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. Bolt d’Oro
Derby Points/Rank: 64 – 4th
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 3-year-old debut, the San Felipe, even though he hit the wire just behind McKinzie. The move this horse made on the turn was ultra-impressive, especially so considering it was off of a layoff. Moving forward, he looks to be the real deal and has carried his great 2-year-old form into this season flawlessly. He will look to pick up his second win in a row this weekend in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby.
2. Audible
Derby Points/Rank: 110 – 1st
Race Record: (5) 4-0-1
Earnings: $882,920
Breeding: Into Mischief – Blue Devil Bel
Owner: WinStar Farm, China Horse Club International, and SF Racing
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Last Race: Grade 1 Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park, Finished 1st
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Mike “Saratoga Slim” Spector
Analysis: You have to believe in him now after another great effort at Gulfstream Park in the Grade 1 Florida Derby. His running style is exactly what you need to win a race like the Kentucky Derby as he can sit close to the pace, and pounce at the right time. He did look to be a little tired towards the end of the race, but at this point it is hard to knock him as he just keeps winning.
3. Good Magic
Derby Points/Rank: 34 – 15th
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 this weekend he will show us his real self in the Grade 2 Blue Grass Stakes.
4. Magnum Moon
Derby Points/Rank: 50 – 8th
Race Record: (3) 3-0-0
Earnings: $577,800
Breeding: Malibu Moon – Dazzling Song
Owner: Robert and Lawana Low
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Last Race: Grade 2 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park, Finished 1st
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Curtis “Magic” Kalleward
Analysis: He proved that he was for real with a dominating performance in the Rebel over a deep field. He’s progressing almost identically to that of Always Dreaming last year, and he’s yet to be close to losing a race. The waters will only get deeper from here, but so far, he’s passed every test with flying colors. He’s a legitimate contender.
5. Mendelssohn
Derby Points/Rank: 100 – 3rd
Race Record: (7) 4-1-0
Earnings: $1,961,137
Breeding: Scat Daddy – Leslie’s Lady
Owner: Michael Tabor, Mrs. John Magnier, and Derrick Smith
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
Last Race: Group 1 UAE Derby at Meydan Race Course, Finished 1st
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Curtis “Magic” Kalleward
Analysis: With a “wow” performance in the UAE Derby this horse now becomes a serious player. He seems to relish the dirt, and has the pedigree to run all day long. The big question mark will be his ability to buck the trend of UAE Derby winners not running well when coming to Kentucky, but this may be the best horse to win that race and then come to the United States for the Derby. Plus, he has shipped here before, so that could be another advantage. He should be a major player.
6. Solomini
Derby Points/Rank: 34 – 16th
Race Record: (5) 1-3-1
Earnings: $652,000
Breeding: Curlin – Surf Song
Owner: Zayat Stables
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last Race: Grade 2 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park, Finished 2nd
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jared Welch
Analysis: He performed very well off of the bench in the Rebel, finishing second despite having a poor trip, especially on the turn heading for home. He’s a hard-trying horse that you can count on to give a solid effort each and every time. He’ll likely improve off of that effort in his next start this weekend in the Grade 1 Wood Memorial.
7. 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 a 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? Let’s see how he does this weekend in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby, which will be a make or break race for him.
8. Noble Indy
Derby Points/Rank: 110 – 2nd
Race Record: (4) 3-0-1
Earnings: $691,600
Breeding: Take Charge Indy – Noble Maz
Owner: WinStar Farm and Repole Stable
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Last Race: Grade 2 Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds, Finished 1st
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Aaron Halterman
Analysis: He looked to be completely defeated in the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby, yet somehow re-rallied up the rail to win the race after being passed by Lone Sailor. Todd Pletcher has described this horse as “still green,” but there does seem to be a lot of talent with this one. He also should get better as the distances get longer, which will be to his advantage in the Triple Crown races.
9. Instilled Regard
Derby Points/Rank: 19 – 30th
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. He’ll look to rebound in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby against tough foes Justify and Bolt d’Oro.
10. My Boy Jack
Derby Points/Rank: 32 – 17th
Race Record: (9) 2-3-2
Earnings: $525,145
Breeding: Creative Cause – Gold N Shaft
Owner: Don’t Tell My Wife Stables and Monomoy Stables LLC
Trainer: Keith Desormeaux
Last Race: Grade 2 Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds, Finished 3rd
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: NONE
Analysis: His come-from-behind move in the Louisiana Derby was something special. He rallied furiously from the back of the pack, but he couldn’t sustain it the entire stretch and hung late, finishing third. Still, he proved to be a legitimate horse on the dirt, and that type of move is going to be dangerous in the Kentucky Derby. He has become a logical underneath candidate.
