2026 Road to the Kentucky Derby

2026 Road to the Kentucky Derby

The 2026 Road to the Kentucky Derby is a series of races through which horses qualified for the 2026 Kentucky Derby, which will be held on May 2. The field for the Derby was limited to 20 horses, with up to four 'also eligibles' in case of a late withdrawal from the field. There were three separate paths for horses to take to qualify for the Derby: the main Road consisting of races in North America, the Japan Road consisting of four races in Japan, and the Euro/MidEast road consisting of ten races in England, Ireland, United Arab Emirates and France. The top five finishers in the specified races received points, with higher points awarded in the major prep races in March and April. Earnings in non-restricted stakes races acted as a tie breaker.

For 2026, the main Road to the Kentucky Derby resembled the 2025 Road to the Kentucky Derby, consisting of 36 races, with 20 races for the Kentucky Derby Prep Season and 16 races for the Kentucky Derby Championship Season without any changes:

The following changes were introduced to the Euro/Mideast Road to the Kentucky Derby with three new events were added:

• The Group 3 UAE 2000 Guineas • The Group 3 Saudi Derby • The Listed Dubai Road to the Kentucky Derby Stakes (formerly the Al Bastakiya)

With the addition of more qualifying events the top two qualifiers will gain a place in the starting field.

Standings

2026 Road to the Kentucky Derby

The following table shows the points earned in the eligible races for the main series. Entrants that have been nominated are ranked in the standings.

