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 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 as we head into Santa Anita Derby (G1) week:
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’s back to number one with the injury of Nadal, with the Belmont Stakes (G1) up next for him.
2. Maxfield
Derby Points/Rank: 60 – 8th
Race Record: (3) 3-0-0
Earnings: $442,762
Breeding: Street Sense – Velvety (Bernardini)
Owner: Godolphin, LLC
Trainer: Brendan Walsh
Last Race: 1st, Matt Winn Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jared Welch
Analysis: This colt came back with a monster performance in his 3-year-old debut, winning the Matt Winn Stakes (G3) despite a horrible trip. There is no doubt this horse is now a prime contender after this showing. He deserves to be mentioned with the first tier of horses in the crop. The Belmont Stakes (G1) is now a likely possibility for him.
3. Authentic
Derby Points/Rank: 60 – 9th
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. He recently worked a sizzling 6 furlongs at Santa Anita, suggesting that he’s ready to roll this weekend in the Santa Anita Derby (G1).
4. Honor A. P.
Derby Points/Rank: 20 – 23rd
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. He’s ready to run this weekend in the Santa Anita Derby (G1).
5. Charlatan
Derby Points/Rank: 100 – 3rd
Race Record: (3) 3-0-0
Earnings: $367,200
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, Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Mike “Saratoga Slim” Spector
Analysis: There is no doubt he drew into the weaker of the two divisions of the Arkansas Derby (G1), which worked out perfectly for his first try against stakes company. Nobody could run with him early once again in this race, which saw him cruise to a wire to wire victory. This was his least impressive performance yet, though, while it’s still questionable that he wants to go the Kentucky Derby distance. Still, this horse has a tremendous amount of ability. Look for him next in the Belmont Stakes (G1); however, a positive test after the Arkansas Derby has his future in question.
6. Ete Indien
Derby Points/Rank: 74 – 5th
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 he is always going to be difficult to beat.
7. 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 to the next round of potential prep events.
8. Sole Volante
Derby Points/Rank: 30 – 16th
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. He looks to be pointing towards the Belmont Stakes (G1) for his next start.
9. Enforceable
Derby Points/Rank: 33 – 14th
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.
10. Basin
Derby Points/Rank: 50 – 10th
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.
11. Wells Bayou
Derby Points/Rank: 100 – 2nd
Race Record: (6) 3-1-0
Earnings: $860,293
Breeding: Lookin At Lucky – Whispering Angel (Hard Spun)
Owner: Clint Gasaway, Lance Gasaway, Madaket Stables LLC, and Wonder Stables
Trainer: Brad Cox
Last Race: 5th, Arkansas Derby (G2) at Oaklawn Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Austin/Evil Steveil
Analysis: He was given a tough chore in Division 2 of the Arkansas Derby (G1), being asked to set a hot pace, with the monster Nadal breathing down his neck. Wells Bayou was not able to stick around to hit the board; however, it’s a positive that he at least finished fifth. He is a useful horse who still has a shot to be successful throughout the rest of this season.
12. 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.
13. Ny Traffic
Derby Points/Rank: 70 – 8th
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.
14. Gouverneur Morris
Derby Points/Rank: 34 – 13th
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 might see him next in the Belmont Stakes (G1).
15. Shivaree
Derby Points/Rank: 40 – 12th
Race Record: (10) 3-3-1
Earnings: $338,055
Breeding: Awesome of Course – Garter Belt (Anasheed)
Owner: Jacks or Better Farm, Inc.
Trainer: Ralph Nicks
Last Race: 2nd, Florida Derby (G2) at Gulfstream Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: NONE
Analysis: Three straight runner-up efforts against stakes company, including the Florida Derby (G1) last time out, has earned this horse a spot in the rankings. The chances of him making a solid impact in the Kentucky Derby are slim, he should at least make the race, depending on what the new points system looks like moving forward.
16. Mischevious Alex
Derby Points/Rank: 50 – 11th
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.
17. Max Player
Derby Points/Rank: 10 – 35th
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.
18. 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.
19. Pneumatic
Derby Points/Rank: 10 – 37th
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.
20. Finnick the Fierce
Derby Points/Rank: 25 – 19th
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. If he can hit the board in that race, he will most likely be in the Kentucky Derby field.
