Trained by 72-year-old Lonnie Briley and ridden by veteran jockey Juan Vargas, Coal Battle enters the Derby with a career record of five wins from eight starts, along with one third-place finish.

After receiving a crucial defection among the top qualifiers, this colt gets his chance on the biggest stage. While Flying Mohawk sits as one of the longest Kentucky Derby odds on the board, he presents an intriguing wildcard for those considering bold Kentucky Derby betting strategies.

Once a top contender following a Breeders’ Cup Juvenile victory, he now enters Churchill Downs with questions surrounding his current form and distance capabilities. 

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With the most points earned during the 2025 Kentucky Derby Prep Races, he leads the field heading into May 3. His position on the leaderboard and rising popularity in Kentucky derby odds make him a major player for anyone evaluating Kentucky derby betting strategies.