Study Guide: 2026 Kentucky Derby

Apr 28, 2026 J. Keeler Johnson/TwinSpires.com

Further Ado wins the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland. (Photo by Coady Media)

Two dozen horses have entered the 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs, including four on the also-eligible list. Come race day, a full field of 20 horses is expected to vie for victory under the Twin Spires in the 152nd Run for the Roses.

Let’s take a horse-by-horse look at this year’s Kentucky Derby field:

Renegade

Renegade wins the Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park. (Photo by Coady Media)

Start(s): 5
Wins: 2
Place: 2
Show: 1

Owner: Robert Low, Lawana L. Low, and Repole Stable
Breeder: Robert Low and Lawana Low
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.

Top Speed Rating: (97) on two occasions, including when winning the Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park.
Total Earnings: $1,031,500

Sire: Into Mischief
Dam: Spice Is Nice
Color: Bay

The Kentucky Derby favorite at 4-1 morning-line odds, Renegade owns a strong late kick and is 2-for-2 this year, dominating the Sam F. Davis S. and Arkansas Derby. But he’ll have to overcome drawing post 1, which hasn’t produced a Kentucky Derby winner since 1986.

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Albus

Albus wins the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct. (Photo by Coglianese Photos)

Start(s): 4
Wins: 2
Place: 0
Show: 1

Owner: Pin Oak Stud
Breeder: Susan Casner
Trainer: Riley Mott
Jockey: Manny Franco

Top Speed Rating: (91) when winning the Wood Memorial (G2) at Aqueduct.
Total Earnings: $436,288

Sire: Yaupon
Dam: Adream
Color: Dark bay/brown

Albus launched a big late rally to win the Wood Memorial, but his career-best 91 Brisnet Speed rating looks light against the Kentucky Derby field.

Intrepido

Intrepido wins the American Pharoah at Santa Anita. (Photo by Benoit Photo)

Start(s): 6
Wins: 2
Place: 1
Show: 0

Owner: Dutch Girl Holding and Irving Ventures
Breeder: Sierra Fria Farm
Trainer: Jeff Mullins
Jockey: Hector I. Berrios

Top Speed Rating: (99) when winning the American Pharoah (G1) at Santa Anita.
Total Earnings: $342,800

Sire: Maximus Mischief
Dam: Overly Indulgent
Color: Bay

Intrepido ran below form when finishing a distant fourth in the April 4 Santa Anita Derby (G1). He’s run better in the past, even winning the American Pharoah with a 99 Brisnet Speed rating last fall. A rebound in his third start of the year isn’t inconceivable.

Litmus Test

Litmus Test breaks maiden at Del Mar. (Photo by Horsephotos.com)

Start(s): 7
Wins: 2
Place: 0
Show: 2

Owner: SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Stonestreet Stables, Bashor Racing, Determined Stables, Golconda Stable, Waves Edge Capital, and Catherine Donovan
Breeder: Machmer Hall
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Jockey: Martin Garcia

Top Speed Rating: (102) when finishing fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) at Del Mar.
Total Earnings: $477,688

Sire: Nyquist
Dam: Study Hard
Color: Bay

Litmus Test is adding blinkers after finishing a distant seventh in the Arkansas Derby. The addition of headgear could sharpen his speed and focus, helping him rebound to the form of his Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) triumph last fall.

Right to Party

Right to Party (Photo by Coglianese Photos)

Start(s): 4
Wins: 1
Place: 1
Show: 2

Owner: Chester Broman Sr.
Breeder: Tony Holmes and Timothy C. Thornton
Trainer: Kenny McPeek
Jockey: Christopher Elliott

Top Speed Rating: (90) when finishing second in the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct.
Total Earnings: $230,200

Sire: Constitution
Dam: Havin’ a Party
Color: Chestnut

Right to Party has improved with every start this year, but the 90 Brisnet Speed rating he earned when finishing a late-running second in the Wood Memorial leaves him slower on paper than the Kentucky Derby favorites.

Commandment

Commandment wins the Mucho Macho Man Stakes. (Photo by Coglianese Photos)

Start(s): 5
Wins: 4
Place: 0
Show: 0

Owner: Wathnan Racing
Breeder: Lee Pokoik
Trainer: Brad Cox
Jockey: Luis Saez

Top Speed Rating: (103) when winning the Fountain of Youth (G2) at Gulfstream Park.
Total Earnings: $1,017,339

Sire: Into Mischief
Dam: Sippican Harbor
Color: Bay

Commandment has won four starts in a row, including the Florida Derby (G1) and Fountain of Youth over high-class fields. He was compromised by a slow pace in the Florida Derby, but still launched a last-to-first rally to prevail by a nose. Commandment is a logical Kentucky Derby win contender.

