2027 Kentucky Derby Power Ranking, November 4

Nov 04, 2026 Alastair Bull/TwinSpires.com

U. S. S. Valor wins the Champagne (G1) at Belmont Park. (Photo by Coglianese Photos/Joe Labozzetta)

Week 3: The Breeders’ Cup has come and gone, and with it we have a clearer idea about the juvenile pecking order. It says something about the Derby picture, however, that the Future Wager Pool 1 favorite isn’t the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) winner.

Despite his clear-cut victory, Juvenile winner Hughes closed as the second-most-fancied individual horse in the Future Wager. Punters were more enamored with Champagne (G1) winner U. S. S. Valor – though, as is always the case for the first Future Wager, the most popular choice was the “all other colts and geldings” option, at odds of 1.07-1.

Interestingly, both U. S. S. Valor and Hughes are at shorter odds than Ted Noffey's 10-1 odds after he won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile last year. As events showed, there’s no guarantee the principal runners in the Juvenile will even make it to the Kentucky Derby, let alone become the third horse to complete the Juvenile-Derby double.

Some other horses had notable support in the Future Wager, in particular Zedan, who closed as the eighth-best fancy among individual horses at 40-1 despite him not having had a workout recorded on Equibase yet, let alone a start. No doubt the $10.5 million price tag paid on him at Ocala this year, the Baffert connection, and the expectation around his first-season sire Flightline are factors, but he needs more than an under-tack gallop and a price tag before he earns a Power Ranking spot.

Along with the Breeders’ Cup, there has been plenty of other action among the two-year-olds. Several were showcased on Churchill Downs’ Stars of Tomorrow Day 1 Oct. 25. Numerous juveniles put themselves forward as potential Derby contenders in the Street Sense (G3) and several other races, while other maiden winners with potential have emerged since the Derby Power Rankings were last published following the Champagne (G1), American Pharoah (G1), and Breeders’ Futurity (G1) weekend.

The next few weeks will be quiet in terms of Road to the Kentucky Derby prep races, but it will get going again for Stars of Tomorrow Day 2 at Churchill Downs Nov. 28, another all-juvenile contest race day which this time features the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2). That weekend will also feature Pool 2 of the Future Wager, along with the sole Sire Future Wager.

As always, feel free to disagree with the Power Rankings, which this week includes the final Pool 1 Future Wager odds for each horse, and to back your own judgment when the second Kentucky Derby Future Wager arrives.

Kentucky Derby Power Rankings

1.         U. S. S. Valor (1, no change)

Future Wager Pool 1 Closing Odds: 6.92-1

TwinSpires Horse Profile: U. S. S. Valor

The Power Rankings favor U. S. S. Valor as the leading Kentucky Derby contender, despite his absence from the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. None of the horses he beat in the Champagne contested the Juvenile, thus making comparisons difficult. The only horse with any form around him was fourth-placed Coach Pope, who beat U. S. S. Valor by a neck when both raced for the first time Aug. 8. Ahead of both narrowly that day was Gaudreau, who U. S. S. Valor then beat by 6-1/2 lengths in the Champagne – close to the margin Hughes had over Coach Pope in the Juvenile. That plus development potential leaves U. S. S. Valor on top.

U. S. S. Valor wins the Champagne (G1) at Belmont Park. (Photo by Coglianese Photos/Joe Labozzetta)

2.         Hughes (2, no change)

Future Wager Pool 1 Closing Odds: 8.52-1

TwinSpires Horse Profile: Hughes

You can’t knock a horse that’s unbeaten after five starts. The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winning margin of 2 1/4 lengths is his smallest to date, but it was a stronger field, and he was clearly the best at the end despite various horses trying to have a go at him, drawing away at the end of 1 1/16 miles. Whether he continues to develop into a Derby contender has yet to be seen, and many other horses will emerge, but he has fully earned his spot in the rankings at this point.

Hughes wins the Del Mar Futurity (G1) at Del Mar. (Photo by Benoit Photo)

3.         American History (5, +2)

Future Wager Pool 1 Closing Odds: 23.65-1

TwinSpires Horse Profile: American History

Looked like he was going to lose touch several times in the Juvenile, but kept on giving and was in line to challenge in the stretch before Hughes extended away. It was nonetheless encouraging from a Derby point of view, as he should benefit from an increased trip. It would still help if he could develop a little more speed, though.

