Why is it that we see some trainers winning the Kentucky Derby multiple times? While the ‘Run to the Roses’ remains elusive to some—despite all their effort—it’s a regular triumph for others. Trainer Bob Baffert has 6 Derby-winning horses to his name and will be eyeing a history-making 7th. John Velázquez has ridden three Kentucky Derby winners (Animal Kingdom, 2011; Always Dreaming, 2017; and Authentic, 2020). He had been booked to ride Grande in 2025, but Grande was scratched on race morning, so Velázquez did not compete for a fourth Derby victory.

But well, some farms produce Derby winners the way Harvard churns out luminaries.

How does that happen? How do they get it right most of the time? It’s almost like they have the winning formula, the secret scripture that has all the answers. Well, obviously, they have the answers, mystical or not. And for some, success is a repetitive action. Does such a connection bind Journalism and Mystik Dan together?

If you need a reminder, Mystik Dan was the 2024 Kentucky Derby winner. Winning the special 150th edition of the race in one of the closest photo finishes ever, Kenneth McPeek’s thoroughbred became a part of the Derby’s prestigious legacy. This year, 20 horses will vie for that legacy—but only one can win. As of race week, Journalism sits atop the favorites.

And what ties Journalism and Mystik Dan is in Marion County, Florida. Intrigued, aren’t you? As per the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ & Owners’ Association, Journalism is part-owned by John C. Malone and Leslie Malone of Bridlewood Farm in Ocala, Marion County, but is trained by Michael W. McCarthy in California (and races for Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Bridlewood Farm).

But what’s the connection with the Mystik Dan? Well, the 2024 winner was trained at the Silverleaf Hills Training Center in Marion County. Does that give Journalism the edge? Bryan Rice, the co-owner of the Woodside Ranch with Holley Rice, spoke to ClickOrlando.com about the vital role Marion County plays. “It’s what Ocala and Marion County are all about. We are at the early prep center for a great percentage of the thoroughbreds to go off to the races, particularly the horses in the major races.”

But you cannot single out Journalism for the Marion County connection. Even after the final scratches left 19 starters in the 2025 Kentucky Derby, majority of them have ownership, breeding, or early training ties to Marion County, Florida. With Rodriguez (bruised foot) and Grande (cracked heel) scratched on race morning, that number dropped to 13 of 19—still over half the field. All 3 top favorites, Journalism, Sovereignty, and Sandman, have deep connections with the Florida county.

Sovereignty, like Journalism, also trained at Bridlewood Farm. And as for Sandman, this 3-year-old colt is the most expensive horse in the field and is trained by Ocala resident Mark Casse. In addition to these 3, Bob Baffert’s Citizen Bull is a graduate of the early training program at the Eddie Woods stable in Ocala. Besides these, Burnham Square, American Promise, Neoequos, Render Judgment, and East Avenue also have Marion County links.

Which leaves things quite open-ended, doesn’t it? Importantly, there is a high chance a horse with Marion County links wins the 2025 Kentucky Derby. Can’t say for sure, though. But one thing is guaranteed. The winner will have a Secretariat connection.

The 2025 Kentucky Derby field shows why Secretariat is dubbed the greatest

Anybody who has followed thoroughbred racing closely knows the greatness of Secretariat or “Big Red,” as he was called. In his 16-month career, he won 16 races and conquered the Triple Crown in 1973. And the way he claimed the Crown? A statement unmatched in history, winning the 1½-mile Belmont Stakes by 31 lengths? Yes, you read that correctly. Secretariat ran home the race in 1st place, 31 lengths ahead of the 2nd competitor.

He is alleged to be the greatest thoroughbred in American history. And the 2025 Kentucky Derby, in a way, validates the legend of the thoroughbred. How so? Well, each and every colt at the Kentucky Derby starting gates is a descendant of Secretariat. Journalism comes as a 6th-generation colt of ‘Big Red,’ same as Sandman, while Sovereignty is a 5th generation.

And what do you know? Even Mystik Dan is a descendant of Secretariat, making him a worthy successor. And Secretariat’s legacy is that the thoroughbred has sired or has been a damsire to other great thoroughbreds like A. P. Indy, who was the 1992 Horse of the Year. A. P. Indy is also seen in the pedigree of the 3 favorites of the 2025 Kentucky Derby, which shows why breeders try to get the pedigree right.

But no thoroughbred has been able to get close to Secretariat in terms of performance. A. P. Indy went the closest to Secretariat’s Belmont Stakes record of 2:24 minutes. But the 1973 record still stands unchallenged. In fact, none of the times he registered in the Triple Crown races have been touched yet. 50 years down the line, and his 1:59.40 at the Kentucky Derby still stands. And so does the 1:53 minutes at the 1-1/16 mile Preakness Stakes.

Do you think any of his descendants will break it on May 3, 2025? Let us know what you think.