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!
Obviously, things have changed, and will continue to change, with the Kentucky Derby now moved to Saturday, September 5th. We’ll still come at you with updates along the way, as well as the latest news on the race. Here’s our latest Top 20:
1. Tiz the Law
Derby Points/Rank: 122 – 1st
Race Record: (5) 4-0-1
Earnings: $945,300
Breeding: Constitution – Tizfiz (Tiznow)
Owner: Sackatoga Stable
Trainer: Barcaly Tagg
Last Race: 1st, Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Magic Mike
Analysis: He turned the Florida Derby (G1) into a romp over one of the better fields of the season. His running style is perfect for the Kentucky Derby, while he’s shown his consistency this season. We also haven’t seen the best from him yet as he has won both of his races this season under wraps. There is no doubt he’d be the favorite if the race was contested on the first Saturday in May.
2. Charlatan
Derby Points/Rank: 0 – NR
Race Record: (2) 2-0-0
Earnings: $67,200
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, Allowance at Santa Anita
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Mike “Saratoga Slim” Spector
Analysis: His hype train continues to roll, thanks to an ultra-impressive allowance victory in his second start where he earned a 106 Beyer speed figure. Simply put, this horse simply looks to be faster than anyone else in the crop. With the Derby pushed back to September, it also gives him plenty of time to build a foundation and mature before the race. It’s fun to think about his future.
3. Nadal
Derby Points/Rank: 50 – 7th
Race Record: (3) 3-0-0
Earnings: $753,000
Breeding: Blame – Ascending Angel (Pulpit)
Owner: George Bolton, Arthur Hoyeau, Barry Lipman, and Mark Mathiesen
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last Race: 1st, Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Paul “Free Beers” Withrow
Analysis: His Rebel Stakes (G2) performance was one of the ages, as he was pressed through fast fractions early, and still held on for the win. Winning a race like the Kentucky Derby will be tough with his style; however, he suddenly has plenty of time to learn to rate his early speed. This is another Baffert horse who has a big-time future.
4. Authentic
Derby Points/Rank: 60 – 5th
Race Record: (3) 3-0-0
Earnings: $331,200
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, San Felipe Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Aaron Halterman
Analysis: He backed up a his solid Sham Stakes (G3) win with another wire to wire victory in the San Felipe Stakes (G2). There is no doubt he is one of the most talented horses in the crop after these victories. The only question mark left with him is the distances getting longer. Can he carry his speed at a mile and 1/4? His pedigree suggests it could be a challenge.
5. Honor A. P.
Derby Points/Rank: 20 – 19th
Race Record: (3) 1-2-0
Earnings: $122,200
Breeding: Honor Code – Hollywood Story (Wild Rush)
Owner: C R K Stable LLC
Trainer: John Shirreffs
Last Race: 2nd, San Felipe Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jon White and Ryan Stillman
Analysis: We finally got to see him run in the San Felipe Stakes (G2), which was a solid second place effort. He has every right to improve off of that race as well, with it being his first in five months. This also looks like a horse that is going to love going the Kentucky Derby distance. Let’s hope he can stay healthy.
6. Ete Indien
Derby Points/Rank: 74 – 3rd
Race Record: (6) 3-1-1
Earnings: $405,156
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: 3rd, Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jared Welch
Analysis: Nothing went his way in the Florida Derby (G1); however, he still showed a lot of heart to finish third. He drew wide, lost a shoe, and was cut during the race, but still didn’t quit. He may not be as talented as a horse like Tiz the Law, but this is a horse that is always going to be difficult to beat.
7. Sole Volante
Derby Points/Rank: 30 – 14th
Race Record: (5) 3-1-1
Earnings: $266,310
Breeding: Karakontie – Light Blow (Kingmambo)
Owner: Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, Andie Biancone, and Limelight Stable Corp.
Trainer: Patrick Biancone
Last Race: 2nd, Tampa Bay Derby (G2) at Tampa Bay Downs
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Real Dynasty
Analysis: He backed up his performance in the Sam F. Davis Stakes (G3) with solid runner-up finish in the Tampa Bay Derby (G2). His running style is always going to leave him with a lot of work to do in the stretch, especially in a race like the Kentucky Derby. You can rely on him to come with a big run in the end, though, which makes him interesting in the underneath positions.
8. Wells Bayou
Derby Points/Rank: 100 – 2nd
Race Record: (5) 3-1-0
Earnings: $845,293
Breeding: Lookin At Lucky – Whispering Angel (Hard Spun)
Owner: Clint Gasaway, Lance Gasaway, Madaket Stables LLC, and Wonder Stables
Trainer: Brad Cox
Last Race: 1st, Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Austin/Evil Steveil
Analysis: A wire to wire victory in the Louisiana Derby (G2) has earned him a spot (at least we think) into the Kentucky Derby. He has proven to be strong on the front end, with back-to-back solid efforts in prep events. This victory was at 1 3/16 miles as well, so he is not distance-limited.
9. Maxfield
Derby Points/Rank: 10 – 29th
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. This horse will benefit most from the Kentucky Derby pushback. He was up against it from a timing standpoint, but now he has plenty of time to properly prepare for the race.
