Welcome to the 2019 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! Here is our seventh set of Kentucky Derby Rankings for the 2019 season:
1. Game Winner
Derby Points/Rank: 45 – 6th
Race Record: (5) 4-1-0
Earnings: $1,646,000
Breeding: Candy Ride – Indyan Giving
Owner: Gary and Mary West
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last Race: Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park, Finished 2nd
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Paul “Free Beers” Withrow
Analysis: It was good to see the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) winner back in action in the Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park. Even though he lost, he was still valiant in defeat, finishing second by a nose to Omaha Beach. At the top of the stretch, it looked as though Omaha Beach would easily win; however, Game Winner dug down deep to make it extremely close. He will move forward off of this effort, which should make him tough to beat moving forward.
2. Omaha Beach
Derby Points/Rank: 37.5 – 7th
Race Record: (6) 2-3-1
Earnings: $521,800
Breeding: War Front – Charming
Owner: Fox Hill Farms, INC.
Trainer: Richard Mandella
Last Race: Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park, Finished 1st
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jon White/Ryan Stillman
Analysis: This horse ran huge in the Rebel Stakes (G2), proving to be a high class animal that we must take serious moving forward. Coming into the race, it was reasonable to question his ability; however, there is no reason to question it now. His pedigree should be a benefit to him moving forward, and his running style will suit the Kentucky Derby very well.
3. Mucho Gusto
Derby Points/Rank: 14 – 17th
Race Record: (4) 3-1-0
Earnings: $234,000
Breeding: Mucho Macho Man – Itsagiantcauseway
Owner: Michael Lund Peterson
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last Race: Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita, Finished 1st
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Aaron Halterman
Analysis: This is both the third-best Baffert horse and the third-ranked horse on our Top 20 list, and that shows Baffert’s strength and depth. Mucho Gusto has an advantage over the top two horses in his own barn, though, as he made his 2019 debut a winning one in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G3). It looks like the Sunland Derby (G3) at Sunland Park will be his next start.
4. War of Will
Derby Points/Rank: 60 – 1st
Race Record: (7) 3-1-1
Earnings: $491,569
Breeding: War Front – Visions of Clarity
Owner: Gary Barber
Trainer: Mark Casse
Last Race: Risen Star Stakes (G2) at Fair Grounds, Finished 1st
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jon White/Ryan Stillman
Analysis: So far, he is 3-for-3 on the dirt while never even being challenged. His LeComte Stakes (G3) win was very impressive. Now, with another victory in the Risen Star Stakes (G2), he has put himself in a great position moving forward. We’ll see if he can keep it rolling this weekend in the Louisiana Derby (G2).
5. Long Range Toddy
Derby Points/Rank: 53.5 – 3rd
Race Record: (7) 4-1-1
Earnings: $851,125
Breeding: Take Charge Indy – Pleasant Song
Owner: Willis Horton Racing LLC
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Last Race: Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park, Finished 1st
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Aaron Halterman
Analysis: He became a serious contender in the Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park, where he ran down our previous #1 ranked horse to win the race by a nose in the final stages. He has progressively gotten better with each start, while possessing a pedigree that should only see him get better as the distances get longer. This is now a serious player heading into the last round of prep races.
6. Improbable
Derby Points/Rank: 25 – 9th
Race Record: (4) 3-1-0
Earnings: $419,520
Breeding: City Zip – Rare Event
Owner: China Horse Club, Starlight Racing, and WinStar Farm
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last Race: Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park, Finished 2nd
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jon White/Ryan Stillman
Analysis: After getting hung wide on both turns in the Rebel Stakes (G2), he just couldn’t hold on for the win, getting passed late by Long Range Toddy to lose by a nose. The loss was disappointing; however, he should have gotten a lot out of the effort from a fitness standpoint. He should be ready to fire a big one when he returns for the Arkansas Derby (G1).
