Ultimate Road to the Kentucky Derby Racing Guide
May 01, 2025
Ultimate Racing Guide for the 152nd Kentucky Derby
Finding a horse to follow on the Road to the Kentucky Derby could be overwhelming for some. Typically around 20,000 Thoroughbreds hope to earn their way as one of 20 contenders in the Kentucky Derby, here our experts have compiled all the information you need for learning who to cheer on! Discover expert picks, analysis, insider news and more! Bookmark this helpful page to find regular updates and added information over time.
- Quick Reference Index; jump to a specific section
Kentucky Derby Features
Before they were Derby contenders, they were foals ready to prove themselves. Tales from the Crib by Kellie Reilly highlights the beginning steps of our Derby field.
Pedigree Fun Facts
Kentucky Derby Prep Review:
- Kentucky Derby Prep Review Feb. 3, 2026
- Kentucky Derby Prep Review Feb. 10, 2026
- Kentucky Derby Prep Review Feb. 18, 2026
- Kentucky Derby Prep Review March 3, 2026
- Kentucky Derby Prep Review March 10, 2026
- Kentucky Derby Prep Review March 24, 2026
- Kentucky Derby Prep Review March 31, 2026
- Kentucky Derby Prep Review April 7, 2026
Kentucky Derby and Oaks Power Rankings
- Week 1: Feeling the Derby Power: Kentucky Derby Power Rankings 2025
- Week 2: Feeling the Derby Power: Kentucky Derby Power Rankings 2025 [Oct. 14]
- Week 3: Feeling the Derby Power: Kentucky Derby Power Rankings 2025 [Oct. 21]
- Week 4: Feeling the Derby Power: Kentucky Derby Power Rankings 2025 [Oct. 27]
- Week 5: Feeling the Derby Power: Kentucky Derby Power Rankings 2025 [Nov. 3]
- Week 6: Power Rankings [Nov. 10]: A Look at Potential Picks for the Sire Future Wager
- Week 7: Kentucky Derby Power Rankings: Del Mar Cancellations Muddy Picture [Nov. 18]
- Week 8: Kentucky Derby Power Rankings: Thanksgiving Weekend Approaches [Nov. 24]
- Week 9: Kentucky Derby Power Rankings: Thanksgiving weekend brings major changes [Dec. 2]
- Week 10: Kentucky Derby Power Ranking: Zany Bursts into Oaks Contention
- Week 11: Kentucky Derby Power Rankings: Litmus Test Franks Earlier Form [Dec 16]
- Week 12: Kentucky Derby Power Rankings: Big news shakes up rankings [Dec. 23]
- Week 13: Kentucky Derby Power Rankings: Questions to be Answered for Derby Contenders [Dec. 30]
- Week 14: Kentucky Derby Power Rankings: Newcomers to Rankings List shine [Jan. 6]
- Week 15: Kentucky Derby Power Rankings: Derby Season About to Fully Launch [Jan. 13]
- Week 16: Kentucky Derby Power Rankings: Big Week For 'All Others' Future Wager Option
- Week 17: Kentucky Derby Power Rankings: Little Change Ahead of Big Weekend
- Week 18: Kentucky Derby and Oaks Power Rankings: A Week of Drama
- Week 19: Kentucky Derby and Oaks Power Rankings: Four Derby preps produce shake-up
- Week 20: Kentucky Derby and Oaks Power Rankings: Future Wager results highlight open contests
- Week 21: Kentucky Derby and Oaks Power Ranking: Calm before the storm
- Week 22: Kentucky Derby and Oaks Power Rankings: A week of change
- Week 23: Kentucky Derby and Oaks Power Rankings: Chance to play early on the Oaks
- Week 24: Kentucky Derby and Oaks Power Rankings: Excitement Builds as Biggest Preps Begin
- Week 25: Kentucky Derby and Oaks Power Rankings: Three 200-Point Races, Three New Winners
- Week 26: Kentucky Derby and Oaks Power Rankings: An Injury Shake-Up
- Week 27: Kentucky Derby and Oaks Power Rankings: Who will Irad Ortiz Jr. ride?
