Horse Racing Odds: Chad Brown’s Rising Stars

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Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Chad Brown’s Rising Stars

Trainer Chad Brown has come close to winning the Kentucky Derby, finishing second with Good Magic in 2018 and Sierra Leone in 2024, making his horses offtrack betting favorites. 

While the coveted first-place prize has eluded him, 2025 may be the year Brown finally clinches the Derby. Brown already has undefeated Hopeful Stakes (G1) winner Chancer McPatrick in his stable. His Derby hopeful roster expanded with two recent maiden special weight winners at Aqueduct: Praetor and Aviator Gui.

Praetor’s Impressive Second Start

Praetor, a son of top North American sire Into Mischief, first debuted in a six-furlong maiden particular weight at Saratoga, where he finished a distant third behind the talented colt Ferocious. 

However, Praetor lived up to his potential in his second start at Aqueduct last Friday, winning by a neck in an exciting race. Praetor set the pace with a clean break from the gate, carving out fast splits and building a solid 3 1/2-length lead heading into the final furlong.

Although he grew slightly weary in the final stretch, Praetor held off a late charge from Sovereignty to secure the win in a substantial time of 1:36.14. His pedigree suggests a mix of speed and stamina—his dam, Curlin’s Approval, was a graded stakes-winning sprinter/miler, while Into Mischief is known for siring Kentucky Derby winners Authentic and Mandaloun. 

Bettors following the horse racing odds closely may want to watch Praetor as a contender on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.

Aviator Gui’s Winning Potential

The following day, Aviator Gui added another win to Chad Brown’s barn in a one-mile off-the-turf maiden particular weight at Aqueduct. Aviator Gui, a son of Uncle Mo, rallied from last to first, benefiting from fast early fractions. Though his final time of 1:38.23 wasn’t as sharp as Praetor’s, the damp conditions likely contributed to the slower pace. 

With bloodlines packed with stamina, Uncle Mo sired Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist, and his dam is by TapitAviator Gui has the potential to improve over longer distances, making him another exciting prospect for Brown’s Kentucky Derby campaign.

Other Standout Performances

Beyond Brown’s contenders, other trainers saw promising maiden wins this past week. Kalea Bay, trained by Bob Baffert, secured his first victory at Santa Anita. The son of Authentic had previously placed third and second in earlier races but broke through with an 8 1/2-length win in a six-furlong maiden particular weight, clocking a fast final time of 1:09.67. 

With his impressive performance, Kalea Bay is likely headed for stakes competition, and a late-season Kentucky Derby prep, such as the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2), could be in his future. Bettors who follow Saratoga betting may recall Baffert’s success, making Kalea Bay an intriguing contender.

At Churchill Downs, trainer Steve Asmussen also added to his potential Derby lineup. Perfect Magic, a son of Maclean’s Music, secured a two-length win in a 5 1/2-furlong maiden particular weight. Asmussen followed up the next day with Extradition, a son of Gun Runner, who took a one-mile maiden particular weight by 1 1/2 lengths. 

Extradition clocked in at 1:39.87 on a sloppy track, highlighting his ability to perform in less-than-ideal conditions. These wins showcase the depth of Asmussen’s stable and his potential for future Derby success.

Another notable debut at Churchill Downs was Terrapin Station, trained by Dale Romans. The son of Unified won his six-furlong maiden particular weight by two lengths, adding another promising name to Romans’ roster. Romans has previously saddled Kentucky Derby third-place finishers Paddy O’Prado and Dullahan, and Terrapin Station may continue his legacy on the Derby trail.