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!
Though the Kentucky Derby moved to Saturday, September 5, 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 after several injuries have wreaked havoc on the top 3-year-old’s in the class:
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. He will likely be a heavy favorite next weekend in the Belmont Stakes (G1).
2. Honor A. P.
Derby Points/Rank: 120 – 2nd
Race Record: (4) 2-2-0
Earnings: $362,200
Breeding: Honor Code – Hollywood Story (Wild Rush)
Owner: C R K Stable LLC
Trainer: John Shirreffs
Last Race: 1st, Santa Anita Derby (G1) at Santa Anita Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jon White and Ryan Stillman
Analysis: Wow, his Santa Anita Derby (G1) was ultra-impressive, making him the logical challenger to Tiz the Law for early favoritism in the Derby. There is no doubt Honor A. P. is going to continue to flourish as the distances get longer. His solid turn of foot will be tough to hold off on that long Churchill Downs stretch. Trainer John Shirreffs will have him ready to pop with a monster race when the big day is finally here.
3. Authentic
Derby Points/Rank: 100 – 3rd
Race Record: (4) 3-1-0
Earnings: $411,200
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: 2nd, Santa Anita Derby (G1) at Santa Anita Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Aaron Halterman
Analysis: He suffered the first defeat of his career in the Santa Anita Derby (G1), finishing second behind Honor A. P. He still was able to run a respectable race, though, and all the injuries to the top horses has helped him remain highly ranked. He still has some maturity issues he needs to get through, which helped lead to his downfall last time out. He’s still very much in the mix if he can do what so many have not been able to accomplish: Stay healthy.
4. Sole Volante
Derby Points/Rank: 30 – 14th
Race Record: (6) 4-1-1
Earnings: $293,310
Breeding: Karakontie – Light Blow (Kingmambo)
Owner: Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, Andie Biancone, and Limelight Stable Corp.
Trainer: Patrick Biancone
Last Race: 1st, Allowance Race at Gulfstream Park
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). Recently, he also won a sharp allowance race at Gulfstream Park, without being asked for his best. He seems to be set up well for the Belmont Stakes (G1) if his connections choose to send him to New York.
5. King Guillermo
Derby Points/Rank: 90 – 4th
Race Record: (5) 2-1-1
Earnings: $340,350
Breeding: Uncle Mo – Slow Sand (Dixieland Band)
Owner: Victoria’s Ranch
Trainer: Juan Carlos Avila
Last Race: 2nd, Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Austin and Evil Steveil
Analysis: It’s funny that we were all skeptical of this horse after he won the Tampa Bay Derby (G2); however, now we all believe in him after losing division 2 of the Arkansas Derby (G1). His loss showed that he can repeat that top effort, though, when finishing a solid second to the powerful Nadal. We now know to take this horse very seriously moving forward; however, it would be nice to see him in a race before the Kentucky Derby, which doesn’t seem to be the plan.
6. Cezanne
Derby Points/Rank: 0 – NR
Race Record: (1) 1-0-0
Earnings: $30,000
Breeding: Curlin – Achieving (Bernardini)
Owner: Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, and St. Elias Stable
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last Race: 1st, Maiden Special Weight at Santa Anita Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Paul “Free Beers” Withrow
Analysis: This heavily-hyped colt finally made his debut at Santa Anita, where he impressive defeated his rivals sprinting. He should be even better when stretching out in distance, which is something that will happen next time out. It looks like he still has some catching up to do; however, with several of the top horses injured that task looks a little easier with each passing day.
7. Tap It to Win
Derby Points/Rank: 0 – NR
Race Record: (6) 3-1-0
Earnings: $124,672
Breeding: Tapit – Onepointhreekarats (Medaglia d’Oro)
Owner: Live Oak Plantation
Trainer: Mark Casse
Last Race: 1st, Allowance Race at Belmont Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jon White/Ryan Stillman
Analysis: After two straight allowance wins, he’ll give stakes company another try in the Belmont Stakes (G1). His blowout win over the track last time out earned him a 97 Beyer, which makes him competitive with the group of horses pointing for that race. He also has solid early speed, making him even more dangerous.
8. Basin
Derby Points/Rank: 50 – 8th
Race Record: (6) 2-2-1
Earnings: $471,000
Breeding: Liam’s Map – Appenzel (Johannesberg)
Owner: Jackpot Farm
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Last Race: 2nd, Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jon White and Ryan Stillman
Analysis: His Arkansas Derby (G1) runner up effort to Charlatan was exactly what he needed after a lackluster effort in the Oaklawn Stakes. We always thought this horse would be good enough to jump back into contention, so it’s nice to see him back on the list. He may end up proving to be Asmussen’s best 3-year-old.