- Week 28: Kentucky Derby and Oaks Power Rankings: Key rider bookings made
2025 Kentucky Derby Alumni & Kentucky Oaks Update
- Kentucky Derby Alumni: Disarm Returns to Stakes Company in the Oaklawn H.
- Kentucky Derby alumni update: Disarm set to return to graded stakes company
- Kentucky Derby Alumni Update: Honor Marie set to make 4-year-old debut
- Kentucky Oaks Alumni Update: Thorpedo Anna Makes 4-Year-Old Debut in Azeri
- Kentucky Oaks Alumni Update: Thorpedo Anna Makes 4-Year-Old Debut in Azeri
- Kentucky Derby Alumni Update: Hit Show Ships West for Big 'Cap
- Kentucky Derby Alumni Update: Epic Ride
- Kentucky Derby Alumni: Saudi Cup update
- Kentucky Derby Alumni Update: Just Steel
- Kentucky Derby Alumni Update: White Abarrio and Mystik Dan
- Kentucky Derby Alumni Update: Hit Show and Catching Freedom
Kentucky Derby News
- Ted Noffey sidelined, off Kentucky Derby trail
- Top 12 to follow on the Road to the 2026 Kentucky Derby
Features and History
- Did you know: The world’s richest racehorse
- Kentucky Derby Lucky Losers – Damascus (1967)
- How to Host the Ultimate Kentucky Derby At Home Party in 2026
- 5 Cocktail Tips for Hosting a Kentucky Derby Party at Home
- How to Host the Kentucky Derby at Home
- The 2026 Virginia Derby field as Academy Award Best Picture Nominees
- Did you know: Secretariat tops list of great Virginia-breds
- Flashback: Mixed results for heavily favored stablemates in 1976 Kentucky Derby and Oaks
- Kentucky Derby Lucky Losers – Sword Dancer (1959)
- Kentucky Derby Lucky Losers: Sun Beau (1928)
- Kentucky Derby Lucky Losers – Market Wise (1941)
- Kentucky Derby Lucky Losers – Gulch (1987)
- Kentucky Derby Lucky Losers: Cleopatra (1920)
- Kentucky Derby Lucky Losers: Bold Ruler (1957)
- Rags to Riches wore a crown of lilies and carnations
- Kentucky Derby Lucky Losers – Forego (1973)
- Kentucky Derby’s Lucky Losers: Skywalker (1985)
- What is the Kentucky Derby Championship Series?
- Olympia a losing Kentucky Derby favorite who still won all over
- What do Rachel Alexandra, Man o' War and Big Exchange Have In Common?
- What type of horses run in the Kentucky Derby?
- Horsepower in the Bluegrass: The Economic Impact of Horse Racing
- How Kentucky Derby betting traditions have changed over time since 1875
- Best horses to enter the Kentucky Derby undefeated and lose
- Surprise in the Sun: Chateaugay and the 1963 Kentucky Derby
- The Upset Heard Around the Racing World: Dark Star and the 1953 Kentucky Derby
- Kentucky Derby fashion over the decades 1875-2024
Kentucky Derby Handicapping Education
- Handicapper John Mucciolo's Top 5 Kentucky Derbies
- Betting Smarter: Ashley Anderson’s 3 tips for betting your first Pick 3
- Betting Smarter: Ashley Anderson’s 3 tips for betting your first exacta exotic bet
- Betting Smarter: 4 lessons from 4 years of working in horse racing
- Betting Smarter: Ashley Anderson’s favorite tips for betting horse racing
- Betting Smarter: Ashley Anderson’s five tips for your first time betting horse racing
KENTUCKY DERBY PREP SEASON (2025-2026)
IROQUOIS | Points 10-4-3-2-1 | September 2025
Winner -- Spice Runner
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Winning Horse Profile |
CHAMPAGNE| Points 10-4-3-2-1 | October 2025
Winner -- Napoleon Solo
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile | LIVE |
AMERICAN PHAROAH |Points 10-4-3-2-1 | October 2025
Winner: Intrepido
Race Preview | Study Guide | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile | LIVE
BREEDERS' FUTURITY | Points 10-4-3-2-1 | October 2025
Winner: Ted Noffey
Race Preview | Study Guide | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile | LIVE
STREET SENSE | Points 10-4-3-2-1 | October 2025
Winner: Incredibolt
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
BREEDERS' CUP JUVENILE | Points 30–12–9–6-3 | October 2025
Winner: Ted Noffey
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile | LIVE
KENTUCKY JOCKEY CLUB | Points Points 10-4-3-2-1 | November 2025
Winner: Further Ado
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
REMSEN | Points 10-5-3-2-1 | December 2025
Winner: Paladin
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
LOS ALAMITOS FUTURITY |Points 10-5-3-2-1 | December 2025
Winner: Litmus Test
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
