Welcome to the 2018 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, our Derby Trail Tracker, the Kentucky Derby point standings, and much more!
1. McKinzie
Derby Points/Rank: 40 – 6th
Race Record: (4) 3-1-0
Earnings: $350,000
Breeding: Street Sense – Runway Model
Owner: Watson, Pegram, and Weitman
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last Race: Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita, Finished 2nd (via DQ)
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jon White/Ryan Stillman
Analysis: A wild weekend at Santa Anita was highlighted by an incredible stretch duel between McKinzie and Bolt d’Oro in the the San Felipe. McKinzie was able to just edge clear of Bolt d’Oro at the wire, but he was later disqualified to second. McKinzie will remain our number horse even with the loss, as the disqualification was questionable. All of the drama aside, McKinzie’s fight was very impressive, as he was headed at the top of the stretch but still battled back when he looked defeated. At this point, these two horses seem to be well clear of the others.
2. Bolt d’Oro
Derby Points/Rank: 64 – 1st
Race Record: (5) 4-0-1
Earnings: $816,000
Breeding: Medaglia d’Oro – Globe Trot
Owner: Ruis Racing LLC
Trainer: Mick Ruis
Last Race: Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita, Finished 1st (via DQ)
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Mike “Saratoga Slim” Spector
Analysis: He was incredible in his three year old debut in the San Felipe Stakes even though he hit the wire just behind rival McKinzie. The move this horse made on the turn was ultra impressive, and it makes it even more impressive that he ran this strongly off of a layoff. Moving forward he looks to be the real deal as he has carried his great two year form into his three year old season flawlessly. The racing world would love to see our top two horses square off once again as they have lit a fire under the Kentucky Derby prep season.
3. Solomini
Derby Points/Rank: 14 – 15th
Race Record: (4) 1-2-1
Earnings: $472,000
Breeding: Curlin – Surf Song
Owner: Zayat Stables
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last Race: Grade 1 Los Alamitos Futurity at Los Alamitos, Finished 3rd (via DQ)
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jared Welch
Analysis: This son of Curlin exudes class with runner-up finishes in the Grade 1 FrontRunner Stakes and the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. In his most recent start, he crossed the wire first but was disqualified in a very controversial call. That race has already produced FOUR total next-out winners, which flatters Solomini in a big way. He’s on target for the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park this weekend.
4. Audible
Derby Points/Rank: 10 – 22nd
Race Record: (4) 3-0-1
Earnings: $287,720
Breeding: Into Mischief – Blue Devil Bel
Owner: WinStar Farm, China Horse Club International, and SF Racing
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Last Race: Grade 2 Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park, Finished 1st
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Mike “Saratoga Slim” Spector
Analysis: After facing lessor competition at Aqueduct, it was questionable how he would handle the jump up in class, but he passed the test with flying colors, bursting onto the scene with a major score in the Holy Bull. He now has to be considered a serious player and is perhaps Pletcher’s best prospect at the moment.
5. Good Magic
Derby Points/Rank: 34 – 7th
Race Record: (4) 1-2-1
Earnings: $1,225,000
Breeding: Curlin – Glinda the Good
Owner: e Five Racing Thoroughbreds and Stonestreet Stables
Trainer: Chad Brown
Last Race: Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park, Finished 3rd
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Curtis “Magic” Kalleward
Analysis: Uh oh… the Juvenile champion returned in the Fountain of Youth, but he looked far from a champion. After stalking the pace in perfect position, he was empty when turning for home and finished a distant third. He ran like a horse that was not 100% primed, so perhaps he’ll bounce back in his next start, which will likely be in the Grade 2 Blue Grass Stakes.
6. Sporting Chance
Derby Points/Rank: 2 – 36th
Race Record: (4) 2-1-1
Earnings: $319,140
Breeding: Tiznow – Wynning Ride
Owner: Robert Baker and William Mack
Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas
Last Race: Grade 3 Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park, Finished 3rd
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jared Welch
Analysis: Many may think that he’s ranked too highly after finishing third in his 2018 debut race, but he should improve off of that effort next time out. His trip in the Southwest was less than ideal, and the sloppy track played strongly to horses on the inside. The race was just what he needed going forward, and he’s working out extremely well heading into the Rebel this Saturday.
