For the last two iterations of the Kentucky Derby, Mike Repole has been the owner of the morning-line favorite but has come away empty-handed. Two years ago, Forte had to withdraw from the Derby on race morning. Last year, Fierceness was a strong favorite at slightly over 3-1 but finished in 15th place. This year, Repole is returning but with a more underrated contender – Grande, a horse that has shown significant improvement despite being less raced.

Grande (20-1)

• Trainer: Todd Pletcher
• Jockey: John Velazquez
• Last race: Finished second in the Wood Memorial by 3½ lengths
• Career record: 3 starts – 2 wins and 1 second place
• Career earnings: $228,200
• Top career Beyer Speed Figure: 97 (achieved in the 2025 Wood Memorial)
• Sire: Curlin

In this preview, we will delve deeper into Grande’s performance history alongside addressing various queries for the upcoming race, including the impact of post positions on his chances.

Kentucky Derby Profile Highlights

• 1 Citizen Bull
• 2 Neoequos
• 3 Final Gambit
• 4 Rodriguez
• 10 Grande

Insights on Grande

Grande, under the tutelage of Todd Pletcher, has only run three races so far but displays increasing speed with every competition. His second race showed significant improvement over the first, and his most recent outing exceeded his previous performance as well. In the past race, he finished as the runner-up to Rodriguez in the Wood Memorial while covering a wider path, which gave him a Beyer Speed figure of 97 — a solid score considering the competitive Derby field.

Considering the Derby’s competitive nature, Grande’s running style, which allows him to track speedsters effectively, may prove advantageous when those faster horses tire. Moreover, progeny of Curlin generally exhibit better performance as they mature and race longer distances, suggesting further growth and improvement from Grande.

Post Position Insights

Grande was fortunate with his post assignment, landing post No. 10. This position allows him to have deep closers on either side without interruption at the start, provided he breaks cleanly. While jockey John Velazquez has had a tendency to steer his mounts wide in recent years, it’s crucial that Grande avoids losing any ground in this tightly contested race.

Following Pletcher’s unusual strategy this year, granting Grande only one preparation workout post-final prep, opinions vary on whether this shift will result in remarkable success or disaster. At 20-1 odds and listed on TwinSpires and 1/ST BET, Grande is seen as one of the race’s better-value bets.