7. Code of Honor
Derby Points/Rank: 54 – 2nd
Race Record: (4) 2-1-0
Earnings: $384,820
Breeding: Noble Mission – Reunited
Owner: W.S. Farish
Trainer: Shug McGaughey
Last Race: Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park, Finished 1st
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Patrick “Mad Dog” Meagher
Analysis: A big bounce back win in the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) has this horse locked into the Kentucky Derby starting gate. There is no doubt he took advantage of a hot pace in that race; however, at least he showed the talent needed to win at the higher levels. He will play a factor in the Florida Derby (G1) and perhaps on the first Saturday in May as well.
8. Bourbon War
Derby Points/Rank: 21 – 11th
Race Record: (4) 2-1-0
Earnings: $155,100
Breeding: Tapit – My Conquestadory
Owner: Bourbon Lane and Stable and Lake Star Stable
Trainer: Mark Hennig
Last Race: Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park, Finished 2nd
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Dan “Wish Dan” Waite
Analysis: He closed like a freight train to finish a fast closing second in the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2). That’s the type of performance that will catch a lot of eyes, while also seemingly meaning he will enjoy the distances getting longer. He proved he belongs from a class standpoint.
9. Country House
Derby Points/Rank: 20 – 14th
Race Record: (4) 1-2-0
Earnings: $120,175
Breeding: Lookin At Lucky – Quake Lake
Owner: Shields, Jr., Mrs. J. V. and McFadden, Jr., E. J. M.
Trainer: Bill Mott
Last Race: Risen Star Stakes (G2) at Fair Grounds, Finished 2nd
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jared Welch
Analysis: This horse proved that he is going to be solid moving forward after his strong closing second in the Risen Star Stakes (G2) at Fair Grounds. That is a race that he should be able to build on moving forward this weekend in the Louisiana Derby (G2). Mott holds a very strong hand going into the big races along the trail.
10. Hidden Scroll
Derby Points/Rank: 5 – 35th
Race Record: (2) 1-0-0
Earnings: $50,600
Breeding: Hard Spun – Sheba Queen
Owner: Juddmonte Farms, INC.
Trainer: Bill Mott
Last Race: Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park, Finished 4th
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jon White/Ryan Stillman
Analysis: There is no question in my mind that Hidden Scroll was the best horse in the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2). However, if he does not learn to rate his early speed, he will have a tough time winning major stakes races. On the other hand, if he can learn to sit off horses, he is a prime Kentucky Derby candidate. His next start will be his make or break moment.
11. Tacitus
Derby Points/Rank: 50 – 5th
Race Record: (3) 2-0-0
Earnings:$253,000
Breeding: Tapit – Close Hatches
Owner: Juddmonte Farms, LLC
Trainer: Bill Mott
Last Race: Tampa Bay Derby (G2) at Oaklawn Park, Finished 1st
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Brandon “B$” Bauer
Analysis: How loaded is Bill Mott for this Kentucky Derby? He now has three horses in the top 11 after Tacitus rolled home late to win the Tampa Bay Derby (G2). It was a perfect set-up for him; however, he still had to take advantage of it with a solid move. His breeding should allow him to excel when the distances get longer.
12. Vekoma
Derby Points/Rank: 10 – 22nd
Race Record: (3) 2-0-1
Earnings: $188,850
Breeding: Candy Ride – Mona De Momma
Owner: R. A. Hill Stable and Gatsas Stables
Trainer: George Weaver
Last Race: Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park, Finished 3rd
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: The Fans
Analysis: The Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) showed us enough to think this horse deserves a shot at another prep race for his next start. He may not be a special colt; however, he has every right to improve off of this effort. This is not one to close the book on just yet.
13. Anothertwistafate
Derby Points/Rank: 10 – 25th
Race Record: (4) 3-0-0
Earnings: $94,545
Breeding: Scat Daddy – Imperfection
Owner: Peter Redekop B. C., Ltd.
Trainer: Blaine D. Wright
Last Race: El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate, Finished 1st
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Paul “Free Beers” Withrow
Analysis: This horse is a synthetic monster after three straight amazing wins at Golden Gate, but he has shown enough talent to debut on the rankings this week. He simply ran the other horses off their feet in the El Camino Real Derby. He will try dirt next in the Sunland Derby (G3).