Danon Bourbon

Kentucky-bred Danon Bourbon was much the best in the Fukuryu at Nakayama (Photo by Tomoya Moriuchi/Horsephotos.com)

Start(s): 3
Wins: 3
Place: 0
Show: 0

Owner: Danox Co.
Breeder: Blue Heaven Farm
Trainer: Manabu Ikezoe
Jockey: Atsuya Nishimura

Top Speed Rating: N/A
Total Earnings: $222,762

Sire: Maxfield
Dam: Wild Ridge
Color: Dark bay/brown

Danon Bourbon is unbeaten and unchallenged in three starts in Japan. He finished fast to win the Fukuryu S. last time out and has a serious shot at becoming the first Japan-based Kentucky Derby winner.

So Happy

So Happy wins the San Vicente Stakes at Santa Anita. (Photo by Benoit Photo)

Start(s): 4
Wins: 3
Place: 0
Show: 1

Owner: Norman Stables and Saints or Sinners
Breeder: Leverett S. Miller
Trainer: Mark Glatt
Jockey: Mike Smith

Top Speed Rating: (103) when winning the Santa Anita Derby at Santa Anita.
Total Earnings: $480,000

Sire: Runhappy
Dam: So Cunning
Color: Bay

So Happy was clearly best in the Santa Anita Derby, pulling away down the homestretch to triumph by 2 3/4 lengths with a strong 103 Brisnet Speed rating. However, his pedigree suggests the Kentucky Derby’s 1 1/4-mile distance could stretch the limits of his stamina.

The Puma

The Puma wins the Tampa Bay Derby at Tampa Bay Downs. (Photo by SV Photography)

Start(s): 4
Wins: 1
Place: 2
Show: 1

Owner: OGMA Investments, JR Ranch, and High Step Racing
Breeder: Hidden Brook Farm and Brian Kahn
Trainer: Gustavo Delgado
Jockey: Javier Castellano

Top Speed Rating: (100) when finishing second the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park.
Total Earnings: $442,280

Sire: Essential Quality
Dam: Eve of War
Color: Chestnut

Tampa Bay Derby (G3) winner The Puma failed by only a nose to hold off Commandment in the Florida Derby. The Puma has improved by leaps and bounds this year for Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Gustavo Delgado and is eligible to step forward again at Churchill Downs.

Wonder Dean

Wonder Dean edges clear in the UAE Derby (G2) (Photo by Dubai Racing Club/Liesl King)

Start(s): 6
Wins: 2
Place: 2
Show: 0

Owner: Yoshinari Yamamoto
Breeder: Yoshinari Yamamoto
Trainer: Daisuke Takayanagi
Jockey: Ryusei Sakai

Top Speed Rating: N/A
Total Earnings: $770,541

Sire: Dee Majesty
Dam: Wonder Siang Praw
Color: Dark bay/brown

The second Japanese contender, Wonder Dean, campaigned in the Middle East during the winter, peaking with a win in the UAE Derby (G2). However, he was slowing down significantly at the end of the UAE Derby, so staying 1 1/4 miles against tough competition in the Kentucky Derby could be a tricky task.

Incredibolt

Incredibolt wins the Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs. (Photo by Coady Media)

Start(s): 5
Wins: 3
Place: 0
Show: 0

Owner: Pin Oak Stud
Breeder: Deann Baer & Greg Baer DVM
Trainer: Riley Mott
Jockey: Jaime Torres

Top Speed Rating: (100) when winning the Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs.
Total Earnings: $498,681

Sire: Bolt d’Oro
Dam: Sapphire Spitfire
Color: Dark bay/brown

Incredibolt won the Street Sense (G3) at Churchill Downs last fall and prepped for the Kentucky Derby with a four-length win in the Virginia Derby. But Incredibolt last raced seven weeks ago, and it’s rare for horses to win the Kentucky Derby off such an extended break.

Chief Wallabee

Chief Wallabee wins at Gulfstream Park. (Photo by Coglianese Photos)

Start(s): 3
Wins: 1
Place: 1
Show: 1

Owner: Michael and Katherine G. Ball
Breeder: Mike Ball and Katherine Ball
Trainer: Bill Mott
Jockey: Junior Alvarado

Top Speed Rating: (103) when finishing second in the Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream Park.
Total Earnings: $216,600

Sire: Constitution
Dam: A La Lucie
Color: Bay

Chief Wallabee is adding blinkers after finishing third by half a length against Commandment and The Puma in the Florida Derby. If blinkers help Chief Wallabee focus down the homestretch, he has a chance to give trainer Bill Mott a second straight Kentucky Derby win following Sovereignty in 2025.

