Welcome to the 2020 Kentucky Derby Rankings! Each week leading up to the race, we will provide our Top 20 Kentucky Derby Prospects, as well as updates with the latest news on each horse. You can also visit our Kentucky Derby page for loads of information, including the latest news, rankings, prep race schedules, the Kentucky Derby point standings, and much more!
Here is our second set of Kentucky Derby Rankings for the 2020 season:
1. Tiz the Law
Derby Points/Rank: 22 – 2nd
Race Record: (4) 3-0-1
Earnings: $498,900
Breeding: Constitution – Tizfiz (Tiznow)
Owner: Sackatoga Stable
Trainer: Barcaly Tagg
Last Race: 1st, Holy Bull Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Magic Mike
Analysis: We’ll stick with him on top in our latest 2020 Kentucky Derby Rankings. His Holy Bull Stakes (G3) win was ultra-impressive. He showed a quick burst of speed, a must-have for a horse to win the Derby. He also has room for improvement off of that effort, making him pretty dangerous moving forward.
2. Nadal
Derby Points/Rank: 0 – NR
Race Record: (2) 2-0-0
Earnings: $153,000
Breeding: Blame – Ascending Angel (Pulpit)
Owner: George Bolton, Arthur Hoyeau, Barry Lipman, and Mark Mathiesen
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last Race: 1st, San Vicente Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Paul “Free Beers” Withrow
Analysis: His San Vicente Stakes (G2) performance was impressive. He went fast early, was pressed while being on the inside, yet was still able to fend off all challengers. He has a distance pedigree that will be put to the test next time out in the Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park.
3. Authentic
Derby Points/Rank: 10 – 16th
Race Record: (2) 2-0-0
Earnings: $91,200
Breeding: Into Mischief – Flawless (Mr. Greeley)
Owner: SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Frederick Hertrich, John Fielding, and Golconda Stabels
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last Race: 1st, Sham Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Aaron Halterman
Analysis: His breeding might be questionable for the Derby and he was very green in the stretch of the Sham Stakes (G3), but the talent that he put on display in that race was hard to ignore. There is no doubt that he will need to mature a bit, but at this point in the season, many horses have the same issues.
4. Thousand Words
Derby Points/Rank: 20 – 3rd
Race Record: (3) 3-0-0
Earnings: $211,000
Breeding: Pioneerof the Nile – Pomeroys Pistol (Pomeroy)
Owner: Albaugh Family Stables LLC and Spendthrift Farm LLC
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last Race: 1st, Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Paul “Free Beers” Withrow
Analysis: We haven’t seen a lot of flash from him, yet he has been nothing but solid in three straight efforts. He is more of a grinder who really seems to like getting into a fight and winning. He needs to progress from a speed figure standpoint, though.
5. Maxfield
Derby Points/Rank: 10 – 10th
Race Record: (2) 2-0-0
Earnings: $354,412
Breeding: Street Sense – Velvety (Bernardini)
Owner: Godolphin, LLC
Trainer: Brendan Walsh
Last Race: 1st, Breeders Futurity (G1) at Keeneland
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jared Welch
Analysis: This colt was extremely solid as a 2-year-old, which made people excited about his chances in big races this year. We’ll have more on him once we hear where he’s pointing for his 2020 debut.
6. Dennis’ Moment
Derby Points/Rank: 10 – 13th
Race Record: (4) 2-0-0
Earnings: $167,800
Breeding: Tiznow – Transplendid (Elusive Quality)
Owner: Albaugh Family Stables LLC
Trainer: Dale Romans
Last Race: 8th, Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) at Santa Anita Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Brandon “B$” Bauer
Analysis: After a highly disappointing Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) effort, he’s back and ready for redemption this year. He’s currently working well at Gulfstream Park as he points for the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) to kick off his campaign.
7. Sole Volante
Derby Points/Rank: 10 – 12th
Race Record: (4) 3-0-1
Earnings: $196,310
Breeding: Karakontie – Light Blow (Kingmambo)
Owner: Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, Andie Biancone, and Limelight Stable Corp.
