Racing Dudes Kentucky Derby Rankings 4/29/20: Loaded Fields Ready to Prove Themselves in Arkansas Derby

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 heading into the two divisions of the Arkansas Derby (G1):  

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. His first steps towards Kentucky will come this weekend in  Division 1 of the Arkansas Derby (G1). 

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. He’s ready to roll in this weekend Arkansas Derby (G1).

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. He’ll look to build up his resume even more in this weekends Arkansas Derby (G1).

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. Can he do it again this weekend in the Arkansas Derby (G1)? 

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. We’ll see if the stretch out helps him this weekend in the Arkansas Derby (G1).

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. He’ll look to keep building momentum in this weekends Arkansas Derby (G1).

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. This inconsistent horse will try to put his best foot forward in this weekends Arkansas Derby (G1).

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.