Silent Tactic

Silent Tactic wins the Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park. (Photo by Coady Media)

Start(s): 6
Wins: 2
Place: 4
Show: 0

Owner: John C. Oxley
Breeder: Don Alberto Corporation
Trainer: Mark Casse
Jockey: Cristian Torres

Top Speed Rating: (93) on two occasions, including when finishing second in the Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park.
Total Earnings: $1,051,922

Sire: Tacitus
Dam: Magical Sign
Color: Bay

Silent Tactic was beaten four lengths by Renegade when second in the Arkansas Derby, but the Daily Racing Form reports he dealt with a bruised foot leading up to the race, which may have affected his performance. He’s trained well for the Kentucky Derby and is eligible to improve.

Potente

Potente and jockey Juan Hernandez win the San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita Park. (Photo by Benoit Photo)

Start(s): 3
Wins: 2
Place: 1
Show: 0

Owner: Speedway Stables
Breeder: Pam and Martin Wygod
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Jockey: Juan Hernandez

Top Speed Rating: (100) when finishing second in the Santa Anita Derby at Santa Anita.
Total Earnings: $262,000

Sire: Into Mischief
Dam: Sweet Sting
Color: Bay

San Felipe (G2) winner Potente tired after dueling for the lead in the Santa Anita Derby, finishing second behind So Happy. He earned a strong 100 Brisnet Speed rating, but it’s possible the Kentucky Derby’s 1 1/4-mile distance is farther than Potente wants to run.

Emerging Market

Emerging Market wins at Tampa Bay Downs. (Photo by SV Photography)

Start(s): 2
Wins: 2
Place: 0
Show: 0

Owner: Klaravich Stables
Breeder: Stoneriggs Farm
Trainer: Chad Brown
Jockey: Flavien Prat

Top Speed Rating: (102) when winning the Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds.
Total Earnings: $618,880

Sire: Candy Ride
Dam: Wild Empress
Color: Chestnut

Emerging Market is 2-for-2, and he showed talent and determination to win the Louisiana Derby by a head with a 102 Brisnet Speed rating. But no horse since Leonatus in 1883 has won the Kentucky Derby off only two races.

Pavlovian

Pavlovian (gray on the outside) and Express Kid match strides to the wire in the Sunland Park Derby (Photo by Coady Media)

Start(s): 10
Wins: 2
Place: 4
Show: 1

Owner: Reddam Racing
Breeder: Reddam Racing
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Jockey: Edwin Maldonado

Top Speed Rating: (101) when finishing second in the Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds.
Total Earnings: $613,450

Sire: Pavel
Dam: Mandy’s Grace
Color: Gray/roan

Pavlovian set the pace in the Louisiana Derby before weakening slightly to finish second against Emerging Market. He’s progressing rapidly in the right direction for two-time Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Doug O’Neill, but must avoid getting burned out in a speed duel with Six Speed.

Six Speed

Six Speed had the gears to dominate the UAE 2000 Guineas (Photo by Dubai Racing Club)

Start(s): 5
Wins: 3
Place: 1
Show: 1

Owner: Brunetti Dugan Stables, Black Type Thoroughbreds, Steve Adkisson, Swinbank Stables
Breeder: KateRich Farms
Trainer: Bhupat Seemar
Jockey: Brian Hernandez Jr.

Top Speed Rating: N/A
Total Earnings: $402,179

Sire: Not This Time
Dam: Browse
Color: Dark bay/brown

Six Speed has lots of early speed. He opened up a large lead partway through the UAE Derby before tiring to finish second by 2 1/2 lengths against Wonder Dean. Six Speed may set the pace in the Kentucky Derby, but stretching his speed over 1 1/4 miles could be a difficult assignment.

Further Ado

Further Ado wins the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland. (Photo by Coady Media)

Start(s): 6
Wins: 3
Place: 1
Show: 1

Owner: Spendthrift Farm
Breeder: John C. Oxley
Trainer: Brad Cox
Jockey: John Velazquez

Top Speed Rating: (105) when winning the Blue Grass (G1) at Keeneland.
Total Earnings: $1,146,328

Sire: Gun Runner
Dam: Sky Dreamer
Color: Chestnut

Further Ado was tons the best in the Blue Grass last time out, winning by 11 lengths with a powerful 105 Brisnet Speed rating. But his two fastest races by far have come at Keeneland, so it’s fair to question whether Further Ado will reproduce his Blue Grass performance at Churchill Downs.