9. Modernist
Derby Points/Rank: 70 – 6th
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.
10. Ny Traffic
Derby Points/Rank: 70 – 7th
Race Record: (8) 2-2-2
Earnings: $365,470
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, Matt Winn Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Mike “Saratoga Slim” Spector
Analysis: Once again, this colt has proven to be a consistent performer. His runner-up effort in the Matt Winn Stakes (G3) was solid, which was similar to his efforts at Fair Grounds over the winer. He has earned his way into the Kentucky Derby starting gate.
11. 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.
12. Gouverneur Morris
Derby Points/Rank: 34 – 11th
Race Record: (5) 2-1-1
Earnings: $247,500
Breeding: Constitution – Addison Run (Unbridled’s Song)
Owner: Team Valor International and WinStar Farm LLC
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Last Race: 3rd, Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Dan “Wise Dan” Waite
Analysis: This horse continues to show his class in big races. He ran decent once again in the division 1 of the Arkansas Derby (G1), finishing third to Charlatan. However, it seems like he could have some distance issues, after making big moves on the turn twice only to flatten out in the stretch. He is still one that can make some noise as we head into the summer. We will see him next in the Blue Grass Stakes (G2).
13. Mischevious Alex
Derby Points/Rank: 50 – 9th
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. The Woody Stephens (G1) looks like his next start.
14. Max Player
Derby Points/Rank: 10 – 31st
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. He’s probable to start in the Belmont Stakes (G1) on June 20.
15. Pneumatic
Derby Points/Rank: 10 – 34th
Race Record: (3) 2-0-1
Earnings: $101,850
Breeding: Uncle Mo – Teardrop (Tapit)
Owner: Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Last Race: 3rd, Matt Winn Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Aaron Halterman
Analysis: His Matt Winn Stakes (G3) effort was pretty solid considering it was his first start against stakes company. He still has a little ways to go before he can compete against the top group in the class; however, he has a shot to improve with more racing.
16. Dr Post
Derby Points/Rank: 0 – NR
Race Record: (3) 2-0-0
Earnings: $76,635
Breeding: Quality Road – Mary Delaney (Hennessy)
Owner: St. Elias Stable
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Last Race: 1st, Unbridled Stakes at Gulfstream Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Magic Mike
Analysis: He makes his rankings debut this week after two solid victories in a row. The Unbridled Stakes was impressive considering his trip was less than ideal. He has a shot to develop into a nice horse as we progress towards the summer.
17. Shivaree
Derby Points/Rank: 40 – 10th
Race Record: (11) 3-3-2
Earnings: $344,005
Breeding: Awesome of Course – Garter Belt (Anasheed)
Owner: Jacks or Better Farm, Inc.
Trainer: Ralph Nicks
Last Race: 3rd, Allowance Race at Gulfstream Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: NONE
Analysis: Three straight runner-up efforts against stakes company, including the Florida Derby (G1), earned this horse a spot in the rankings. The chances of him making a solid impact in the Kentucky Derby are slim, especially after his recent third-place allowance effort, but he has enough points to make the field.
18. Ete Indien
Derby Points/Rank: 74 – 5th
Race Record: (7) 3-1-1
Earnings: $407,406
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: 4th, Allowance Race 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. Unfortunately, he was a no-show in a recent allowance race at Gulfstream Park, which is troubling. He’ll need to show a big turnaround next time out to prove he is not tailing off.
19. Finnick the Fierce
Derby Points/Rank: 25 – 17th
Race Record: (7) 2-1-1
Earnings: $181,490
Breeding: Dialed In – Southern Classic (Southern Image)
Owner: Arnaldo Mogne and Rey Hernandez
Trainer: Rey. Hernandez
Last Race: 3rd, Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: NONE
Analysis: He’s back in the picture after running a decent thing in the tougher division of the Arkansas Derby (G1). The Blue Grass Stakes (G2) looks to be his next target, with an allowance this weekend at Churchill Downs serving as a prep for that event. If he can hit the board in the Blue Grass, he will most likely be in the Kentucky Derby field.
20. Farmington Road
Derby Points/Rank: 15 – 23rd
Race Record: (6) 1-2-0
Earnings: $110,000
Breeding: Quality Road – Silver La Belle (Langfuhr)
Owner: Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Chrysails Stables LLC, and Robert LaPenta
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Last Race: 4th, Arkansas Derby (G2) at Oaklawn Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Real Dynasty
Analysis: He is the type that can run up and hit the board in any give race, which means he could make his way into the Kentucky Derby field. His chances of winning will be slim, though. He is listed as possible for the Belmont Stakes (G1) for his next start.