4.         Salahudin (7, +3)

Future Wager Pool 1 Closing Odds: 16.42-1

TwinSpires Horse Profile: Salahudin

Put up a second strong performance in a Road to the Kentucky Derby prep race, following his Iroquois (G3) victory at Churchill Downs with a solid third in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. The colt stuck to his task well at Keeneland, though he probably needs to find a little more speed.

Salahudin wins the Ellis Park Juvenile (Photo by Coady Media)

5.         Gaudreau (6, +1)

Future Wager Pool 1 Closing Odds: 16.42-1

TwinSpires Horse Profile: Gaudreau

Missed the Juvenile because of a fever, which was a real shame because his effort would have allowed us a better assessment of how good U. S. S. Valor is. Nonetheless, he’s done enough in his career to date to be high on this list, and there is stamina in his pedigree.

Gaudreaux gallops ahead of Breeders' Cup at Keeneland. (Photo by Coady media)

6.         Powerline (new entry)

Future Wager Pool 1 Closing Odds: 78.37-1

TwinSpires Horse Profile: Powerline

Hughes wasn’t the only juvenile to impress at the Breeders’ Cup Keeneland meet. Those who made it to Classic day on Saturday for the first race, may have seen a potential Derby candidate in Powerline. For the third time in three races, he botched the start and ran greenly, but this time his talent was so great that he circled the field and then battled away from Highwaymen to win a maiden seven-furlong contest. If he can learn how to race better, he looks to have serious potential.

7.         Nevada (new entry)

Future Wager Pool 1 Closing Odds: 26.08-1

TwinSpires Horse Profile: Nevada

Chad Brown’s hunt for an elusive first Kentucky Derby is on again, and it’s possible Nevada could be one of his candidates. Making his debut over a mile at Belmont Park, he took his time to find his feet but circled the field and won comfortably by two lengths, in the manner of a horse that will be happy with a longer trip. Should join the Derby trail in the near future, perhaps in the Remsen (G2) Dec. 5.

Nevada wakes at Belmont Park. (Photo by Coady Media)

8.         Jas (new entry)

Future Wager Pool 1 Closing Odds: 78.27-1

TwinSpires Horse Profile: Jas

Steve Asmussen has a nice collection of improving juveniles, and Jas clearly fits the bill. Kept to turf in his first three starts, Jas made his dirt debut in the Street Sense and took to the surface easily. He raced close to the pace before taking the lead in the stretch and out-dueling the more favored Staunch to win by a neck. By Justify out of a Gun Runner mare, he should stay a longer trip.

Jas, a son of Justify, gamely wins the Street Sense (G3) at Churchill Downs

9.         Coach Pope (3, -6)

Future Wager Pool 1 Closing Odds: 33.26-1

TwinSpires Horse Profile: Coach Pope

Following his Breeders’ Futurity defeat when he arguably went too hard in front, Coach Pope settled a little better in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. He ran a decent race, but appeared to have his chance. Being by Tapit, you’d think he’ll stay a Derby trip, but on early evidence he may be better at a shorter distance.

10.   Just for Pipa (new entry)

Future Wager Pool 1 Closing Odds: 225.79-1

Bowman Mill runner-up Conviction got a lot more love from Future Wager punters than the winner Just for Pipa. It’s not exactly clear why: Conviction did have to battle after being on a strong pace, but from a Derby perspective, Just for Pipa’s determined finish arguably suggests he is the more likely to have prospects at 1 1/4 miles. Another son of Justify with potential to make his mark on the Derby trail.

Just for Pipa wins the Bowman Mill Stakes at Keeneland. (Photo by Coady Media / redit to Cady Coulardot)

11.   Q B Rocket (4, -7)

Future Wager Pool 1 Closing Odds: 63.78-1

TwinSpires Horse Profile: Q B Rocket

Didn’t contest the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, though the efforts of American History and Coach Pope suggest he would have been competitive. He still needs to prove a bit more before he looks like a Kentucky Derby prospect.

12.   Net Par (8, -4)

Future Wager Pool 1 Closing Odds: 390.72-1

TwinSpires Horse Profile: Net Par

Almost totally friendless in the Future Wager, which is a little surprising since he ran well for second in the American Pharoah behind subsequent Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner Hughes. He certainly has the potential to make a mark in the California Derby preps at least.

