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 heading into the Blue Grass Stakes weekend:
1. Tiz the Law
Derby Points/Rank: 272 – 1st
Race Record: (6) 5-0-1
Earnings: $1,480,300
Breeding: Constitution – Tizfiz (Tiznow)
Owner: Sackatoga Stable
Trainer: Barcaly Tagg
Last Race: 1st, Belmont Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Magic Mike
Analysis: He left no doubts in his dominating Belmont Stakes (G1) performance, which has him on well on his way to being the favorite for the Kentucky Derby (G1). There doesn’t seem to be any horse pointing for the Travers Stakes (G1) who can beat him, so expect his hype to continue all the way up to the first Saturday in September.
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: His Santa Anita Derby (G1) victory was ultra-impressive and made him the logical challenger to Tiz the Law for early favoritism in the Derby. He will continue to flourish as the distances get longer and 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 several top horses’ injuries have helped him remain highly-ranked. He still has some maturity issues he needs to get through but remains very much in the mix if he can do what so many have not been able to accomplish: stay healthy. Look for him next in the Haskell Stakes (G1) at Monmouth Park on July 18.
4. 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.
5. Dr Post
Derby Points/Rank: 60 – 8th
Race Record: (4) 2-1-0
Earnings: $261,635
Breeding: Quality Road – Mary Delaney (Hennessy)
Owner: St. Elias Stable
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Last Race: 2nd, Belmont Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Magic Mike
Analysis: In many ways, he went into the Belmont Stakes (G1) with a lot to prove, but he exited the race as one of the top horses in the class. His runner-up effort was solid enough to get excited about his future, though he still has a ways to go before he can compete with Tiz the Law. Still, there is no doubt that he is Pletcher’s best Derby prospect.
6. Max Player
Derby Points/Rank: 40 – 12th
Race Record: (4) 2-1-1
Earnings: $273,500
Breeding: Honor Code – Fools in Love (Not For Love)
Owner: George Hall
Trainer: Linda Rice
Last Race: 3rd, Belmont Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Dan “Wise Dan” Waite
Analysis: It was nice to see him back from a long layoff after winning the Withers Stakes (G3) all the way back in February. He ran well to finish third in the Belmont Stakes (G1) and should improve next time out.
7. Uncle Chuck
Derby Points/Rank: 20 – 21st
Race Record: (2) 2-0-0
Earnings: $120,000
Breeding: Uncle Mo – Forest Music (Unbridled’s Song)
Owner: Karl Watson, Michael Pegram, and Paul Weitman
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last Race: 1st, Los Alamitos Derby (G3) at Los Alamitos
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jon White/Ryan Stillman
Analysis: His big Los Alamitos Derby (G3) win was expected, but he needed that victory to put himself in contention to make the Derby. He has plenty of options for his final prep, but one big thing that he needs to correct is changing his leads and staying on the right one in the stretch – he has not done both in either start.
8. Basin
Derby Points/Rank: 50 – 9th
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 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. 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 solid runner-up effort in the Matt Winn Stakes (G3) was similar to his efforts at Fair Grounds over the winer. He has earned his way into the Kentucky Derby starting gate.
10. 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 too concerning, considering his rough trip, but his running style will always be a threat to his win chances. We’ll see him next in Saturday’s Blue Grass Stakes (G2).
11. Art Collector
Derby Points/Rank: 0 – NR
Race Record: (7) 3-1-0
Earnings: $188,475
Breeding: Bernardini – Distorted Legacy (Distorted Humor)
Owner: Bruce Lunsford
Trainer: Tom Drury, Jr.
Last Race: 1st, Allowance at Churchill Downs
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Aaron Halterman
Analysis: An allowance victory at Churchill Downs has him pointing to the Blue Grass Stakes (G2) for his next start. He earned a 100 Beyer speed figure for the victory, which turned a lot of heads. We’ll see if he can repeat that sort of effort against tougher company.
12. Sole Volante
Derby Points/Rank: 30 – 16th
Race Record: (7) 4-1-1
Earnings: $323,310
Breeding: Karakontie – Light Blow (Kingmambo)
Owner: Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, Andie Biancone, and Limelight Stable Corp.
