who is running in the kentucky derby
Kentucky Derby 2026: Current Top Contenders
The 2026 Kentucky Derby, set for May 2 at Churchill Downs, features a
competitive "Road to the Derby" points system where the top 18-20 horses
qualify based on prep race performances. As of mid-February 2026, no final
field is set—expect shifts as key races like the Risen Star, Fountain of
Youth, and upcoming ones unfold—but leaderboards highlight promising 3-year-
olds trained by top names like Todd Pletcher and Bob Baffert.
Leaderboard Standouts
These horses lead the points chase, blending raw talent, pedigree, and earnings from early-season stakes. Here's the top 10 from the latest standings:
| Rank | Horse | Points | Earnings | Trainer | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ted Noffey | 40 | $1,602,963 | Todd A. Pletcher | Spendthrift Farm |
| 2 | Mr. A. P. | 15 | $340,000 | Vladimir Cerin | Holly & David Wilson |
| 3 | Intrepido | 13 | $240,000 | Jeff Mullins | Dutch Girl Holdings & Irving Ventures |
| 4 | Spice Runner | 11 | $243,426 | Steven M. Asmussen | Winchell Thoroughbreds |
| 5 | Napoleon Solo | 10 | $275,000 | Chad Summers | Gold Square |
| 6 | Incredibolt | 10 | $122,070 | Riley Mott | Pin Oak Stud |
| 7 | Brant | 9 | $360,000 | Bob Baffert | SF Racing et al. |
| 8 | Litmus Test | 9 | $182,188 | Bob Baffert | SF Racing et al. |
| 9 | Universe | 8 | $99,700 | Kenneth G. McPeek | Four G Racing et al. |
| 10 | Comport | 5 | $264,050 | Eddie Kenneally | Joseph W. Sutton |
Notable Mentions and Buzz
- Paladin (Chad Brown): Recently vaulted to #1 in some rankings like Daily Racing Form's, praised for pedigree and upside; a Coolmore-owned contender drawing international eyes.
- Chip Honcho (Steven Asmussen): Sitting high with 14 points in partial lists, known for gritty finishes.
- Baffert duo Brant and Litmus Test bring Hollywood flair, with strong earnings signaling stamina for the 1¼-mile classic.
Forum chatter on sites like TwinSpires highlights underdogs like Desert Gate (another Baffert) for upset potential, while Wikipedia notes international longshots like Wonder Dean from Japan.
Qualification Path Ahead
Points double in late preps (e.g., Louisiana Derby in March), so expect wildcards like Talk to Me Jimmy or Golden Tempo to surge—last year, 2025's field shifted dramatically post-Arkansas Derby. Trainers like Asmussen and McPeek dominate with multiple entries, blending experience with fresh blood.
TL;DR: Ted Noffey leads, but Paladin and Baffert stars like Brant are hot; final field firms up post-March preps.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.
