Part 1 of the Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve comes to an end Saturday as the Gun Runner Stakes at Fair Grounds brings down the curtain on the 2-year-old preps for the 2025 run for the roses. Once the action shifts into January, the newly turned 3-year-olds will try to stay on track for a date with destiny on the first Saturday in May while progressing through a demanding slate of preps.

1. Built (7-2): Has been rested since an October maiden win at Keeneland. Will be trying two turns for the first time, but is bred for it. His speed figure for that maiden win is competitive here and he deserves a look.

JOCKEY: Corey Lanerie; TRAINER: Wayne Catalano

2. Render Judgment (4-1): Rallied wide when fifth in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes. That should not be a problem in a five-horse field and his late speed makes him dangerous here.

JOCKEY: Brian J. Hernandez Jr.; TRAINER: Ken McPeek

3. Magnitude (2-1) Rebounded from a disappointing seventh in the Iroquois Stakes with a sharp allowance win at Churchill Downs. If he takes another step forward here, he will be hard to beat.

JOCKEY: Jose Ortiz; TRAINER: Steve Asmussen                    

4. Chris’s Revenge (6-1): Was fourth in a starter allowance race and seems to be a cut blow the others in this field.

JOCKEY: Jaime Torres; TRAINER: Brittany Russell

5. Admiral Dennis (9-5): Showed a new dimension when tested around two turns in his second start. He won decisively at a mile and posted a strong speed figure. His connections (trainer Brad Cox and Albaugh Family Stables) have done quite well on the Triple Crown trail the last few years, which adds to his appeal.

JOCKEY: Luis Saez; TRAINER: Brad Cox

THE PICK: Admiral Dennis

TRIFECTA: 5-3-2