Legendary trainer Bob Baffert ‘s return to the Kentucky Derby tops the list. Back at Churchill Downs for the first time in three years following his suspension due to a failed post-race drug test involving his horse, Medina Spirit, after the 2021 Kentucky Derby, Baffert returns with multiple entries ( Citizen Bull, Madaket Road, Rodriguez ).

The gray/roan colt has been on fire of late, winning the Arkansas Derby while continuing to grow and evolve on the track. Once a traditional sprinter, he has demonstrated "both tactical speed and finishing power," per the Kentucky Derby website.

For the 20 3-year-old Thoroughbreds expected to compete in the Kentucky Derby (G1), racing luck can make or break their Derby run from the start. Some of that luck comes into play several days beforehand: the luck of the post-position draw.