SPRINGBOARD MILE | Points 10-5-3-2-1 |December 2025
Winner: Express Kid
Race Preview | Study Guide | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
GUN RUNNER | Points 10-5-3-2-1 | December 2025
Winner: Chip Honcho
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
SMARTY JONES | Points 10-5-3-2-1 | January 2025
Winner: Strategic Risk
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
JEROME | Points 10-5-3-2-1 | January 2025
Winner: My World
Study Guide | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
LECOMTE | 20-10-6-4-2 | January 2025
Winner: Golden Tempo
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
HOLY BULL | 20-10-6-4-2 | January 2025
Winner: Nearly
Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
SOUTHWEST | 20-10-6-4-2 |February 2025
Winner: Silent Tactic
Race Preview | Study Guide | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
ROBERT B. LEWIS | 20-10-6-4-2 | February 2025
Winner: Plutarch
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
WITHERS | 20-10-6-4-2 | February 2025
Winner: Talk to Me Jimmy
Race Preview | Study Guide | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
SAM F. DAVIS | 20-10-6-4-2 | February 2025
Winner: Renegade
Race Preview | Study Guide | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
JOHN BATTAGLIA MEMORIAL | 20-10-6-4-2 | February 2025
Winner: Great White
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
SUNLAND DERBY | Points 50-25-15-10-2 | February 2026
Winner: Pavlovian
Race Preview | Study Guide | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
KENTUCKY DERBY CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON (2025-2026)
RISEN STAR | Points 50-25-15-10-2 | February 2025
Winner: Paladin
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
GOTHAM | Points 50-25-15-10-2 | February 2026
Winner: Iron Honor
Race Preview | Study Guide | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH | Points 50-25-15-10-2 | February 2026
Winner: Commandment
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
SAN FELIPE | Points 50-25-15-10-2 | February 2026
Winner: Potente
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
REBEL | Points 50-25-15-10-2 | March 2026
Winner: Class President
Race Preview | Study Guide | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
TAMPA BAY DERBY | Points 50-25-15-10-2 | March 2026
Winner: The Puma
Race Preview | Study Guide | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
VIRGINIA DERBY | Points 50-25-15-10-2 | March 2026
Winner: Incredibolt
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile
JEFF RUBY STEAKS | Points 100-50-25-15-10 | March 2026
Winner: Fulleffort
Race Preview | Study Guide | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile | LIVE Blog
LOUISIANA DERBY | Points 100-50-25-15-10 | March 2026
Winner: Emerging Market
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile | LIVE Blog
FLORIDA DERBY | Points 100-50-25-15-10 | March 2026
Winner: Commandment
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile | LIVE Blog
ARKANSAS DERBY | Points 100-50-25-15-10 | March 2026
Winner: Renegade
Race Preview | Study Guide | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile | LIVE Blog
WOOD MEMORIAL | Points 100-50-25-15-10 | April 2026
Winner: Albus
Study Guide | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile | LIVE Blog
BLUE GRASS | Points 100-50-25-15-10 | April 2026
Winner: Further Ado
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile | LIVE Blog
SANTA ANITA DERBY | Points 100-50-25-15-10 | April 2026
Winner: So Happy
Race Preview | Study Guide |Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile | LIVE Blog
LEXINGTON | 20-10-6-4-2 | April 2026
Winner: Trendsetter
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap
KENTUCKY OAKS | 20-10-6-4-2 | May 2026
Winner:
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile | LIVE Blog
KENTUCKY DERBY | 20-10-6-4-2 | May 2026
Winner:
Race Preview | Study Guide | Expert Pick | Race Recap | Winning Horse Profile | LIVE Blog
KENTUCKY DERBY POST POSITIONS & MORNING LINE ODDS
Kentucky Derby Entries & Fair Odds for the 2025 Kentucky Derby
KENTUCKY DERBY STATS AND NUMBERS
Road to the Kentucky Derby Top 20 Point Earners
*Click on each horse name under Stable Alerts to follow that contender.