Trainer: Patrick Biancone
Last Race: 1st, Sam F. Davis Stakes (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Real Dynasty
Analysis: He burst onto the scene with an impressive win in the Sam F. Davis Stakes (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs. After a hot pace, he was able to close strongly with a multiple length victory. He should love going longer as well; his pedigree screams distance.
8. Anneau d’Or
Derby Points/Rank: 12 – 7th
Race Record: (3) 1-2-0
Earnings: $399,000
Breeding: Medaglia d’Oro – Walk Close (Tapit)
Owner: Peter Redekop B. C., Ltd.
Trainer: Blaine Wright
Last Race: 2nd, Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) at Los Alamitos
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Dan “Wise Dan” Waite
Analysis: This colt is a narrow margin away from being 3-for-3 with two major graded stakes victories, which would have made him the 2-year-old champion of the year. His solid progression has been fun to watch. He should be ready for his 3-year-old debut in the Risen Star Stakes (G2) at Fair Grounds on February 15.
9. Structor
Derby Points/Rank: 0 – NR
Race Record: (3) 3-0-0
Earnings: $709,500
Breeding: Palace Malice – Miss Always Ready (More Than Ready)
Owner: Jeff Drown and Don Rachel
Trainer: Chad Brown
Last Race: 1st, Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) at Santa Anita Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Mike “Saratoga Slim” Spector
Analysis: We’re in a holding pattern here until we see how he does on dirt. Brown wouldn’t point him to the dirt if he wasn’t confident in his chances. Breeding-wise, there is a chance that he will excel on it, and we know that he has a high level of talent.
10. Enforceable
Derby Points/Rank: 13 – 6th
Race Record: (7) 2-1-2
Earnings: $267,150
Breeding: Tapit – Justwhistledixie (Dixie Union)
Owner: John Oxley
Trainer: Mark Casse
Last Race: 1st, Lecomte Stakes (G3) at Fair Grounds
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Magic Mike
Analysis: This horse looked like he make a solid progression between 2 and 3, which is what you want to see in a Derby contender. His Lecomte Stakes (G3) win was visually impressive. He’s trending in the right direction and has another opportunity coming up this weekend in the Risen Star Stakes (G2).
11. Independence Hall
Derby Points/Rank: 14 – 4th
Race Record: (4) 3-1-0
Earnings: $250,000
Breeding: Constitution – Kalahari Cat (Cape Town)
Owner: Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Twin Creeks Racing Stables LLC, Kathleen Verratti, and Robert Verratti
Trainer: Michael Trombetta
Last Race: 2nd, Sam F. Davis Stakes (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Aaron Halterman
Analysis: His Sam F. Davis Stakes (G3) effort was not terrible. He drafted right behind a very fast early pace, then got passed late by Sole Volante. It’s important to note that he was well clear of third in that race. He’s a solid horse, though perhaps that race raised some distance concerns.
12. Gouverneur Morris
Derby Points/Rank: 4 – 22nd
Race Record: (2) 1-1-0
Earnings: $149,500
Breeding: Constitution – Addison Run (Unbridled’s Song)
Owner: Team Valor International and WinStar Farm LLC
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Last Race: 2nd, Breeders’ Futurity (G1) at Keeneland
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Dan “Wise Dan” Waite
Analysis: This horse has always had a lot of hype and has been solid in two starts. We’ll know more about him this week when he runs at Tampa Bay Downs in a pretty tough allowance event.
13. Basin
Derby Points/Rank: 0 – NR
Race Record: (3) 2-1-0
Earnings: $261,000
Breeding: Liam’s Map – Appenzell (Johannesburg)
Owner: Jackpot Farm
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Last Race: 1st, Hopeful Stakes (G1) at Saratoga
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jon White and Ryan Stillman
Analysis: He was impressive as a 2-year-old, winning the Hopeful Stakes (G1) at Saratoga, but an injury cost him the rest of the season. He’s back working and has the Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park as his first goal.