Trainer: Patrick Biancone
Last Race: 6th, Belmont Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Real Dynasty
Analysis: His Belmont Stakes (G1) no-show is a total head scratcher; he had plenty of pace to run into and was entering the event in great form. We’ll give him a pass for now, but he has to run better in his next start.
13. Cezanne
Derby Points/Rank: 0 – NR
Race Record: (2) 2-0-0
Earnings: $57,000
Breeding: Curlin – Achieving (Bernardini)
Owner: Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, and St. Elias Stable
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last Race: 1st, Allowance at Los Alamitos
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Paul “Free Beers” Withrow
Analysis: His Los Alamitos allowance victory was a little disappointing, which is why he has fallen down the rankings. He now needs to finish first or second in a major points race just to make the Derby. It will be interesting to see where Baffert sends him next because as of now, he doesn’t seem to be ready to win a big-time race.
14. Pneumatic
Derby Points/Rank: 25 – 19th
Race Record: (4) 2-0-1
Earnings: $166,850
Breeding: Uncle Mo – Teardrop (Tapit)
Owner: Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Last Race: 4th, Belmont Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Aaron Halterman
Analysis: It’s clear that he has some talent, but he isn’t elite. Twice now, he’s looked like a winner at the top of the stretch, only to flatten out down the lane. He still has a solid shot to make his way into the Kentucky Derby, though, which is why he remains on the rankings.
15. 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), but he still showed a lot of heart to finish third. Unfortunately, he was a no-show in a recent allowance race at Gulfstream Park, so he’ll need to show a big turnaround next time out to prove that he isn’t tailing off.
16. Shivaree
Derby Points/Rank: 40 – 11th
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 at Gulfstream Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Austin/Evil Steveil
Analysis: Three straight runner-up efforts against stakes company, including the Florida Derby (G1), earned him 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.
17. Tap It to Win
Derby Points/Rank: 0 – NR
Race Record: (7) 3-1-0
Earnings: $164,672
Breeding: Tapit – Onepointhreekarats (Medaglia d’Oro)
Owner: Live Oak Plantation
Trainer: Mark Casse
Last Race: 5th, Belmont Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jon White/Ryan Stillman
Analysis: The Belmont Stakes (G1) could have been a little too much, too soon for him. His talent still looks to be pretty high, and his early speed is always dangerous. We’ll keep him on the list for now because it would not be surprising to see him win one of the lesser Derby preps and find his way into the field.
18. Modernist
Derby Points/Rank: 70 – 6th
Race Record: (6) 2-0-2
Earnings: $413,800
Breeding: Uncle Mo – Symbolic Gesture (Bernardini)
Owner: Pam and Martin Wygood
Trainer: Bill Mott
Last Race: 7th, Belmont Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Magic Mike
Analysis: His seventh-place effort in the Belmont Stakes (G1) was a little disappointing, though it was clear going into the race that he wasn’t a strong win candidate. He seems to be a cut below the better horses in the crop and is running out of time to make up the gap.
19. Thousand Words
Derby Points/Rank: 33 – 15th
Race Record: (6) 3-1-0
Earnings: $267,000
Breeding: Pioneerof the Nile – Pomeroys Pistol (Pomeroy)
Owner: Albaugh Family Stables LLC and Spendthrift Farm LLC
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last Race: 2nd, Los Alamitos Derby at Los Alamitos
Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Paul “Free Beers” Withrow
Analysis: He’s earned his way into the Derby based on points; however, his last few races have not been what you’d like to see. The Los Alamitos Derby (G3) runner-up finish was an improvement, but he still has a long way to go.
20. Mischevious Alex
Derby Points/Rank: 50 – 10th
Race Record: (9) 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: He is a joke when it comes to the Kentucky Derby. He is a one-turn horse at best, and his latest effort in the Woody Stephens Stakes (G1) was pretty bad. However, he has enough points to easily make the field, so he has to be ranked – just not anywhere near the top.
