He’s the grey ghost flying under the radar no more. After clinching the Arkansas Derby in electric fashion, Sandman has become one of the most intriguing names on the 2025 Kentucky Derby radar. With a powerful pedigree, seasoned connections, and a style built for classic distances, the Tapit colt has earned his spot at Churchill Downs. But does he have what it takes to go all the way?

This deep dive unpacks everything fans need to know about Sandman—from his bloodline and ownership group to his rise through the ranks and how he stacks up against this year’s contenders. Here’s a look at the colt hoping to turn dreams into reality on the First Saturday in May.

Who owns Sandman?

Sandman is campaigned by a high-powered ownership group consisting of D.J. Stable LLC, St. Elias Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds, and CJ Stables. This isn’t a new ride for them either—these stables have had their hands in big races before, with D.J. Stable previously campaigning for 2018 champion Jaywalk, while West Point Thoroughbreds are known for Kentucky Derby alumni like Always Dreaming and Flightline.

This collective investment in Sandman shows the trust they have in his potential and his team. Notably, social media influencer Griffin Johnson holds a minority stake via America’s Best Racing’s “A Stake in Stardom” initiative, giving fans a unique inside look at the Derby trail. This mix of seasoned owners and fan engagement has made Sandman’s journey to the Derby one of the most followed stories of the season.

Who is Sandman’s trainer?

The man calling the shots is Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse. Best known for guiding War of Will to a 2019 Preakness Stakes win and conditioning numerous Canadian champions, Casse brings decades of top-level experience. His patient training style has proven crucial in helping Sandman mature from a promising juvenile to a graded stakes winner on the Triple Crown trail.

Casse has spoken highly of Sandman’s development, crediting the colt’s mental and physical growth over the past six months. After early sprints, Casse gradually stretched Sandman out in distance, culminating in a breakout win in the 1 1/8-mile Arkansas Derby. The colt’s consistency and ability to settle mid-pack before unleashing a strong finish align perfectly with Casse’s blueprint for Derby success.

Who is Sandman’s jockey?

Jose Ortiz, one of the top riders in North America, will take the reins for Sandman in the Kentucky Derby. Ortiz has multiple Breeders’ Cup wins and an Eclipse Award under his belt, and his tactical prowess is second to none. Known for his patience and ability to read pace scenarios, Ortiz is a great fit for a horse like Sandman who needs to conserve energy early before making his move.

Ortiz was aboard for Sandman’s Arkansas Derby win, where he executed a textbook stalking trip before timing his stretch run perfectly. That chemistry will be key at Churchill Downs, where split-second decisions can make or break a Derby dream. With Ortiz back in the irons, Sandman has a pilot who knows exactly how to deliver on racing’s biggest stage.

What are Sandman’s career earnings?

As of April 2025, Sandman has banked $1,117,995 in career earnings. The lion’s share of that haul came from his win in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby, which netted a $900,000 purse and secured his place in the Kentucky Derby starting gate. It was the culmination of a steady rise that saw him earn checks in every start despite facing tough fields.

He also picked up major paydays with a third-place finish in the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes and a runner-up effort in the Southwest Stakes (G3), both held at Oaklawn Park. Even in his juvenile season, Sandman showed flashes of talent with a third-place finish in the Street Sense Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs—a valuable bit of experience heading into Derby weekend.

What are Sandman’s racing stats and past performances?

Sandman enters the Derby with a record of 8 starts: 3 wins, 1 second, and 2 thirds. He broke his maiden in the summer at Saratoga before progressing through increasingly tougher fields. His formline reads like a Derby prep highlight reel: third in the Street Sense Stakes, second in the Southwest, third in the Rebel, and then the breakthrough win in the Arkansas Derby.

That last race was particularly telling. Facing some of the top contenders in the field, Sandman rated just behind the leaders before pouncing in the stretch to win decisively. His final time and late pace figures suggest he’s peaking at the right moment. Importantly, he’s shown he can handle different surfaces and race shapes, which bodes well for navigating the 20-horse chaos of the Kentucky Derby.

What is Sandman’s pedigree and bloodline?

Sandman is bred to be a classic-distance performer. His sire, Tapit, is a proven source of stamina and class, having sired Belmont Stakes winners like Essential Quality and Tonalist. Tapit’s progeny are known for their ability to flourish over 1 1/4 miles and beyond, and Sandman appears to be no exception.

On the dam side, Sandman’s mother, Distorted Music, is by Distorted Humor—the same sire as 2003 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Funny Cide. That cross of Tapit over Distorted Humor brings a nice balance of staying power and tactical speed. Bred in Kentucky by Lothenbach Stables, Sandman has the kind of elite bloodlines that give him a legit shot at etching his name into Derby history.