Recent developments have reignited interest in Owen Almighty's potential to shine at the Kentucky Derby 2025. After his sixth-place finish in the Blue Grass (G1), there was speculation about his future plans. However, an update from Churchill Downs suggests that he might still be in contention for the main event. Trainer Brian Lynch has expressed satisfaction with the horse's performance and noted that while Owen Almighty excels in shorter races, the longer distances may not suit him as well. Despite this, his strong Derby qualifying points position him favorably on the leaderboard.
The return of Owen Almighty affects other contenders' positions. Built, who is trained by Wayne Catalano, moves down to no. 21 due to Owen Almighty's resurgence. While Built showed promise in earlier competitions, his fifth-place finish in the Louisiana Derby (G2) has temporarily shifted focus back to Owen Almighty as a leading contender.
Redefining Expectations for Owen Almighty
Trainer Brian Lynch’s strategic decisions regarding Owen Almighty have been pivotal in shaping the horse's journey toward the Kentucky Derby 2025. Following a commendable victory in the Grade 3 Tampa Bay Derby, expectations were high. However, his sixth-place finish in the Blue Grass (G1) led to reconsideration of his race plan. Lynch explained that despite performing admirably over the 1 1/8-mile distance, Owen Almighty prefers shorter sprints. This revelation highlights the trainer's understanding of the horse's strengths and limitations.
Owen Almighty's current standing on the leaderboard underscores his significance in the Derby race lineup. With 65 Derby qualifying points, he occupies the twelfth spot. His absence from published workouts since the Blue Grass raises questions but also suggests careful management by Lynch. The trainer's decision to potentially include Owen Almighty in the Pat Day Mile (G2) instead of focusing solely on the Derby undercard reflects a balanced approach. By prioritizing races suited to the horse's abilities, Lynch aims to maximize Owen Almighty's chances of success in upcoming events.
Impact on Other Competitors
Owen Almighty's reintegration into the Derby race lineup has ripple effects on other competitors. Specifically, Built, trained by Wayne Catalano, finds himself relegated to the twenty-first position following Owen Almighty's return. Built's most recent performance—a fifth-place finish in the Louisiana Derby (G2)—hasn't solidified his place among top contenders. This shift demonstrates the dynamic nature of horse racing leaderboards and how one horse's fortunes can influence others.
Built's journey thus far showcases both potential and challenges. Trained meticulously by Catalano, Built had shown promise before his latest setback. In contrast, Owen Almighty's consistent accumulation of Derby qualifying points ensures his prominence on the leaderboard. As the field narrows closer to the Kentucky Derby 2025, every position change carries significant weight. For Built, maintaining momentum will require exceptional performances in subsequent races. Meanwhile, Owen Almighty's strategic inclusion in races tailored to his capabilities continues to define his path toward the prestigious event.