7. Catholic Boy
Derby Points/Rank: 14 – 16th
Race Record: (5) 3-1-0
Earnings: $354,000
Breeding: More Than Ready – Song 0f Bernadette
Owner: Robert LaPenta
Trainer: Jonathan Thomas
Last Race: Grade 3 Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs, Finished 1st
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Dan “The Fan Man” Waite
Analysis: He made his 2018 debut in the Sam F. Davis, and while he didn’t run poorly, it was disappointing that he couldn’t pass Flameaway in the stretch and had to settle for second. There’s still reason to be optimistic, but he must improve in his next race, which looks like will come in the Grade 1 Florida Derby.
8. Bravazo
Derby Points/Rank: 54 – 3rd
Race Record: (7) 3-1-1
Earnings: $426,528
Breeding: Awesome Again – Tiz o’ Gold
Owner: Calumet Farm
Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas
Last Race: Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds, Finished 1st
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Aaron Halterman
Analysis: The Coach is back in the Derby! Bravazo shipped to Fair Grounds for the Risen Star and pulled off a 21-1 upset over a field loaded with Kentucky Derby prospects. The Awesome Again colt has developed greatly as a 3-year-old. He’s now two-for-two in 2018 and will likely return to Fair Grounds for the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby.
9. Instilled Regard
Derby Points/Rank: 19 – 14th
Race Record: (6) 2-2-1
Earnings: $244,000
Breeding: Arch – Enhancing
Owner: OXO Equine
Trainer: Jerry Hollendorfer
Last Race: Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds, Finished 4th
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Aaron Halterman
Analysis: His fourth-place effort in the Risen Star left a lot to be desired, but it wasn’t enough to remove him from the rankings completely. He seemed a little dull in the race, but he still managed to run well enough to be close to the leaders in the end. Perhaps shipping back and forth multiple times between Fair Grounds and his base in California took its toll on him.
10. Justify
Derby Points/Rank: 0 – NR
Race Record: (2) 2-0-0
Earnings: $66,000
Breeding: Scat Daddy – Stage Magic
Owner: China Horse Club, Head of Plains Partners, Starlight Racing, and WinStar Farm
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last Race: Allowance Race at Santa Anita, Finished 1st
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jared Welch
Analysis: Right now, I’m trying to stay as grounded as possible with this horse that looks to be an absolute freak of nature. He is two-for-two and has been about as impressive as a horse can be, but he has several factors working against him as far as the Kentucky Derby is concerned. Namely, can he break the Curse of Apollo?
11. Snapper Sinclair
Derby Points/Rank: 22 – 11th
Race Record: (6) 2-1-1
Earnings: $352,360
Breeding: City Zip – True Addiction
Owner: Bloom Racing Stable LLC (Jeffery Bloom)
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Last Race: Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds, Finished 2nd
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: NONE
Analysis: This is one tough colt. He fought on to a solid third-place finish in the Grade 3 LeComte Stakes two races back, then nearly won the Risen Star, losing by a nose while battling Bravazo all the way down the stretch. His early speed and staying power will make him tough in any race that he enters.
12. Noble Indy
Derby Points/Rank: 10 – 26th
Race Record: (3) 2-0-1
Earnings: $91,600
Breeding: Take Charge Indy – Noble Maz
Owner: WinStar Farm and Repole Stable
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Last Race: Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds, Finished 3rd
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Aaron Halterman
Analysis: The Risen Star was a solid first try for him against stakes company. He ran well to finish third while up against a small track bias, and he has a right to improve as he goes forward. At this point, all options are on the table as to where he’ll start next.
13. Combatant
Derby Points/Rank: 12 – 19th
Race Record: (5) 1-3-0
Earnings: $248,550
Breeding: Scat Daddy – Border Dispute
Owner: Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC and Willis Horton Racing LLC
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Last Race: Grade 3 Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park, Finished 2nd
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Aaron Halterman
Analysis: Could this be the Lookin At Lee of 2018? He’s finished second in three straight Kentucky Derby prep races, but he just can’t seem to have things go his way enough to pick up a win. His Southwest effort was another positive start, and he should continue to make an impact along the Kentucky Derby trail, which continues for him this weekend in the Rebel.