14. Honor A. P.
Derby Points/Rank: 0 – NR
Race Record: (2) 1-1-0
Earnings: $42,200
Breeding: Honor Code – Hollywood Story (Wild Rush)
Owner: C R K Stable LLC
Trainer: John Shirreffs
Last Race: 1st, Maiden Special Weight at Santa Anita Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jon White and Ryan Stillman
Analysis: As far as talent goes, this horse has a right to be ranked extremely high, but injuries keep setting him back. He’s slated to make his 2020 debut in the San Felipe Stakes (G2).
15. Max Player
Derby Points/Rank: 10 – 14th
Race Record: (3) 2-1-0
Earnings: $173,500
Breeding: Honor Code – Fools in Love (Not For Love)
Owner: George Hall
Trainer: Linda Rice
Last Race: 1st, Withers Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Dan “Wise Dan” Waite
Analysis: The Withers Stakes (G3) winner is now on the Kentucky Derby scene, even though the race wasn’t all that fast. Still, his pedigree is solid, and he did show a nice closing kick.
16. Storm the Court
Derby Points/Rank: 22 – 1st
Race Record: (5) 2-0-1
Earnings: $1,184,951
Breeding: Court Vision – My Tejana Storm (Tejano Run)
Owner: Exline-Border Racing LLC, David Bernsen, Susanna Wilson, and Dan Hudock
Trainer: Peter Eurton
Last Race: 4th, San Vicente Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jon White and Ryan Stillman
Analysis: Most people were not surprised by his dull effort in the San Vicente Stakes (G2), as it was meant more about just getting him started in 2020. Expect him to be better next time out; however, we still have major questions about his talent level.
17. Ajaaweed
Derby Points/Rank: 7 – 17th
Race Record: (5) 1-1-1
Earnings: $139,850
Breeding: Curlin – Asiya (Daaher)
Owner: Shadwell Stable
Trainer: Kiaran McLaughlin
Last Race: 3rd, Sam F. Davis Stakes (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Austin Elsey and Steve Ronchetto
Analysis: He closed fast in the Remsen Stakes (G2) to finish a close second, then made another mild rally in the Sam F. Davis Stakes (G3). His pedigree suggests that he’ll be solid at longer distances, but he looks like he lacks the major turn of foot it takes to win the Derby.
18. Gold Street
Derby Points/Rank: 10 – 15th
Race Record: (6) 3-2-0
Earnings: $225,218
Breeding: Street Boss – Morakami (Fusaichi Pegasus)
Owner: Mike McCarthy
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Last Race: 1st, Smary Jones Stakes at Oaklawn Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: NONE
Analysis: Pedigree-wise, he looks like a sprinter, but he was impressive in the Smarty Jones Stakes. He has also proven to like the slop, which is never a bad thing. It will be interesting to see how he does as the distances get longer.
19. Three Technique
Derby Points/Rank: 4 – 28th
Race Record: (5) 2-3-0
Earnings: $154,750
Breeding: Mr Speaker – Nite in Rome (Harlan’s Holiday)
Owner: August Dawn Farm
Trainer: Jeremiah Englehart
Last Race: 2nd, Smarty Jones Stakes at Oaklawn Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Mike “Saratoga Slim” Spector
Analysis: He was really up against it in the Smarty Jones Stakes, having no pace to run into and a short Oaklawn Park stretch. It’ll be interesting to see how he runs in longer races with different pace dynamics.
20. Shoplifted
Derby Points/Rank: 12 – 8th
Race Record: (6) 2-1-1
Earnings: $400,500
Breeding: Into Mischief – Shopit (Yes It’s True)
Owner: Cheyenne Stables LLC, Grandview Equine, and LNJ Foxwoods
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Last Race: 3rd, Smarty Jones Stakes at Oaklawn Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jared Welch
Analysis: He seems like the type of horse who can sneak into the Derby by finishing on the board in big races. We know that he has class and we can expect him to show up with a solid effort every time. However, he’s probably just a cut below the top horses.