<table><thead><tr><th>Rank</th><th>Horse</th><th>Points</th><th>Earnings</th><th>Trainer</th><th>Owner</th><th>Ref</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1</td><td>Commandment</td><td>150</td><td>$943,020</td><td>Brad H. Cox</td><td>Wathnan Racing</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Renegade</td><td>125</td><td>$1,002,500</td><td>Todd A. Pletcher</td><td>Robert & Lawana Low & Repole Stable</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Fulleffort</td><td>110</td><td>$507,900</td><td>Brad H. Cox</td><td>St. Elias Stable & Starlight Racing</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>The Puma</td><td>106</td><td>$428,000</td><td>Gustavo Delgado</td><td>OGMA Investments, JR Ranch & High Step Racing</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>Silent Tactic</td><td>100</td><td>$1,020,130</td><td>Mark E. Casse</td><td>John C. Oxley</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>6</td><td>Emerging Market</td><td>100</td><td>$600,000</td><td>Chad C. Brown</td><td>Klaravich Stables</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>7</td><td>Pavlovian</td><td>70</td><td>$527,000</td><td>Doug F. O'Neill</td><td>Reddam Racing</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>injured</td><td>Paladin</td><td>60</td><td>$437,500</td><td>Chad C. Brown</td><td>Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Peter Brant, Brook T. Smith & Summer Wind Equine</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>8</td><td>Incredibolt</td><td>60</td><td>$424,570</td><td>Riley Mott</td><td>Pin Oak Stud</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>9</td><td>Golden Tempo</td><td>60</td><td>$300,000</td><td>Cherie DeVaux</td><td>Phipps Stable & St. Elias Stable</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>10</td><td>Class President</td><td>50</td><td>$569,700</td><td>Todd A. Pletcher</td><td>WinStar Farm, First Go Racing & China Horse Club</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>11</td><td>Stark Contrast</td><td>50</td><td>$439,900</td><td>Michael McCarthy</td><td>Amerman Racing</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>12</td><td>Chief Wallabee</td><td>50</td><td>$175,800</td><td>William I. Mott</td><td>Michael & Katherine Bell</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>13</td><td>Iron Honor</td><td>50</td><td>$165,000</td><td>Chad C. Brown</td><td>St. Elias Stable, William H. Lawrence & Glassman Racing</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>14</td><td>Potente</td><td>50</td><td>$120,000</td><td>Bob Baffert</td><td>Speedway Stables</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>15</td><td>Chip Honcho</td><td>49</td><td>$190,000</td><td>Steven M. Asmussen</td><td>Leland Ackerley Racing</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>injured</td><td>Ted Noffey</td><td>40</td><td>$1,602,963</td><td>Todd A. Pletcher</td><td>Spendthrift Farm</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>16</td><td>Universe</td><td>38</td><td>$244,650</td><td>Kenneth G. McPeek</td><td>Four G Racing, Gregg Day & Steven Crain</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>17</td><td>Grittiness</td><td>36</td><td>$150,000</td><td>Todd A. Pletcher</td><td>Repole Stable</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>18</td><td>Danon Bourbon</td><td>Japan</td><td>$221,246</td><td>Manabu Ikezoe</td><td>Danox Co. Ltd.</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>19</td><td>Wonder Dean (JPN)</td><td>E/ME</td><td>$725,172</td><td>Daisuke Takayanagi</td><td>Yoshinari Yamamoto</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>20</td><td>Six Speed</td><td>E/ME</td><td>$314,366</td><td>Bhupat Seemar</td><td>Brunetti Dugan Stables, Black Type Thoroughbreds, Steve Adkisson, Swinbank Stables</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>21</td><td>Further Ado</td><td>35</td><td>$312,470</td><td>Brad H. Cox</td><td>Spendthrift Farm</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>22</td><td>Nearly</td><td>35</td><td>$220,450</td><td>Todd A. Pletcher</td><td>Centennial Farms</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>23</td><td>Litmus Test</td><td>34</td><td>$429,688</td><td>Bob Baffert</td><td>SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Stonestreet Stables, Dianne Bashor, Determined Stables, Golconda Stable, Waves Edge Capital & Catherine