Racing Dudes Kentucky Derby Rankings 2/12/20: Nadal Shines in San Vicente Stakes

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.