| Rank | Horse | Points | Owners | Trainers |
| 1 | Commandment | 150 | Wathnan Racing | Brad Cox |
| 2 | Further Ado | 135 | Spendthrift Farm LLC | Brad Cox |
| 3 | Renegade | 125 | Low, Robert, Low, Lawana L. and Repole Stables. | Todd Pletcher |
| 4 | So Happy | 115 | Norman Stables LLC (Robbie Norman) & Saints or Sinners (Hans & Ana Maron) | Mark Glatt |
| 5 | Fulleffort | 110 | St. Elias Stable and Starlight Racing | Brad Cox |
| 6 | The Puma | 106 | OGMA Investments LLC, JR Ranch & High Step Racing LLC | Gustavo Delgado |
| 7 | Silent Tactic | 100 | John C. Oxley | Mark Casse |
| 8 | Emerging Market | 100 | Klaravich Stables Inc. (Seth Klarman) | Chad Brown |
| 9 | Albus | 100 | Pin Oak Stud LLC | Riley Mott |
| 10 | Potente | 100 | Speedway Stables LLC (Peter Fluor & K.C. Weiner) | Bob Baffert |
| 11 | Pavlovian | 70 | Reddam Racing LLC | Doug F. O'Neil |
| 12 | Right to Party | 65 | Chester Broman, Sr. | Kenny McPeek |
| 13 | Incredibolt | 60 | Pin Oak Stud LLC | Riley Mott |
| 14 | Golden Tempo | 60 | Phipps Stable (Ogden Mills Phipps) & St. Elias Stable (Vincent Viola) | Cherie DeVaux |
| 15 | Class President | 50 | WinStar Farm, LLC, First Go Racing and CHC, Inc. | Todd A. Pletcher |
| 16 | Stark Contrast | 50 | Amerman Racing LLC (Mr. & Mrs. John Amerman) | Michael McCarthy |
| 17 | Chief Wallabee | 50 | Ball, Michael and Ball, Katherine G. | Bill Mott |
| 18 | Danon Bourbon | JPN | Danox Co. Ltd. | Manabu Ikezoe |
| 19 | Wonder Dean | EURO | Yoshinari Yamamoto | Daisuke Takayanagi |
| 20 | Six Speed | EURO | Brunetti Dugan Stables, Black Type Thoroughbreds (Jake Ballis), Steve Adkisson, Swinbank Stables (Reagan Swinbank) | Bhupat Seemar |
Updated on April 18, 2026
KENTUCKY OAKS NEWS
Road to the Kentucky Oaks News
September 2025
- Undefeated Dazzling Dame tops Pocahontas, Road to Kentucky Oaks opener
- Tommy Jo headlines big week of Kentucky Oaks qualifiers
- Explora invades from Southern California for Golden Rod
October 2025
November 2025
- Iron Orchard battles to win Frizette; Explora much the best in Oak Leaf
- Godolphin’s Bella Ballerina holds on in Golden Rod
December 2025
- Nimah favored to extend Baffert’s Starlet dominance
- Zany wins Demoiselle for fun; Consequent strongest late in Starlet
January 2026
- Explora heavily favored in Santa Ynez; six set for Busanda
- Dazzling Dame runs up to her name in Busanda'
- Explora remains one to beat in rescheduled Santa Ynez
- Explora wins as she pleases in Santa Ynez
- Taken by the Wind goes all the way for Terry Bradshaw in Silverbulletday
- Cannoneer, Incredibolt clash in Holy Bull; eight vie in Forward Gal
February 2026
- Las Virgenes showdown: Super Corredora, Explora renew rivalry from Breeders’ Cup
- Zany wins easily in Suncoast
- Meaning overturns Breeders’ Cup rivals in Las Virgenes
- Resplendence joins Road to Kentucky Oaks with Cincinnati Trophy victory
- Calumet’s She Be Smooth romps in Davona Dale; Paradise takes flight in Busher
March 2026
- Super Corredora looks to rebound in Santa Ysabel
- Forced Entry breaks into Kentucky Oaks picture in Santa Ysabel
- Bella Ballerina aims to stay perfect in Fair Grounds Oaks
- Life of Joy irrepressible in Fair Grounds Oaks
- Explora headlines Fantasy Friday; She Be Smooth tops Gulfstream Park Oaks
- Counting Stars runs away with Fantasy
- Zany looks to consolidate Oaks favoritism in Ashland
April 2026
- Percy’s Bar rides rail, beats Zany in Ashland
