2025 Kentucky Derby Contender

Admire Daytona (JPN)

Current Rank In Kentucky Derby Points: 7

Total Kentucky Derby Points Earned: 100

Total Earnings To Date: 72621

Trainer: Yukihiro Kato

 

Prep Race Breakdown: Admire Daytona (JPN)’s Highest Final Time Rating (FNL RAT)

Race Date: 3-May-25
Track: NA
Race #: NA
Distance: NA Furlongs
Race Conditions: NA
Surface: NA
Trainer: Yukihiro Kato
Jockey: Christophe Lemaire
Track Condition: N/A
Track Variant: N/A
Finish Position: NA
Win Payout: $N/A
Place Payout: $N/A
Show Payout: $N/A

Race Recap Analysis:

Admire Daytona clinched his spot in the Kentucky Derby by winning the UAE Derby (G2) on April 5, 2025, at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai. He led the 9-horse field throughout the 1 3/16-mile race, holding off late challenges to win by a nose in a time of 1:59.05. This victory earned him 100 Derby points, securing his place in the starting gate at Churchill Downs.

The question to ask is how did Admire Daytona (JPN) perform in this prep race and can he repeat or improve on this performance in this year’s Kentucky Derby.

Finish Position: NA

Win Payout: $N/A

Place: Payout: $N/A

Show Payout: $N/A

 

Race Replay for Admire Daytona (JPN) – NA – 3-May-25

unavailable

 

Admire Daytona (JPN)’s Performance Metrics: A Deeper Look

Race Class Levels (RCL)

Admire Daytona (JPN) Prep Race Race Class Level: NA

Kentucky Derby Race Class Level: 200

The Kentucky Derby is the pinnacle of 3-year-old racing, so it’s essential to compare the class level of Admire Daytona (JPN)’s prep race against the Derby’s challenging field. The Digest’s Race Class Levels simplify this comparison with a numeric scale. The higher the number, the tougher the competition.

Check the Race Sheets for insights on Admire Daytona (JPN)’s performance in past races and how it stacks up against competitors. Recent Race Level and Recent Competition Level (RCL) data help assess how ready Admire Daytona (JPN) is for the big stage.

 

Final Time Rating (FNL RAT)

Admire Daytona (JPN)’s Final Time Rating Earned In This Prep Race: N/A

Avg FNL RAT Earned In Past 3 Kentucky Derby’s: 148

The Final Time Rating gives a snapshot of how well Admire Daytona (JPN) is expected to close. A higher FNL RAT suggests strong finishing potential, essential in the Derby’s competitive final stretch. Historically, Kentucky Derby winners have posted a FNL RAT of 146 or higher.

For comparison, past Derby winners such as Always Dreaming and Maximum Security hit 158!

Mystic Dan, the 2014 Kentucky Derby winner entered the race with the highest FNL RAT Earned being a 137.

 

Pace Rating (PAC RAT)

Admire Daytona (JPN)’s Pace Rating Earned In This Prep Race: N/A

Avg Pace Rating Earned In Past 3 Kentucky Derby’s: 144

Avg Pace Rating Earned In Past 7 Kentucky Derby’s: 161

Pace plays a crucial role in shaping race dynamics. The Pace Rating reflects how quickly a horse sets or reacts to the race tempo. A strong PAC RAT indicates the ability to adapt to different paces, a key trait in the Kentucky Derby.

 

Fast Figs

Admire Daytona (JPN)’s Fast Fig Earned In This Prep Race: N/A

Fast Fig Par For This Prep Race: N/A

Fast Fig Par for Kentucky Derby: 140

Average Fast Fig earned by the winner in the last 3 Kentucky Derby’s: 132

Average Fast Fig earned by the winner of the last 7 Kentucky Derby’s: 133

Fast Figs blend speed, pace, and field strength into one figure, making them a powerful tool in identifying potential Derby winners. A strong Fast Fig often signals a competitive contender. For instance, last year’s Mage was just 2 points off the highest Fast Fig and came through with a stunning win at 32-1.

 

Comprehensive Performance Rating (CPR)

Admire Daytona (JPN)’s CPR Earned In This Prep Race: N/A

CPR Par For This Prep Race: N/A

CPR Par for Kentucky Derby: 140

Average CPR earned by the winner in the last 3 Kentucky Derby’s: 131

Average CPR earned by the winner of the last 7 Kentucky Derby’s: 136

CPR combines a horse’s pace, final time, and closing ability, factoring in track conditions for an all-around performance measure. Horses with a solid CPR have the stamina and speed necessary for the demanding Derby distance.

 

Final Race Equation (FIRE #)

Admire Daytona (JPN)’s FIRE Earned In This Prep Race: N/A

Average FIRE earned by the winner in the last 3 Kentucky Derby’s: 135

Average FIRE earned by the winner of the last 8 Kentucky Derby’s: 134

The FIRE number reflects overall race velocity, not just final time, factoring in a horse’s speed throughout the entire race. A top FIRE score often predicts a strong overall performance, especially in high-stakes races like the Kentucky Derby.

 

How Admire Daytona (JPN)’s Prep Race Performance Could Signal Derby Success

Looking at the key performance metrics from Admire Daytona (JPN)’s prep race, we can assess their potential to thrive in the 2025 Kentucky Derby. Final Time Ratings, Pace Ratings, Fast Figs, and CPR all provide insight into how well Admire Daytona (JPN) may handle the Derby’s challenging conditions.

Admire Daytona is a 3-year-old colt sired by Drefong, a Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner, out of Ice Pastel, a daughter of Shackleford. While Drefong was known for his sprinting ability, his pedigree suggests Admire Daytona has the stamina to handle the Derby’s 1¼-mile distance. In the UAE Derby, he demonstrated a pace-setting running style, which could be advantageous in the fast-paced Derby field.? Admire Daytona’s UAE Derby win showcases his ability to compete at a high level internationally. His pace-setting style and stamina suggest he can handle the Kentucky Derby’s distance and competitive field. However, the transition to the Churchill Downs surface and the 20-horse field pose challenges. His performance in the UAE Derby indicates he has the potential to be a strong contender.

 

Helpful Tip: To compare Admire Daytona (JPN)’s potential against the competition, Today’s Racing Digest’s Performance Figures predict how each horse will perform, regardless of changing race conditions. Check out the Race Sheets for the most accurate, up-to-date analysis. Learn More: