Racing Dudes Kentucky Derby Rankings 2/26/20: Dennis’ Moment Back this Week for Fountain of Youth

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 fourth set of Kentucky Derby Rankings for the 2020 season:

1. Tiz the Law 

Derby Points/Rank: 22 – 5th

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. His distance pedigree will be put to the test next time out in the Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park. 

3. Authentic 

Derby Points/Rank: 10 – 21st 

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 – 7th 

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 – 15th

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. Good news came on February 17 when the colt got back on the workout tab for the first time in 2020. We’ll have more on him once we hear where he’s pointing for his seasonal debut. 

6. Dennis’ Moment 

Derby Points/Rank: 10 – 19th 

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 kicks off his 2020 campaign this weekend in the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2). 

7. Sole Volante  

Derby Points/Rank: 10 – 17th 

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. Enforceable 

Derby Points/Rank: 33 – 3rd

Race Record: (8) 2-2-2

Earnings: $347,150

Breeding: Tapit – Justwhistledixie (Dixie Union)

Owner: John Oxley 

Trainer: Mark Casse 

Last Race: 2nd, Risen Star Stakes (G2) at Fair Grounds 

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Magic Mike

Analysis: The speed bias really hurt his chances in the Risen Star Stakes (G2); however, he was still able to get up for second in that spot. He has stamped himself as a legitimate Kentucky Derby contender after both of his 3-year-old efforts. The only issue might be his running style; it’s difficult to win the Derby as a closer.

9. Silver Prospector 

Derby Points/Rank: 21 – 6th

Race Record: (8) 3-0-2

Earnings: $713,051

Breeding: Declaration of War – Tap Softly (Tapit)

Owner: Ed Orr and Susie Orr

Trainer: Steve Asmussen  

Last Race: 1st, Southwest Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Brandon “B$” Bauer

Analysis: This colt arrived on the 3-year-old scene in a major way, winning the Southwest Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn Park. The way in which he sat patiently inside of horses was impressive and his turn of foot down the lane was eye-catching. He could be developing into a really nice colt. 

10. Charlatan 

Derby Points/Rank: 0 – NR

Race Record: (1) 1-0-0

Earnings: $33,000

Breeding: Speightstown – Authenticity (Quiet American)

Owner: SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Frederick Hertrich, John Fielding, and Golconda Stables  

Trainer: Bob Baffert  

Last Race: 1st, Maiden Special Weight at Santa Anita 

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Mike “Saratoga Slim” Spector  

Analysis: His hype train is already insane. We’ll debut him at 11 after his ultra-impressive debut that earned him a 105 Beyer speed figure. His pedigree is questionable for the Kentucky Derby distance, though, and it’s really surprising that we hadn’t heard about him before his debut. That’s rare for Baffert, who usually tips his hand with his top runners. Still, there is no doubt this horse is a very exciting prospect. 

11. Gouverneur Morris

Derby Points/Rank: 4 – 32nd 

Race Record: (3) 2-1-0

Earnings: $161,500

Breeding: Constitution – Addison Run (Unbridled’s Song)

Owner: Team Valor International and WinStar Farm LLC

Trainer: Todd Pletcher 

Last Race: 1st, Allowance Race at Tampa Bay Downs  

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Dan “Wise Dan” Waite

Analysis: This horse has always had a lot of hype, which he backed up with a nice win at Tampa Bay Downs against allowance company. He’ll head for a stakes race next, where we will get a true read on his talents. 

12. Independence Hall

Derby Points/Rank: 14 – 9th 

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. 

13. 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).

14. 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. 

15. Mr. Monomoy 

Derby Points/Rank: 52 – 1st

Race Record: (5) 2-1-1

Earnings: $327,162

Breeding: Palace Malice – Drumette (Henry Hughes)

Owner: Madaket Stables LLC, Michael Dubb, and Doheny Racing LLC

Trainer: Brad Cox 

Last Race: 1st, Risen Star Stakes (G2) at Fair Grounds 

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Real Dynasty 

Analysis: A wire to wire victory in the Risen Star Stakes (G2) secured this colt’s spot in the Kentucky Derby. The race’s 1 1/8-mile distance seemed to be a major question mark, but he successfully held off all challengers in the final furlong.  

16. Storm the Court

Derby Points/Rank: 22 – 4th

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, though we still have major questions about his talent level. 

17. Max Player 

Derby Points/Rank: 10 – 20th

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.

18. Modernist 

Derby Points/Rank: 50 – 2nd 

Race Record: (4) 2-0-1

Earnings: $288,800

Breeding: Uncle Mo – Symbolic Gesture (Bernardini) 

Owner: Pam and Martin Wygood 

Trainer: Bill Mott

Last Race: 1st, Risen Star Stakes (G2) at Fair Grounds

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Magic Mike

Analysis: The upset winner of Division 2 of the Risen Star Stakes (G2) stamped himself a ticket to the Kentucky Derby with that victory. However, the speed figure came back extremely low, so he still has plenty of improving to do next time out. 

19. Three Technique 

Derby Points/Rank: 4 – 36th 

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 with a short Oaklawn Park stretch. It’ll be interesting to see how he runs in longer races with different pace dynamics.

20. Cafe Pharoah  

Derby Points/Rank: 0 – NR

Race Record: (2) 2-0-0

Earnings: $237,059

Breeding: American Pharoah – Mary’s Follies (More Than Ready)

Owner: Koichi Nishikawa  

Trainer: N. Hori 

Last Race: 1st, Hyacinth Stakes at Tokyo Racecourse

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: NONE

Analysis: We might as well add a little Japanese flavor to the mix, especially since this is a son of American Pharoah. This is most likely Japan’s best dirt horse, so if he want to come over for the this race he should be able to qualify with their series of races.