- Meaning tops leaderboard in Santa Anita Oaks; Always a Runner gets up in Gazelle
- So Happy gets the distance in Santa Anita Derby
EUROPEAN AND JAPAN ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY COVERAGE
September 2025
- Euro/Mideast Road: O’Brien goes for Royal Lodge, Beresford double
- Bow Echo stays perfect in Royal Lodge; Hawk Mountain romps in Beresford
October 2025
- Powerhouse stables clash in Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere on Euro/Mideast Road
- Euro/Mideast Road: Puerto Rico wires Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere
- Churchill Downs Incorporated News Release: CDI Expands European / Middle East Road to the Kentucky Derby
- Benvenuto Cellini tops O’Brien trio in Futurity Trophy
- Hawk Mountain prevails in Futurity Trophy sweep for O’Brien
November 2025
- Promising prospects take first step on Japan Road in Cattleya Stakes
- Japan Road: Into Mischief colt Satono Voyage captures Cattleya Stakes
December 2025
- Japan Road: Tamamo Freesia takes on colts in Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun
- Japan Road: Pyromancer stays unbeaten in Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun
January 2026
- Godolphin’s Devon Island leads 16-strong field in UAE 2000 Guineas
- Six Speed rolls in UAE 2000 Guineas for new American owners
February 2026
- Triple Crown nominees Six Speed, Salloom catch the eye in Dubai
- Saudi Derby: My World, Satono Voyage among international cast
- Al Haram rallies to stay undefeated in Saudi Derby
- Dubai Road to Kentucky Derby, UAE Oaks on tap at Meydan Friday
- Japan Road: Arcadia Cafe seeks brotherly hat-trick in Hyacinth
- Brotherly Love rallies in Dubai Road to Kentucky Derby; Labwah romps in UAE Oaks
- Hidden Force too strong in Kempton’s European Road to Kentucky Derby race
- Blanc de Blanc favored versus the boys in Patton at Dundalk
- Blanc de Blanc cruises into European classic picture in Patton
March 2026
- Euro/Mideast Road finale: Six Speed, Pyromancer square off in UAE Derby
- Japan Road finale: Unbeaten Danon Bourbon hopes to stamp his ticket in Fukuryu
- Danon Bourbon stays perfect in Fukuryu, final leg of Japan Road
- Wonder Dean outstays Six Speed in UAE Derby
Kentucky Derby Future Wager coverage by TwinSpires.com
- KDFW Pool 5: Paladin, Chief Wallabee close as overall 8-1 favorites; Zany 4-1 in KOFW
- Hanson, Scully handicap Pool 5 of Kentucky Derby Future Wager, Kentucky Oaks Future Wager
- Paladin heads KDFW Pool 5, Zany favored in Oaks Future
- KDFW Pool 4: Paladin closes as individual favorite at 9-1
- Kevin Kerstein's picks for Feb 13 at KY Derby Future Wager
- Paladin heads Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 4
- Ted Noffey 6-1, All Others 7-2 in KDFW Pool 3
- Hanson, Scully handicap Pool 3 of Kentucky Derby Future Wager
- Field, morning-line odds for KDFW Pool 3 [Jan. 16-18, 2026]
- Ted Noffey closes at 7-1 in KDFW Pool 2; Into Mischief 9-2 in Sire Future
- Hanson, Scully handicap Pool 2 of 2026 Kentucky Derby Future Wager
- Ted Noffey, Into Mischief loom large in KDFW Pool 2 and Sire Future Wager
- How to bet 2026 Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 1
Want to back a favorite horse running in a Kentucky Derby prep race? Each of the races found on this page are available for wagering at TwinSpires.com!
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