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 fifth 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 ultra-impressive Holy Bull Stakes (G3) win became even better after Ete Indien – a distant second that race – won the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2). He showed a quick burst of speed when needed in the Holy Bull, a must-have for a horse to win the Derby. He also has room for improvement off of that effort, making him dangerous moving forward in the Florida Derby (G1).
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, but Baffert has been building his stamina in his recent workouts.
3. Authentic
Derby Points/Rank: 10 – 23rd
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. We’ll see what he does this weekend in the San Felipe Stakes (G2).
4. Ete Indien
Derby Points/Rank: 54 – 1st
Race Record: (5) 3-1-0
Earnings: $333,156
Breeding: Summer Front – East India (Mizzen Mast)
Owner: Linda Shanahan, Sanford Bacon, Dream With Me Stable Inc., Horse France America, D P Racing LLC (Deron Pearson) & Patrick L. Biancone Racing LLC
Trainer: Patrick Biancone
Last Race: 1st, Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jared Welch
Analysis: After a strong runner-up performance in the Holy Bull Stakes (G3), he backed up that form in a big way next out, dominating the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2). His high cruising speed is going to be dangerous no matter where he runs and his pedigree should be beneficial as the distances get longer. He’s stamped himself as a contender.
5. 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. We’ll see if he can improve this weekend in the San Felipe Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita.
6. Sole Volante
Derby Points/Rank: 10 – 18th
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 watching a hot pace develop, he closed strongly for a multiple-length victory. He should love going longer, as well; his pedigree screams distance. We could see improvement this weekend in the Tampa Bay Derby (G2).
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Maxfield
Derby Points/Rank: 10 – 16th
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 and is continue to progress towards a start. We’ll have more on him once we hear where he’s pointing for his seasonal debut.
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, thanks to an 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 that this horse is a very exciting prospect.
11. Gouverneur Morris
Derby Points/Rank: 4 – 34th
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 (most likely the Gotham [G3]), where we will get a true read on his talents.
12. Independence Hall
Derby Points/Rank: 14 – 11th
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. He’s reportedly going to train up to the Florida Derby (G1).
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). It’s time to finally see what this horse is all about.
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. 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 this weekend in the San Felipe Stakes (G2), though we still have major questions about his talent level.
16. Max Player
Derby Points/Rank: 10 – 21st
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.
17. 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.
18. Three Technique
Derby Points/Rank: 4 – 37th
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. The Rebel Stakes (G2) should be his next start.
19. Chance It
Derby Points/Rank: 0 – NR
Race Record: (6) 4-2-0
Earnings: $444,910
Breeding: Currency Swap – Vagabon Diva (Pleasantly Perfect)
Owner: Shooting Star Thoroughbreds, LLC
Trainer: Saffie Jospeh Jr.
Last Race: 1st, Mucho Macho Man Stakes at Gulfstream Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jon White/Ryan Stillman
Analysis: After scratching out of the Fountain on Youth Stakes (G2), he’ll now run this weekend in the Tampa Bay Derby (G2). There is no doubt that his talent level is high; however, his pedigree going long is a major question mark. Saturday’s race will be a crucial test.
20. Cafe Pharoah
Derby Points/Rank: 0 – NR (30 via Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby – 1st)
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 this race, then he should be able to qualify via that series.
