The Road to the Kentucky Derby is heating up, and this week’s Racing Dudes rankings get a major upgrade—now featuring Hall of Fame handicapper Jon White alongside your resident Dudes, myself and Aaron Halterman.
All three of us are official voters in the weekly NTRA Top 3-Year-Old Poll, so you’re getting a real look at how the national picture is shaping up as the Derby trail heats up.
With the Florida Derby, Arkansas Derby, and other final major preps looming over the next two weeks, expect significant movement—this list is likely to look completely different by the time those races are run.
Here’s this week’s Racing Dudes Top 10:
🥇 1. Commandment
Commandment stays firmly on top as the most proven and complete horse on the Derby trail right now.
His Fountain of Youth victory combined with elite speed figures continues to separate him from the rest, and all signs point to him being a major player heading into Churchill Downs.
Jared Rank: 1
Aaron Rank: 1
Jon Rank: 2
Next Start: Florida Derby
🥈 2. Chief Wallabee
Chief Wallabee remains locked into the #2 spot after his impressive effort in the Fountain of Youth.
The Bill Mott trainee continues to progress with each start, and his combination of tactical speed and stamina makes him incredibly dangerous as distances stretch out. Could move to top with a win this weekend.
Jared Rank: 2
Aaron Rank: 2
Jon Rank: 10
Next Start: Florida Derby
🥉 3. Emerging Market
Emerging Market is this week’s biggest riser, jumping into the Top 3 after being ranked #1 by Jon.
His Louisiana Derby victory stamped him as a serious contender, and he continues to look like a horse peaking at the right time with upside still left to unlock.
Jared Rank: 7
Aaron Rank: 7
Jon Rank: 1
Next Start: Kentucky Derby
4. Class President
Class President is no longer flying under the radar—he’s firmly established himself as one of the top horses in this crop.
His stakes debut in the Rebel Stakes was eye-catching and hinted at serious upside, but he still needs one more strong prep to fully validate himself as a legitimate Kentucky Derby win contender.
Jared Rank: 3
Aaron Rank: 6
Jon Rank: 4
Next Start: Blue Grass Stakes (Possible)
5. Paladin
Paladin holds steady inside the Top 5 and remains one of the more accomplished runners on the trail.
He’s proven against quality fields and still feels like a horse capable of taking another step forward in his final prep.
Jared Rank: 5
Aaron Rank: 3
Jon Rank: 3
Next Start: Blue Grass Stakes
6. Nearly
Nearly continues to hang around the Top 10 thanks to consistent efforts in key prep races.
While he may not have the flash of some others, his steady progression and reliability keep him firmly in the mix. Another who could jump up (or down) the list pending final prep.
Jared Rank: 6
Aaron Rank: 4
Jon Rank: 7
Next Start: Florida Derby
7. Renegade
Renegade remains a fringe Top 5 type depending on the ballot and continues to show upside.
He’s flashed talent in his prep races and could take a major step forward with the right trip in his next start.
Jared Rank: 8
Aaron Rank: 5
Jon Rank: 8
Next Start: Arkansas Derby
8. Silent Tactic
Silent Tactic stays inside the Top 10 after another strong effort against top competition.
His closing ability makes him dangerous in longer races, and if the pace sets up right, he’s capable of making serious noise.
Jared Rank: 4
Aaron Rank: 8
Jon Rank: NR
Next Start: Arkansas Derby
9. Fulleffort
Fulleffort is quickly turning from a developing prospect into a legitimate threat after a powerful, statement win in the Jeff Ruby Steaks.
He’s improving at the right time and has the profile of a horse that can absolutely light up the board on Derby Day—especially if the pace melts down and sets up for his late run.
Jared Rank: 10
Aaron Rank: 10
Jon Rank: 6
Next Start: Kentucky Derby
10. Potente
Potente holds onto a spot in the Top 10 and remains a dangerous wildcard.
His raw talent is undeniable, and if he puts it all together in his next prep, he could quickly move up the rankings.
Jared Rank: 9
Aaron Rank: NR
Jon Rank: 9
Next Start: Santa Anita Derby
Just Missed
The Puma – Ranked by Aaron but left off the other ballots this week.
Pavlovian – Cracks Jon’s Top 5 but needs broader support to reach the consensus list.
Final Thoughts
Adding Jon to the rankings immediately shakes things up—most notably with Emerging Market’s jump into the Top 3.
At the top, however, things remain steady with Commandment and Chief Wallabee continuing to separate themselves as the most reliable contenders on the trail.
With the final round of major preps approaching, these rankings are far from settled—but this group represents the core names to watch as we get closer to the Kentucky Derby.
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