Golden Tempo

Golden Tempo wins at Fair Grounds. (Photo by Hodges Photography)

Start(s): 4
Wins: 2
Place: 0
Show: 2

Owner: Phipps Stable and St. Elias Stable
Breeder: Phipps Stable and St. Elias Stables
Trainer: Cherie DeVaux
Jockey: Jose Ortiz

Top Speed Rating: (100) when finishing third in the Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds.
Total Earnings: $333,000

Sire: Curlin
Dam: Carrumba
Color: Bay

Stretch-running Golden Tempo closed from off the pace to finish third by one length in the Louisiana Derby. Deep-closing Louisiana Derby alumni frequently outrun their odds in the Kentucky Derby, and a fast pace courtesy of Six Speed and Pavlovian could help Golden Tempo record a top-four finish on the first Saturday in May.

Fulleffort

Fulleffort wins the Jeff Ruby Steaks at Turfway Park. (Photo by Coady Media)

Start(s): 7
Wins: 3
Place: 2
Show: 1

Owner: St. Elias Stable and Starlight Racing
Breeder: Athens Woods
Trainer: Brad Cox
Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione

Top Speed Rating: (99) when winning the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) at Turfway Park.
Total Earnings: $694,115

Sire: Liam’s Map
Dam: Callmethesqueeze
Color: Gray/roan

Fulleffort has shown talent on turf and Tapeta, most recently rallying to win the Jeff Ruby Steaks by 2 1/2 lengths. But he’s never raced over a dirt track like the one at Churchill Downs, so switching surfaces for the Kentucky Derby is a question mark.

Great White

Great White holds off Fulleffort in the John Battaglia Memorial (Photo by Coady Media)

Start(s): 4
Wins: 2
Place: 0
Show: 0

Owner: Three Chimneys Farm and John Ennis
Breeder: Stud TNT
Trainer: John Ennis
Jockey: Alex Achard

Top Speed Rating: (92) when winning the John Battaglia Memorial S. at Turfway Park.
Total Earnings: $202,495

Sire: Volatile
Dam: Kelly Bag
Color: Gray/roan

The first also-eligible entrant, Great White, defeated Fulleffort in the John Battaglia Memorial S. on Tapeta, but faltered when trying dirt in the Blue Grass, finishing a distant fifth. He’ll need a stronger performance to factor in the Kentucky Derby.

Ocelli

Ocelli trains for the Kentucky Derby 2026 (Photo by Horsephotos.com/Rickelle Nelson)

Start(s): 6
Wins: 0
Place: 1
Show: 3

Owner: Ashley Durr, Anthony Tate, and Front Page Equestrian
Breeder: Rosedown Racing Stables
Trainer: D. Whitworth Beckman
Jockey: Joseph Ramos

Top Speed Rating: (92) when finishing sixth in the Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs.
Total Earnings: $109,800

Sire: Connect
Dam: Zalia
Color: Bay

Second also-eligible entrant Ocelli exits a rallying third-place finish in the Wood Memorial. He’ll need to improve upon his career-best 92 Brisnet Speed rating to beat tougher foes in the Kentucky Derby.

Robusta

Robusta wins at Santa Anita. (Photo by Benoit Photo)

Start(s): 5
Wins: 1
Place: 1
Show: 0

Owner: Calumet Farm
Breeder: Calumet Farm
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Jockey: Emisael Jaramillo

Top Speed Rating: (97) when finishing second in the San Felipe at Santa Anita.
Total Earnings: $83,500

Sire: Accelerate
Dam: Urbane Legend
Color: Dark bay/brown

Third also-eligible Robusta nearly beat Potente in the San Felipe, finishing second by a head after leading in midstretch. But he subsequently finished last of seven in the Santa Anita Derby and will need a rebound to challenge at Churchill Downs.

Corona de Oro

Corona De Oro works at Churchill Downs ahead of the Kentucky Derby. (Photo by Coady Media)

Start(s): 5
Wins: 1
Place: 1
Show: 2

Owner: On Our Own Stable, Commonwealth Stable, U Racing Stables, Saints or Sinners, Titletown Racing Stables, Jim Nichols, Edwin S. Barker, Rivers Thoroughbreds, John Haines, and Dallas Stewart
Breeder: Willow Oaks Stable
Trainer: Dallas Stewart
Jockey: Brian Hernandez Jr.

Top Speed Rating: (91) when winning a maiden special weight at Fair Grounds.
Total Earnings: $92,540

Sire: Bolt d’Oro
Dam: Lemon de Oro
Color: Bay

The fourth and final also-eligible entrant is Corona de Oro, who set the pace in the Lexington (G3) before tiring to finish third by three lengths. If scratches allow Corona de Oro to compete, he’ll have to avoid hooking up with Six Speed and Pavlovian in a speed duel.