10. King Guillermo
Derby Points/Rank: 50 – 10th
Race Record: (4) 2-0-1
Earnings: $240,350
Breeding: Uncle Mo – Slow Sand (Dixieland Band)
Owner: Victoria’s Ranch
Trainer: Juan Carlos Avila
Last Race: 1st, Tampa Bay Derby (G2) at Tampa Bay Downs
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: NONE
Analysis: How about this 49/1 upset winner of the Tampa Bay Derby (G2)? Not only did he win, he crushed the field while earning a solid 98 Beyer speed figure. We’ll see where he ends up next now that the Kentucky Derby has been moved to September.
11. Storm the Court
Derby Points/Rank: 32 – 13th
Race Record: (6) 2-0-2
Earnings: $1,232,951
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: 3rd, San Felipe Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jon White and Ryan Stillman
Analysis:There is no doubt he was better in the San Felipe Stakes (G2); however, he still was a distant third in the race. He’ll likely to make the Kentucky Derby starting gate, which is good, but him making much of an impact seems like a long shot.
12. Enforceable
Derby Points/Rank: 33 – 12th
Race Record: (9) 2-2-2
Earnings: $367,150
Breeding: Tapit – Justwhistledixie (Dixie Union)
Owner: John Oxley
Trainer: Mark Casse
Last Race: 5th, Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Magic Mike
Analysis: His off the board finish in the Louisiana Derby (G2) isn’t to concerning considering his rough trip. However, with his running style, he is always going to have a big chance for those problems. The Kentucky Derby will only maximize those issues.
13. Modernist
Derby Points/Rank: 70 – 4th
Race Record: (5) 2-0-2
Earnings: $388,800
Breeding: Uncle Mo – Symbolic Gesture (Bernardini)
Owner: Pam and Martin Wygood
Trainer: Bill Mott
Last Race: 3rd, Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Magic Mike
Analysis: This horse ran pretty well to finish 3rd in the Louisiana Derby (G2), especially since he broke from the far outside 14-post. He may benefit from the extra time for the Kentucky Derby, considering he still seems to be developing.
14. Gouverneur Morris
Derby Points/Rank: 14 – 24th
Race Record: (4) 2-1-0
Earnings: $197,500
Breeding: Constitution – Addison Run (Unbridled’s Song)
Owner: Team Valor International and WinStar Farm LLC
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Last Race: 4th, Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Dan “Wise Dan” Waite
Analysis: His fourth-place Florida Derby (G1) effort wasn’t horrible, while it should give him something to build on going forward. If the Derby was on the first Saturday in May he would be off the list; however, he has time to develop now, which is what he needs more than anything else.
15. Mr. Monomoy
Derby Points/Rank: 52 – 6th
Race Record: (5) 2-1-1
Earnings: $327,162
Breeding: Palace Malice – Drumette (Henny Hughes)
Owner: Madaket Stables LLC, Michael Dubb, and Doheny Racing Stable
Trainer: Brad Cox
Last Race: 1st, Risen Star (G2) at Fair Grounds
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Real Dynasty
Analysis: We’ve put this colt back on the list since the race has been moved. His talents are still in question; however, he probably has enough points to make the race. How he recovers from his injury will determine if he makes the starting gate.
16. Mischevious Alex
Derby Points/Rank: 50 – 8th
Race Record: (7) 4-1-1
Earnings: $344.230
Breeding: Into Mischief – White Pants Night (Speightstown)
Owner: Cash is King LLC and LC Racing
Trainer: John C. Servis
Last Race: 1st, Gotham Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Austin/Evil Steveil
Analysis: At one turn, this horse is pretty impressive, but his two-turn form is yet to be seen. It’s highly questionable if he can get the Kentucky Derby distance, which is why we have him ranked this low.
17. Silver Prospector
Derby Points/Rank: 21 – 17th
Race Record: (9) 3-0-2
Earnings: $719,718
Breeding: Declaration of War – Tap Softly (Tapit)
Owner: Ed Orr and Susie Orr
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Last Race: 6th, Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Brandon “B$” Bauer
Analysis: This colt is extremely inconsistent. At his best, he can be a player, but he has shown up with two really dud efforts this year, including the Rebel Stakes (G2) last time out.
18. Max Player
Derby Points/Rank: 10 – 34th
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. His next race is up in the air with the Wood Memorial (G2) not happening.
19. Ny Traffic
Derby Points/Rank: 50 – 9th
Race Record: (7) 2-1-2
Earnings: $336,970
Breeding: Cross Traffic – Mamie Reilly (Graeme Hall)
Owner: John Fanelli, Cash is King LLC, LC Racing, and Paul Braverman
Trainer: Saffie Joseph Jr.
Last Race: 2nd, Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: NONE
Analysis: You have to start taking this horse seriously, with him being 9th in the standings. This year, he has hit he board in all three of his starts, including a runner up finish last time out in the Louisiana Derby (G2). He could be a valuable horse to have when we eventually know what races will be involved in the second round of preps.
20. Pneumatic
Derby Points/Rank: 0 – NR
Race Record: (2) 2-0-0
Earnings: $87,600
Breeding: Uncle Mo – Teardrop (Tapit)
Owner: Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Last Race: 1st, Allowance at Oaklawn Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Aaron Halterman
Analysis: This horse could be a rising star after two straight impressive wins at Oaklawn Park. In his recent victory, he dominated allowance foes with an effortless rally down the stretch, which will likely lead to a start against stakes company next time out.
