Publisher

20-1
Morning line odds

Owner

King, Gus and Estate of Brereton C. Jones

Trainer

Steven M. Asmussen

Jockey

Prat, Flavien

Breeder

Brereton C. Jones

Earnings

$355,000

Color

Bay

Home > Derby Horses > Publisher

Overview

Who is Kentucky Derby horse Publisher?

Publisher, a bay colt by Triple Crown winner American Pharoah out of Indian Pride (by Proud Citizen), has emerged as a legitimate Kentucky Derby contender following a strong second-place finish in the Arkansas Derby (G1) at 1 1/8 miles. Trained by Steve Asmussen, this late-developing three-year-old has shown steady improvement through seven career starts, compiling a record of two seconds and three thirds while earning $407,756.

His pedigree suggests strong classic potential, combining American Pharoah's proven stamina with Proud Citizen's influence through his dam's side. This breeding has manifested in Publisher's running style, as he's developed into a grinding mid-pack runner who makes sustained moves in the stretch.

His recent form has been particularly encouraging, with a fourth in the Rebel S. (G2) followed by his career-best performance in the Arkansas Derby (G1), where he made a strong four-wide move to chase home the winner. His progression through longer distances has been steady, and his recent workouts at Oaklawn Park, including a sharp five furlongs in 1:01.00, indicate he's maintaining his form. Under Asmussen's patient handling, Publisher has shown the kind of development pattern that suggests his best races are still ahead. His grinding style and proven ability to handle nine furlongs while finishing with energy indicate he should handle the Kentucky Derby's 1 1/4-mile distance, making him an intriguing prospect for the classic.

The Kentucky Derby saddle towels are here! 🌹

Here is Publisher stretching his legs under the Twin Spires this morning.

The last maiden to win the Kentucky Derby was Brokers Tip in 1933. 🏇🎓 pic.twitter.com/fTg8SYyuTR

— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) April 17, 2025

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Pedigree

Sire Name American Pharoah

Dam Name Indian Pride

Horse Profile April 16, 2025

Kentucky Derby Horse Profile: Publisher

Gus King and the Estate of Brereton C. Jones’ Publisher has amassed 60 qualifying points on the 2025 Road to the Kentucky Derby challenge series for conditioner Steve Asmussen. The bay punched his ticket to Louisville when finishing a clear second in...

Publisher out to reverse long standing form of maidens in Kentucky Derby

Rare is the Kentucky Derby winner who has never won before, a maiden in racing parlance.

Kentucky Derby Update: Flying Mohawk, Publisher, Tiztastic Highlight Saturday Work Tab at Churchill Downs

With three weeks remaining until the $5 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (Grade I), preparations intensified Saturday morning at Churchill Downs with three contenders recording timed workouts: Flying Mohawk (four furlongs, :50.80),...