11. Combatant
Derby Points/Rank: 22 – 22nd
Race Record: (6) 1-3-1
Earnings: $338,550
Breeding: Scat Daddy – Border Dispute
Owner: Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC and Willis Horton Racing LLC
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Last Race: Grade 2 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park, Finished 3rd
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Aaron Halterman
Analysis: The Lookin At Lee of 2018 continued on a similar path in the Rebel, finishing third. He’s hit the board in four straight Kentucky Derby prep races, but he just can’t seem to have things go his way enough to pick up a win. His Rebel effort was another positive start, though, and he should continue to make an impact along the Kentucky Derby trail.
12. Flameaway
Derby Points/Rank: 30 – 18th
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: Jon White/Ryan Stillman
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. We’ll see if he can keep it going this weekend in the Blue Grass Stakes.
13. Hofburg
Derby Points/Rank: 40 – 14th
Race Record: (3) 1-1-0
Earnings: $223,800
Breeding: Tapit – Soothing Touch
Owner: Juddmonte Farms, Inc.
Trainer: Bill Mott
Last Race: Grade 1 Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park, Finished 2nd
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: NONE
Analysis: Earned a ton of respect for finishing second in a grade 1 race despite just breaking his maiden a few weeks ago. His lack of experience will be an issue in Kentucky, but this could be a horse to keep an eye later in the season.
14. Quip
Derby Points/Rank: 50 – 10th
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 this weekend in the Blue Grass Stakes.
15. Enticed
Derby Points/Rank: 63 – 5th
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. Let’s see what he shows us this weekend in the Grade 1 Wood Memorial.
16. Lone Sailor
Derby Points/Rank: 42 – 11th
Race Record: (8) 1-3-1
Earnings: $334,237
Breeding: Majestic Warrior – Ambitious
Owner: G M B Racing
Trainer: Tom Amoss
Last Race: Grade 2 Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds, Finished 2nd
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: NONE
Analysis: There were many people who hyped Lone Sailor in the Louisiana Derby. He somehow lived up to it, finishing second by only a head. That finish might have earned him a spot in the starting gate for the Kentucky Derby, but it’s unlikely that he makes much of an impact.
17. Promises Fulfilled
Derby Points/Rank: 52 – 7th
Race Record: (5) 3-0-1
Earnings: $337,280
Breeding: Shackleford – Marquee Delivery
Owner: Robert J. Baron
Trainer: Dale Romans
Last Race: Grade 1 Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park, Finished 9th
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: NONE
Analysis: Engaged in a wicked pace duel in the Florida Derby with Strike Power, and basically had no chance after that as both the speed horses faded to finish last and second to last. The horse will play a factor in every race he enters this his early speed, but must learn to control it.
18. Runaway Ghost
Derby Points/Rank: 50 – 9th
Race Record: (7) 4-2-0
Earnings: $563,510
Breeding: Ghostzapper – Rose’s Desert
Owner: Joe Peacock
Trainer: Todd Fincher
Last Race: Grade 3 Sunland Derby at Sunland Park, Finished 1st
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: NONE
Analysis: The local hero rose to the occasion to win the Grade 3 Sunland Derby and solidified his spot in the Kentucky Derby starting gate. He’s proven to be a very nice horse, but it remains to be seen if he can match up with the top-class horses in the crop. Pay attention to how Reride does in Dubai this weekend.
19. Bravazo
Derby Points/Rank: 54 – 6th
Race Record: (8) 3-1-1
Earnings: $436,528
Breeding: Awesome Again – Tiz o’ Gold
Owner: Calumet Farm
Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas
Last Race: Grade 2 Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds, Finished 8th
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Aaron Halterman
Analysis: The Louisiana Derby was a complete disaster for Bravazo. He tried to lug out the entire race, and you could tell that he was never comfortable. The good news is that he was sound afterward and looks to still be moving forward to the Kentucky Derby. Draw a line through that last effort.
20. Gronkowski
Derby Points/Rank: European Qualifier
Race Record: (6) 4-1-0
Earnings: $135,644
Breeding: Lonhro – Four Sugars
Owner: Phoenix Thoroughbred Limited
Trainer: Jeremy Noseda
Last Race: Burradon Stakes at Newcastle, Finished 1st
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: NONE
Analysis: He has qualified for the Kentucky Derby by means of rule that needs to be changed. He does not look like he belongs, but may take a lot of money on Kentucky Derby day because of his name, which is good for serious players who know he is a toss.