Donovan</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Crown the Buckeye</td><td>28</td><td>$73,500</td><td>Michael J. Maker</td><td>Paradise Farms, David Staudacher & Hooties Racing</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>24</td><td>Blackout Time</td><td>25</td><td>$237,875</td><td>Kenneth G. McPeek</td><td>Brookdale Racing, Lance Gasaway & Magdalena Racing</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Taptastic</td><td>25</td><td>$138,750</td><td>Steven M. Asmussen</td><td>Winchell Thoroughbreds & Stonestreet Stables</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Medici</td><td>25</td><td>$94,950</td><td>Richard Mandella</td><td>Perry R. & Ramona S. Bass</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>25</td><td>Robusta</td><td>25</td><td>$40,500</td><td>Doug F. O'Neill</td><td>Calumet Farm</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>26</td><td>Intrepido</td><td>23</td><td>$260,000</td><td>Jeff Mullins</td><td>Dutch Girl Holdings & Irving Ventures</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>bypassing</td><td>Plutarch</td><td>23</td><td>$140,000</td><td>Bob Baffert</td><td>Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier & Michael Tabor</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>27</td><td>Bricklin</td><td>21</td><td>$135,250</td><td>Rodolphe Brisset</td><td>Imagine Racing</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>bypassing</td><td>Express Kid</td><td>20</td><td>$308,800</td><td>Justin Evans</td><td>Bradley James & Sharon Kleven</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Wayne's Law</td><td>20</td><td>$134,700</td><td>Amador Merei Sanchez</td><td>Baalbek Corp.</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>28</td><td>Talk to Me Jimmy</td><td>20</td><td>$110,000</td><td>Rudy R. Rodriguez</td><td>SEI Thoroughbreds & Rudy R. Rodriguez</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>29</td><td>Great White</td><td>20</td><td>$107,440</td><td>John Eniss</td><td>Three Chimneys Farm & John Ennis</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>30</td><td>Bravaro</td><td>20</td><td>$68,700</td><td>Saffie Joseph Jr.</td><td>Albert Ciuffetelli, Stephanie S. Brennan, Shining Stables, BAG Racing Stables & Paul Braverman</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>bypassing</td><td>Soldier N Diplomat</td><td>18</td><td>$258,350</td><td>Steven M. Asmussen</td><td>St. Elias Stable</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>31</td><td>Buetane</td><td>16</td><td>$212,500</td><td>Bob Baffert</td><td>Zedan Racing Stables</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>32</td><td>Secured Freedom</td><td>16</td><td>$24,000</td><td>Tim Yakteen</td><td>Leslie A.& Pierre Jean Amestoy Jr. & Roger K. Beasley</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>injured</td><td>Mr. A. P.</td><td>15</td><td>$340,000</td><td>Vladimir Cerin</td><td>Holly & David Wilson</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>33</td><td>Napoleon Solo</td><td>15</td><td>$286,520</td><td>Chad Summers</td><td>Gold Square</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>bypassing</td><td>Solitude Dude</td><td>15</td><td>$190,470</td><td>Saffie Joseph Jr.</td><td>Chris Fountoukis</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>34</td><td>So Happy</td><td>15</td><td>$144,000</td><td>Mark Glatt</td><td>Norman Stables & Saints or Sinners</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>35</td><td>Confessional</td><td>15</td><td>$55,000</td><td>Brad H. Cox</td><td>Steve Landers Racing</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>bypassing</td><td>Stop the Car</td><td>15</td><td>$39,975</td><td>Brendan P. Walsh</td><td>Trade Winds Farm</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Right to Party</td><td>15</td><td>$36,000</td><td>Kenneth G. McPeek</td><td>Chester Broman Sr.