself. When he's in the saddle, you know you're in good hands with a jockey who knows exactly how to get the job done.

11. Joseph Ramos – Flying Mohawk

Joseph Ramos might not be a household name just yet, but he’s got plenty of potential. With only 4,000+ career starts, it’s hard to call him a top contender right now, but this could be the race that makes his career.

12. Manuel Franco – East Avenue

Manuel Franco’s a jockey you don’t want to overlook. He’s got a solid track record and is having a career season in 2025, winning 22% of his races so far. Franco doesn’t shy away from big races, and if East Avenue gets the right pace, Franco could easily cross the finish line ahead of some much bigger names.

13. Irad Ortiz Jr. – Publisher

Irad Ortiz Jr. is a name you’re probably already familiar with. He’s one of the best in the business, winning 20% of his 20,552 career starts. If anyone has a good shot at taking this one all the way, it’s Ortiz, who’s got both the experience and the skills to get the job done.

14. Joel Rosario – Tiztastic

Joel Rosario is no stranger to the Kentucky Derby. While it's been a slower season for the veteran jockey, with only 24 wins out of 179 starts, he still brings all the qualities you'd want in a jockey — especially when the heat of a race like this is on.

15. Julien Leparoux – Render Judgment

Julien Leparoux is another seasoned pro who knows his way around a big race. He’s consistent, reliable, and has the experience to make strategic moves in the Derby. Render Judgment might not be the most hyped horse in the field, but with Leparoux on board, they’ve got a jockey who knows how to handle the big moments, placing first over 3,00 times in his career.

16. Juan Vargas – Coal Battle

Juan Vargas is still making his name in the racing world, but he’s shown plenty of promise. Vargas has the talent, securing 551 first-place finishes over his 4,392 career starts, but he'll need a bit of luck on his side to pull off a win here.

17. Jose Ortiz – Sandman

Jose Ortiz is one of the top jockeys in the game right now. He’s proven himself over and over in big races, winning 24% of his stars this season. Ortiz knows how to read a race and take advantage of opportunities, making him a dangerous guy to bet against.

18. Junior Alvarado – Sovereignty

Junior Alvarado is an experienced jockey with a solid reputation in the racing world. Despite only 39 first-place finishes this season, with Sovereignty, he’s got a horse that could surprise the competition.

19. Jareth Loveberry – Chunk of Gold

Jareth Loveberry has built a solid track record, placing 82 times this season of 305 starts. If Chunk of Gold can find his stride, Loveberry’s experience could push him into the mix for a surprising finish.

20. Javier Castellano – Owen Almighty

Javier Castellano is a Hall of Famer for a reason, winning 18% of his races over a career with 32,864 starts. If there’s anyone who can find a way to make the most out of an opportunity, it’s Castellano.

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