Welcome to our 2026 Kentucky Derby Horse Profiles, where we break down every contender expected to enter the gate at Churchill Downs. Each profile covers past performances, running style, pedigree, and key strengths and weaknesses—giving you a complete snapshot of how every horse stacks up on racing’s biggest stage.
The Puma enters the Kentucky Derby as a horse who likes to settle early before unleashing a sharp late burst turning for home. He’s been battle-tested with wide trips in his last two starts and still finished strongly, suggesting distance won’t be an issue. He’s proven himself as one of the better horses in this crop, but the question remains whether the added ground suits him as well as some of the top contenders. If the pace heats up and he times his move right, he has the ability to pass a lot of horses late.
Projected Odds: 8-1
Breeding: (Essential Quality – Eve Of War, By Declaration Of War)
Trainer: Gustavo Delgado
Jockey: Javier Castellano
Race Style: Stalker/Closer
Last 3 Beyers: 100-94-83
Pros:
- Strong late burst
- Battle-tested despite wide trips
- Distance should suit him
- Proven against top competition
Cons:
- Needs the right pace setup
- Traffic concerns from off the pace
- Could leave too much to do late
- Others may benefit more from added distance
Past Performances
Gulfstream Park — March 28, 2026 — Curlin Florida Derby (G1)
Finish: 2nd
Tampa Bay Downs — March 7, 2026 — Tampa Bay Derby (G3)
Finish: 1st
Tampa Bay Downs — February 7, 2026 — Sam F. Davis Stakes
Finish: 3rd
Gulfstream Park — January 10, 2026 — Maiden Special Weight
Finish: 2nd
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2026 Kentucky Derby Horse Profiles
Looking to compare the full field? Check out every contender running in the 2026 Kentucky Derby:
| Commandment | Further Ado | Renegade | The Puma |
| Emerging Market | Chief Wallabee | Silent Tactic | Fulleffort |
| So Happy | Danon Bourbon | Potente | Wonder Dean |
| Chip Honcho | Ottinho | Iron Honor | Golden Tempo |
| Albus | Right to Party | Incredibolt | Six Speed |