14. Promises Fulfilled
Derby Points/Rank: 52 – 4th
Race Record: (4) 3-0-1
Earnings: $327,280
Breeding: Shackleford – Marquee Delivery
Owner: Robert J. Baron
Trainer: Dale Romans
Last Race: Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park, Finished 1st
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: NONE
Analysis: He pulled off a shocking 18-1 upset over champion Good Magic in the Fountain of Youth. The track at Gulfstream Park certainly favored speed, but he reminded me a lot of his sire, Shackleford, by going straight to the front and showing heart to hold on for the victory. He could be an improving horse that’s ready to make some noise this year.
15. Flameaway
Derby Points/Rank: 30 – 8th
Race Record: (8) 5-1-0
Earnings: $504,834
Breeding: Scat Daddy – Vulcan Rose
Owner: John C. Oxley
Trainer: Mark Casse
Last Race: Grade 2 Tampa Bay Derby at Tampa Bay Downs, Finished 2nd
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: NONE
Analysis: The Grade 3 Sam F. Davis Stakes winner backed up that effort with a strong showing in the Tampa Bay Derby. He may not be the strongest horse as far as a win contender, but you have to like how he showed that he could stalk the pace and still come with a nice run in his latest start.
16. Quip
Derby Points/Rank: 50 – 5th
Race Record: (4) 3-0-0
Earnings: $282,800
Breeding: Distorted Humor – Princess Ash
Owner: WinStar Farm, China Horse Club, and SF Racing
Trainer: Rodolphe Brisset
Last Race: Grade 2 Tampa Bay Derby at Tampa Bay Downs, Finished 1st
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: NONE
Analysis: This son of Distorted Humor is officially into the Kentucky Derby after a shocking upset in the Tampa Bay Derby. The good news is that he should get better in his next start, as his Tampa effort came off of a fairly long layoff. He could move up the rankings if he does indeed improve further.
17. Magnum Moon
Derby Points/Rank: 0 – NR
Race Record: (2) 2-0-0
Earnings: $37,800
Breeding: Malibu Moon – Dazzling Song
Owner: Robert and Lawana Low
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Last Race: Allowance Race at Tampa Bay Downs, Finished 1st
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Curtis “Magic” Kalleward
Analysis: He looks like the Always Dreaming of 2018 after picking up two nice victories in a row, including an allowance race at Tampa Bay where he basically schooled behind horses before winning for fun down the stretch. After passing that test with flying colors, he’s now being pointed towards a Derby prep race. However, he’s also racing against the clock, as he has just two starts, none of which came as a 2-year-old. We’ll find out how he does against top-flight company this weekend in the Rebel.
18. Enticed
Derby Points/Rank: 63 – 2nd
Race Record: (5) 3-0-1
Earnings: $410,680
Breeding: Medaglia d’Oro – It’s Tricky
Owner: Godolphin Racing, LLC
Trainer: Kiaran McLaughlin
Last Race: Grade 3 Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct, Finished 1st
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jon White/Ryan Stillman
Analysis: A tremendous bounce-back race in the Gotham puts him back in contention. That race came at only a mile, though, so we will need to see how he reacts when stretching out in distance before we rank him any higher.
19. Free Drop Billy
Derby Points/Rank: 24 – 10th
Race Record: (7) 2-3-1
Earnings: $525,220
Breeding: Union Rags – Trensa
Owner: Albaugh Family Stables
Trainer: Dale Romans
Last Race: Grade 3 Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct, Finished 3rd
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jon White/Ryan Stillman
Analysis: The Gotham produced a fairly strange race, as it seemed like several horses did not fire with their best efforts. He will need to rebound in a big way next time out, but there’s reason to believe that he might.
20. My Boy Jack
Derby Points/Rank: 12 – 18th
Race Record: (8) 2-3-1
Earnings: $425,145
Breeding: Creative Cause – Gold N Shaft
Owner: Don’t Tell My Wife Stables and Monomoy Stables LLC
Trainer: Keith Desormeaux
Last Race: Grade 3 Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park, Finished 1st
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: NONE
Analysis: He got things exactly like he needed them in the Southwest, as the track at Oaklawn was favoring inside speed. Jockey Kent Desormeaux never left the rail, and My Boy Jack simply crushed them in the stretch. If he can repeat that kind of performance on a dry track, then he’ll be dangerous, but he must prove that he can do so first.
