The Road to the Kentucky Derby continues to take shape as the prep season heats up and new contenders emerge each weekend.
This past Saturday delivered two major statements on the trail as Potente surged late to win the San Felipe Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita while The Puma pounced in the stretch to capture the Tampa Bay Derby (G3). Both winners earned 50 Kentucky Derby qualifying points, immediately forcing their way into the Derby conversation.
As official voters in the NTRA Top 3-Year-Old Poll, we’ve updated our ballots once again. Below is the Racing Dudes consensus Top 10 Kentucky Derby contenders, combining the rankings from myself and Aaron Halterman.
🥇 1. Commandment
There was zero debate for the top spot this week.
Both ballots once again landed Commandment firmly at #1 after his impressive victory in the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2). The colt continues to look like one of the most complete horses on the Derby trail with tactical speed, professionalism, and improving numbers.
Jared Rank: 1
Aaron Rank: 1
🥈 2. Chief Wallabee
Another unanimous position this week belongs to Chief Wallabee, who holds steady at #2 on both ballots.
His runner-up effort behind Commandment in the Fountain of Youth confirmed he belongs among the very best in this crop, and there still appears to be more upside as the distances continue to stretch out.
Jared Rank: 2
Aaron Rank: 2
🥉 3. Paladin
Paladin remains firmly in the upper tier of Derby contenders following his Risen Star Stakes (G2) victory earlier this prep season.
Aaron gives him a slight edge, ranking him third overall, while I slot him a bit lower. Either way, the Chad Brown trainee continues to look like one of the most reliable horses on the Derby trail right now.
Jared Rank: 5
Aaron Rank: 3
4. Class President
Class President earned this spot after his gritty win in the Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park.
I ranked him slightly higher after that performance, while Aaron keeps him just outside his personal top five. Regardless, the Rebel winner has clearly established himself as one of the major contenders on the trail.
Jared Rank: 3
Aaron Rank: 6
5. Nearly
Nearly continues to hover right in the middle of the rankings after flashing serious ability earlier this season in the Holy Bull (G3).
Aaron ranks him slightly higher following his strong earlier prep performance, while I still keep him comfortably inside the top half of the Derby picture.
Jared Rank: 6
Aaron Rank: 4
6. Silent Tactic
Even with a runner-up finish in the Rebel Stakes, Silent Tactic remains a major player on the Derby trail.
I ranked him fourth overall thanks to his earlier win in the Southwest Stakes (G3), while Aaron keeps him just a few spots lower on his ballot.
Jared Rank: 4
Aaron Rank: 7
7. Renegade
Renegade continues to hold a steady position in the rankings after his earlier prep success.
Both ballots place him firmly in the middle of the Top 10 as a horse that has shown ability but still has more to prove against the top tier.
Jared Rank: 7
Aaron Rank: 5
8. The Puma
One of the biggest risers this week is The Puma, who burst onto the Derby scene with a huge performance in the Tampa Bay Derby (G3).
After jumping from the maiden ranks to win one of the key Derby preps, he immediately landed inside both ballots.
Jared Rank: 9
Aaron Rank: 8
9. Potente
Another new face in the rankings is Potente, who stayed perfect with a thrilling late surge to win the San Felipe Stakes (G2).
The Bob Baffert trainee has now won both of his career starts and could still have significant upside as the prep season continues.
Jared Rank: 8
Aaron Rank: 10
10. Further Ado
Rounding out the rankings is Further Ado, who continues to quietly put together a consistent Derby trail campaign.
While he hasn’t produced the flashiest prep win yet, both ballots still see him as a legitimate Derby contender heading into the next round of races.
Jared Rank: 10
Aaron Rank: 9
The Derby Trail Is Heating Up
With the prep season entering its most critical stretch, several 100-point Derby preps remain that could dramatically reshape these rankings.
For now, though, the Racing Dudes ballots show a clear group beginning to separate itself — led by Commandment, with a deep group of contenders chasing behind him.
And if the last few weeks have proven anything, it’s that the Derby trail can change in a hurry.
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