</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>injured</td><td>Canaletto</td><td>15</td><td>$35,000</td><td>Chad C. Brown</td><td>Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Peter Brant & Brook T. Smith</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>36</td><td>Brant</td><td>14</td><td>$364,000</td><td>Bob Baffert</td><td>Zedan Racing Stables</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>bypassing</td><td>Balboa</td><td>14</td><td>$144,000</td><td>Brittany T. Russell</td><td>SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Stonestreet Stables, Dianne Bashor, Determined Stables, Golconda Stable, Waves Edge Capital & Catherine Donovan</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>bypassing</td><td>Spice Runner</td><td>11</td><td>$247,426</td><td>Steven M. Asmussen</td><td>Winchell Thoroughbreds</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>37</td><td>Carson Street</td><td>11</td><td>$35,000</td><td>Brendan P. Walsh</td><td>Ike & Dawn Thrash</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>bypassing</td><td>Argos</td><td>10</td><td>$265,160</td><td>Brad H. Cox</td><td>David S. Romanik, Warren Cheekes, Deborah K. Dougherty, C2 Racing Stable, BAG Racing Stable & Robert Liedel</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>bypassing</td><td>Strategic Risk</td><td>10</td><td>$204,500</td><td>Mark E. Casse</td><td>John C. Oxley</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>bypassing</td><td>My World</td><td>10</td><td>$165,000</td><td>Brad H. Cox</td><td>Robert LaPenta & Madaket Stables</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>38</td><td>Talkin</td><td>10</td><td>$111,750</td><td>Danny Gargan</td><td>Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, Pine Racing Stables, Legendary Thoroughbreds, Belmar Racing & Breeding & R. A. Hill Stable</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>39</td><td>Redland Rebels</td><td>10</td><td>$89,400</td><td>Patrick Biancone</td><td>Calypso Racing Stables 2022</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>injured</td><td>Mesquite</td><td>10</td><td>$50,000</td><td>Cherie DeVaux</td><td>LBD Stable</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Exhibition Only</td><td>10</td><td>$18,000</td><td>Rudy R. Rodriguez</td><td>SEI Thoroughbreds & Rudy R. Rodriguez</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>bypassing</td><td>Desert Gate</td><td>9</td><td>$216,000</td><td>Bob Baffert</td><td>Karl Watson, Michael E. Pegram & Paul Weitman</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>40</td><td>Baytown Dreamer</td><td>7</td><td>$171,109</td><td>Paul McEntee</td><td>Baytown Partnerships</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>bypassing</td><td>Maximus Prime</td><td>7</td><td>$81,411</td><td>Anthony Mitchell</td><td>Gary & Tiffany Bizzack</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>bypassing</td><td>Very Connected</td><td>6</td><td>$42,525</td><td>Kenneth G. McPeek</td><td>Dream Big Racing</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>bypassing</td><td>Project Ace</td><td>6</td><td>$24,750</td><td>Dale L. Romans</td><td>Albaugh Family Stables</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>41</td><td>Ottinho</td><td>6</td><td>$24,000</td><td>Chad C. Brown</td><td>Three Chimneys Farm</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>bypassing</td><td>Comport</td><td>5</td><td>$264,050</td><td>Eddie Kenneally</td><td>Joseph W. Sutton</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>bypassing</td><td>Rancho Santa Fe</td><td>5</td><td>$83,750</td><td>Brad H. Cox</td><td>Gary & Mary West</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>bypassing</td><td>Arctic Beast</td><td>5</td><td>$60,000</td><td>Michael J. Maker</td><td>Paradise Farms, JP Racing Stable, David Staudacher, Zilla Racing Stables & Jennifer Rice</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>bypassing</td><td>Blacksmith</td><td>5</td><td>$50,000</td><td>Bob Baffert</td><td>Wathnan Racing</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>euthanized</td><td>Liberty National</td><td>5</td><td>$45,000</td><td>Kenneth G. McPeek</td><td>Brookdale Racing & Fern Circle Stables</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>bypassing</td><td>Lockstocknpharoah</td><td>5</td><td>$15,000</td><td>Thomas Drury Jr.