Chunk of Gold’s journey to the 2025 Kentucky Derby is one that captures the imagination. With a pedigree boasting stamina and tactical speed, he has consistently exceeded expectations through every stage of his young career. A modest $2,500 purchase blossomed under the guidance of trainer Ethan West and owner Terry Stephens. The gray colt is now one of the 20 competitors set to chase racing immortality at Churchill Downs.
Accumulating 75 qualifying points, he secured his place in the starting gate for the 151st Run for the Roses. Though a longshot at 30-1 odds, his consistent form, strong workouts, and relentless running style hint that this underdog might have surprises for the first Saturday in May. Rated 100 after his last run, Chunk of Gold has a top Equibase Speed Figure of 96 and will try to join the ranks of Derby winners like Country House, Rich Strike, and Mage.
Who is the Kentucky Derby horse Chunk of Gold?
Chunk of Gold is a gray colt born on May 11, 2022. Sired by Preservationist and out of Play for Gold by Cairo Prince, Chunk of Gold showcases a lineage of both speed and stamina. Owned by Terry Stephens and trained by Ethan West, he has consistently exceeded expectations since his modest beginnings. Chunk of Gold will enter the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby (G1) off a runner-up finish in the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby on March 22 at Fair Grounds.
Chunk of Gold is here!! pic.twitter.com/5XncBBTyyk
— Amplify Horse Racing (@AmplifyRacing) April 25, 2025
Initially purchased for just $2,500 at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall Yearling Sale, he has blossomed under Terry Stephens’ ownership. His career record stands at 2 starts in flat racing in the USA: 1 win and 1 second, boasting a 50% win percentage at that level. $225,956 in earnings before the Road to the Kentucky Derby series is another flex.
Who owns Chunk of Gold?
Chunk of Gold is owned by Terry Stephens. He is a Kentucky businessman best known for campaigning O Besos, who finished fourth in the 2021 Kentucky Derby. Stephens has demonstrated a sharp eye for value, turning modest purchases like Chunk of Gold into serious contenders. With Chunk of Gold, Stephens hopes to complete an extraordinary journey from modest beginnings to Derby glory.
Who is the trainer of Chunk of Gold?
Chunk of Gold is trained by Ethan West. He is a trainer who grew up in Cambridge City, Indiana. West went out on his own in 2018 and is based year-round at Turfway Park.
His first graded stakes victory came with Runaway Storm in the 2023 Bryan Station Stakes (G3) at Keeneland. It was a milestone that boosted his reputation on the national stage. The 2025 Derby marks West’s debut appearance in America’s most famous race, a dream he’s been working toward since starting his own stable.
Who is Chunk of Gold’s jockey?
Jareth Loveberry is Chunk of Gold’s jockey in the Kentucky Derby. Loveberry made a splash by finishing second aboard Two Phil’s in the 2023 Derby. His familiarity with Turfway Park’s surface and strong finishing of Chunk of Gold will be a pair to look out for. With valuable Derby experience under his belt, Loveberry knows the demands of the high-pressure environment at Churchill Downs.
What are Chunk of Gold’s career earnings?
As of April 2025, he has amassed $348,818 in career earnings. From 2 starts in flat racing in the USA, he has 1 win and 1 second. He has a consistent record of never finishing worse than second in all his starts. Even with a modest beginning of being bought for $2,500, his steady performances have earned him a legitimate spot among the Derby favorites.
What are Chunk of Gold’s racing stats and past performances?
Chunk of Gold’s key performances leading into the Kentucky Derby have been impressive and consistent. On December 19, 2024, he won a six-furlong maiden special weight race at Turfway Park under jockey Abel Cedillo. Late,r he finished second in the $125,000 Leonatus Stakes at Turfway Park on January 18, 2025. This form continued strong on dirt, with a runner-up place in the Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds on February 15, 2025. Most recently, he finished second once again in the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds on March 22, 2025.
Chunk of Gold has raced twice on the Flat in the USA, with a 50% win rate. He secured one win and one second-place finish. During the 2025 season, he made three starts, finishing second in each but without a victory. Overall, he has made four career starts, achieving one win and three second-place finishes.
When and where is Chunk of Gold’s next race?
Chunk of Gold’s next race is the Kentucky Derby on May 3, 2025, at Churchill Downs. He is assigned to post 19. He enters the race with 30-1 morning-line odds, aiming to build on a series of strong performances. The Derby is scheduled for 6:57 p.m. ET, and Chunk of Gold will be looking to join the ranks of winners at Churchill Downs.
What is Chunk of Gold’s pedigree and bloodline?
Gold is sired by Preservationist, a Grade 1-winning son of Arch, and out of Play for Gold, by Cairo Prince. This gives him the blend of stamina and tactical speed ideal for the Derby test. He is a full sibling to stakes winner Band of Gold. Many believe he can reinforce the quality and potential of his bloodline.
Chunk of Gold enters the Kentucky Derby as a true underdog story. From humble beginnings to gathering momentum on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, his story resonates with the longshots who have stunned Churchill Downs in recent years. If he maintains his consistency and stalks the pace effectively, he could become the latest unlikely hero to smell the roses.
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