14. Galilean
Derby Points/Rank: 7.5 – 29th
Race Record: (5) 3-1-1
Earnings: $336,000
Breeding: Uncle Mo – Freisa
Owner: West Point Thoroughbreds, Barker, Denise and Sandbrook, William
Trainer: Jerry Hollendorfer
Last Race: Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park, Finished 3rd
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Brandon “B$” Bauer
Analysis: He ran well enough in the Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park to stay on the Kentucky Derby Trail. While he wasn’t a threat to beat the top 2 finishers, he still was able to run a fast enough race to be competitive. With more improvement, he could still be a factor.
15. Haikal
Derby Points/Rank: 50 – 4th
Race Record: (4) 3-1-0
Earnings: $298,900
Breeding: Daaher – Sablah
Owner: Shadwell Stable
Trainer: Kiaran McLaughlin
Last Race: Grade 3 Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct, Finished 1st
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Brandon “B$” Bauer
Analysis: A big win in the Gotham Stakes (G3) puts this horse on the radar. However, he did get a perfect set up in that race, which won’t be as likely to happen as the races get tougher. Also, there are really question marks surrounding how far this horse wants to run. We’ll find out more in the Wood Memorial (G2).
16. Gunmetal Gray
Derby Points/Rank: 21.75 – 10th
Race Record: (7) 2-2-0
Earnings: $284,700
Breeding: Exchange Rate – Classofsixtythree
Owner: Hollendorfer LLC, Pearl Racing, and West Point Thoroughbreds
Trainer: Jerry Hollendorfer
Last Race: Rebel Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn Park, Finished 4th
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Aaron Halterman
Analysis: We see this type of horse every single season on the Kentucky Derby Trail. He will always show up with an honest effort and make a nice run at the end, but he is not talented enough to win a major Kentucky Derby Prep event. It was more of the same in the Rebel Stakes (G2).
17. Win Win Win
Derby Points/Rank: 10 – 24th
Race Record: (5) 3-1-1
Earnings:$167,300
Breeding: Hat Trick – Miss Smarty Pants
Owner: Live Oak Plantation
Trainer: Michael J. Trombetta
Last Race: Tampa Bay Derby (G2) at Tampa Bay Downs, Finished 3rd
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Dan “Wise Dan” Waite
Analysis: The Tampa Bay Derby (G2) was a pretty solid race for him. It was disappointing to see him get third; however, a very wide trip hurt his chances dramatically. He’s still a fringe contender at this point.
18. Outshine
Derby Points/Rank: 20 – 14th
Race Record: (4) 2-1-0
Earnings: $150,900
Breeding: Malibu Moon – Life Lesson
Owner: Let’s Go Stable and Richard Schibell
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Last Race: Grade 2 Tampa Bay Derby at Tampa Bay Downs, Finished 2nd
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: NONE
Analysis: Trainer Todd Pletcher finally has a horse ranked in the Top 20 after this horse ran a solid second in the Tampa Bay Derby (G2). It wasn’t a race to get overly excited about; however, at least it puts Outshine on the radar heading into the last round of preps.
19. Mind Control
Derby Points/Rank: 30 – 8th
Race Record: (6) 3-2-0
Earnings:$383,400
Breeding: Stay Thirsty – Feel That Fire
Owner: Red Oak Stable (Brunetti) and Madaket Stables, LLC
Trainer: Gregory D. Sacco
Last Race: Gotham Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct, Finished 2nd
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Mike “Saratoga Slim” Spector
Analysis: It looked like he would be the winner of the Gotham Stakes (G3) in mid-stretch, as he made a big move, but was nailed late by the fast closing Haikal. The effort has most likely ensure him a spot in the Kentucky Derby starting gate.
20. Somelikeithotbrown
Derby Points/Rank: 20 – 12th
Race Record: (7) 3-2-1
Earnings: $363,478
Breeding: Big Brown – Marilyn Monroan
Owner: Skychai Racing LLC and Sand Dollar Stable LLC
Trainer: Mike Maker
Last Race: Grade 3 Jeff Ruby Steaks at Turfway Park, Finished 1st
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: NONE
Analysis: He made it two for two at Turfway Park with a dominating win in the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3). Now, he must move to the dirt for his next start, which will likely coming in the Blue Grass Stakes (G2). That will tell us the real story on him.