</td><td>Ashley Durr, Anthony Tate & Front Page Equestrian</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Daneyko</td><td>4</td><td>$90,450</td><td>Edward Kereluk</td><td>Roys Mansur</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>bypassing</td><td>Quality Mischief</td><td>4</td><td>$16,000</td><td>Brad H. Cox</td><td>West Paces Racing & Donegal Racing</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>42</td><td>Cannoneer</td><td>4</td><td>$12,375</td><td>Brad H. Cox</td><td>St. Elias Stable & Stonestreet Stables</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>bypassing</td><td>Schoolyardsuperman</td><td>4</td><td>$12,000</td><td>Chad C. Brown</td><td>Hit The Bid Racing Stable & CMNWLTH</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>bypassing</td><td>Game for It</td><td>4</td><td>$10,000</td><td>Chad Summers</td><td>Gold Square, Wynnstay & Chad Summers</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Royalamerican</td><td>3</td><td>$33,000</td><td>C. R. Trout</td><td>C. R. Trout</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Vost</td><td>3</td><td>$28,875</td><td>William Walden</td><td>OXO Equine</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>bypassing</td><td>Provenance</td><td>3</td><td>$24,000</td><td>Bob Baffert</td><td>Spendthrift Farm</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>bypassing</td><td>Enforced Agenda</td><td>3</td><td>$18,000</td><td>George Weaver</td><td>St. Elias Stable</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>43</td><td>Cherokee Nation</td><td>3</td><td>$13,805</td><td>Bob Baffert</td><td>SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Stonestreet Stables, Dianne Bashor, Determined Stables, Golconda Stable, Waves Edge Capital & Catherine Donovan</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Diciassette</td><td>2</td><td>$75,762</td><td>Patrick L. Biancone</td><td>Green With MV Stable</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>bypassing</td><td>Steel Imperium</td><td>2</td><td>$54,470</td><td>Caio Caramori</td><td>LCI</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>44</td><td>Civil Liberty</td><td>2</td><td>$54,000</td><td>Doug F. O'Neill</td><td>Great Friends Stables & Mark D. Davis</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>bypassing</td><td>Sleepingonfreedom</td><td>2</td><td>$38,875</td><td>Kenneth G. McPeek</td><td>Dream Big Racing & Magdalena Racing</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>bypassing</td><td>Acknowledgemeplz</td><td>2</td><td>$36,000</td><td>Doug F. O'Neill</td><td>Purple Rein Racing & Mark D. Davis</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>bypassing</td><td>Circle Tap</td><td>2</td><td>$33,000</td><td>Dallas Stewart</td><td>Willis Horton Racing</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>bypassing</td><td>It's Our Time</td><td>2</td><td>$30,000</td><td>Thomas M. Amoss</td><td>Double Down Horse Racing</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>45</td><td>Courting</td><td>2</td><td>$20,000</td><td>Todd A. Pletcher</td><td>Whisper Hill Farm, Stonestreet Stables and Windancer Farm</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Western Man</td><td>2</td><td>$18,000</td><td>Joe Offotler</td><td>Bart D. & Sandra A. Howard</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>bypassing</td><td>Forty Twenty</td><td>2</td><td>$14,850</td><td>Robertino Diodoro</td><td>Randy Howg</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>bypassing</td><td>Nothing Personal</td><td>2</td><td>$14,438</td><td>Gregory Compton</td><td>Mag Racing</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>I Did I Did</td><td>2</td><td>$11,175</td><td>Michael J. Maker</td><td>Paradise Farms, David Staudacher, Turman Racing Stable & Skychai Racing</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Star Sweeper</td><td>2</td><td>$11,000</td><td>Louis C. Linder Jr.</td><td>Bran Jam Stable & David W. Clark</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Freedom's Echo</td><td>2</td><td>$9,000</td><td>Guadalupe Preciado</td><td>Nicholas Cammarano Jr.</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>bypassing</td><td>Global Aviator</td><td>2</td><td>$7,425</td><td>Rohan G. Crichton</td><td>Special Aviators</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>bypassing</td><td>Epic Desire</td><td>2</td><td>$7,200</td><td>Todd A. Pletcher</td><td>Epic Horses</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Stradale</td><td>1</td><td>$42,500</td><td>Steven M. Asmussen</td><td>Kaleem Shah</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Way Beyond</td><td>1</td><td>$14,000</td><td>Steven M. Asmussen</td><td>Ed & Susie Orr</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Ganaas</td><td>1</td><td>$11,655</td><td>Andrew McKeever</td><td>Shadwell Stable</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>bypassing</td><td>American King</td><td>1</td><td>$4,000</td><td>Ruben Gomez</td><td>Gary J. Folgner</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