Net Par wins the Graduation Stakes at Del Mar. (Photo by Benoit Photo)

13.   Karajan (new entry)

Future Wager Pool 1 Closing Odds: 1.07-1

Arguably the most impressive maiden winner on Stars of Tomorrow Day 1 at Churchill Downs, controlling the speed before smoothly accelerating away in the stretch. The fact it was over six furlongs might explain why he wasn’t given an individual entry in the Future Wager while the day’s other maiden dirt winners were, but as he’s by Hard Spun out of a Quality Road mare, there is potential stamina there.

Karajan wins at Churchill Downs. (Photo by Coady Media)

14.   Pharocity (9, -5)

Future Wager Pool 1 Closing Odds: 110.96-1

TwinSpires Horse Profile: Pharocity

Sidelined with injury since winning a maiden impressively at Saratoga. It says a bit about his reputation that he still had reasonable support in the Future Wager despite this. Hopefully he gets back to racing fitness in time to contest some Derby preps.

15.   The Good Life (12, -3)

Future Wager Pool 1 Closing Odds: 58.52-1

TwinSpires Horse Profile: The Good Life

Though he’s unlikely to return to racing until his three-year-old days, he was sufficiently impressive when winning the Hopeful (G1) Sept. 6 to draw good support in the Future Wager. Stamina remains a doubt, but he has talent to burn.

16.   Fools Rush In (new entry)

Future Wager Pool 1 Closing Odds: 78.84-1

Won a lot of supporters with his maiden victory on Stars of Tomorrow Day 1 over a mile. Showing enough speed to be close to the lead, he was by far the strongest in the stretch, scoring by 4 1/4 lengths. It shouldn’t be long before Brad Cox directs him to a Kentucky Derby prep.

Fools Rush in at Churchill Downs. (Photo by Coady Media)

17.   Social Deception (new entry)

Future Wager Pool 1 Closing Odds: 262.47-1

There was a lot to like about his maiden victory over 1 1/16 miles at Keeneland Oct. 21. He settled well off the pace but not only rallied strongly to be in contention, he also took gaps like a pro when asked by Keith Asmussen. It suggested he should enjoy a longer trip, and he’ll probably appear on the Derby trail at some point.

Social Deception wins at Keeneland. (Photo by Coady Media)

18.   Lord Mischief (new entry)

Future Wager Pool 1 Closing Odds: 59.96

Another winner on Stars of Tomorrow Day 1, also over six furlongs. He found an inside path in the stretch and showed a lot of grit to get to the line first. It augurs well for his prospects as the distances increase.

Lord Mischief wins at Churchill Downs. (Photo by Coady Media)

19.   Staunch (new entry)

Future Wager Pool 1 Closing Odds: 72.27

Was well supported in the Street Sense and justified that support, fighting hard all the way down the stretch before just falling short of beating Jas. It followed a good four-length maiden victory at Churchill Downs in September. He looks like one to follow.

Staunch wins at Churchill Downs. (Photo by Coady Media)

20.   Highwaymen (new entry)

Future Wager Pool 1 Closing Odds: 76.70

TwinSpires Horse Profile: Highwaymen

Derby players will follow Cherie DeVaux closely after she produced Golden Tempo to win this year, and Highwaymen could be one of her prospects. While his effort was put in the shade by Powerline at Keeneland, it was still a fine performance in his first race-day run, and he can be expected to improve from there. One to watch.

Largest gain: Salahudin (up 3).

Largest fall: Q B Rocket (down 7).

New to Derby Power Rankings: Powerline (6 th), Nevada (7th), Jas (8th), Just for Pipa (10th), Karajan (13th), Fools Rush In (16th), Social Deception (17th), Lord Mischief (18th), Staunch (19th), Highwayment (20th).

Removed from Derby Power Rankings: Class Mystik Bayou (10th), He Is No Lie (11th), Card Man (13th), Club Reign (14th), Endrush (15th), Damavand (16th), Sum of Success (17th), Twinkle Town (18th), Blessed Flyer (19th), Full Access (20th).

Related Previous Power Ranking:
Week 1: 2027 Kentucky Derby and Oaks Power Rankings
Week 2: 2027 Kentucky Oaks Power Rankings, October 14