Legend:   Clinched qualification for the Derby   Injured/Bypassing/Inactive/Not nominated

Prep season

Initial prep events

Note: 1st=10 points; 2nd=5 points; 3rd=3 points; 4th=2 points; 5th=1 point (except the Breeders' Cup Juvenile: 1st=30 points; 2nd=15 points; 3rd=9 points; 4th=6 points; 5th=3 points)

<table><thead><tr><th>Race</th><th>Distance</th><th>Purse</th><th>Grade</th><th>Track</th><th>Date</th><th>1st</th><th>2nd</th><th>3rd</th><th>4th</th><th>5th</th><th>Ref</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Iroquois</td><td>1 mile</td><td>$299,400</td><td>3</td><td>Churchill Downs</td><td>Sep 13 2025</td><td>Spice Runner</td><td>Comport</td><td>Vost</td><td>Nothing Personal</td><td>Maximus Prime</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Champagne</td><td>1 mile</td><td>$500,000</td><td>1</td><td>Aqueduct</td><td>Oct 4 2025</td><td>Napoleon Solo</td><td>Talkin</td><td>Universe</td><td>It's Our Time</td><td>Stradale</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>American Pharoah</td><td>1+1⁄16 miles</td><td>$300,500</td><td>1</td><td>Santa Anita</td><td>Oct 4 2025</td><td>Intrepido</td><td>Desert Gate</td><td>Plutarch</td><td>Civil Liberty</td><td>Balboa</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Breeders' Futurity</td><td>1+1⁄16 miles</td><td>$642,594</td><td>1</td><td>Keeneland</td><td>Oct 4 2025</td><td>Ted Noffey</td><td>Blackout Time</td><td>Litmus Test</td><td>Diciassette</td><td>Spice Runner</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Street Sense</td><td>1+1⁄16 miles</td><td>$200,000</td><td>3</td><td>Churchill Downs</td><td>Oct 26 2025</td><td>Incredibolt</td><td>Universe</td><td>Very Connected</td><td>I Did I Did</td><td>Ganaas</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Breeders' Cup Juvenile</td><td>1+1⁄16 miles</td><td>$1,760,000</td><td>1</td><td>Del Mar</td><td>Oct 31 2025</td><td>Ted Noffey</td><td>Mr. A. P.</td><td>Brant</td><td>Litmus Test</td><td>Intrepido</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Kentucky Jockey Club</td><td>1+1⁄16 miles</td><td>$400,000</td><td>2</td><td>Churchill Downs</td><td>Nov 29 2025</td><td>Further Ado</td><td>Universe</td><td>Soldier N Diplomat</td><td>Very Connected</td><td>Cherokee Nation</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Remsen</td><td>1+1⁄8 miles</td><td>$250,000</td><td>2</td><td>Aqueduct</td><td>Dec 6 2025</td><td>Paladin</td><td>Renegade</td><td>Balboa</td><td>Courting</td><td>Grittiness</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Los Alamitos Futurity</td><td>1+1⁄16 miles</td><td>$200,500</td><td>2</td><td>Los Alamitos</td><td>Dec 13 2025</td><td>Litmus Test</td><td>Blacksmith</td><td>Provenance</td><td>Acknowledgemeplz</td><td>American King</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Gun Runner Stakes</td><td>1+1⁄16 miles</td><td>$100,000</td><td>Listed</td><td>Fair Grounds</td><td>Dec 20 2025</td><td>Chip Honcho</td><td>Liberty National</td><td>Crown the Buckeye</td><td>Quality Mischief</td><td>Very Connected</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Springboard Mile</td><td>1 mile</td><td>$300,000</td><td>Listed</td><td>Remington</td><td>Dec 20 2025</td><td>Express Kid</td><td>Arctic Beast</td><td>Royalamerican</td><td>Western Man</td><td>Way Beyond</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Jerome</td><td>1 mile</td><td>$139,500</td><td>Black-Type</td><td>Aqueduct</td><td>Jan 3 2026</td><td>My World</td><td>Balboa</td><td>Enforced Agenda</td><td>Freedom's Echo</td><td>—</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Smarty Jones</td><td>1 mile</td><td>$250,000</td><td>Listed</td><td>Oaklawn</td><td>Jan 3 2026</td><td>Strategic Risk</td><td>Silent Tactic</td><td>Baytown Dreamer</td><td>Sleepingonfreedom</td><td>Rancho Santa Fe</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

Select prep events

Note: 1st=20 points; 2nd=10 points; 3rd=6 points; 4th=4 points; 5th=2 points

<table><thead><tr><th>Race</th><th>Distance</th><th>Purse</th><th>Grade</th><th>Track</th><th>Date</th><th>1st</th><th>2nd</th><th>3rd</th><th>4th</th><th>5th</th><th>Ref</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Lecomte</td><td>1+1⁄16 miles</td><td>$250,000</td><td>3</td><td>Fair Grounds</td><td>Jan 17 2026</td><td>Golden Tempo</td><td>Mesquite</td><td>Carson Street</td><td>Chip Honcho</td><td>Quality Mischief</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Holy Bull</td><td>1 mile</td><td>$267,500</td><td>3</td><td>Gulfstream</td><td>Jan 31 2026</td><td>Nearly</td><td>Bravaro</td><td>Project Ace</td><td>Cannoneer</td><td>Global Aviator</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Withers</td><td>1+1⁄8 miles</td><td>$200,000</td><td>Listed</td><td>Aqueduct</td><td>Feb 6 2026</td><td>Talk to Me Jimmy</td><td>Grittiness</td><td>Ottinho</td><td>Schoolyardsuperman</td><td>Star Sweeper</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Southwest</td><td>1+1⁄16 miles</td><td>$1,000,000</td><td>3</td><td>Oaklawn</td><td>Feb 6 2026</td><td>Silent Tactic</td><td>Soldier N Diplomat</td><td>Buetane</td><td>Rancho Santa Fe</td><td>Circle Tap</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Sam F. Davis Stakes</td><td>1+1⁄16 miles</td><td>$210,000</td><td>Listed</td><td>Tampa Bay</td><td>Feb 7 2026</td><td>Renegade</td><td>Wayne's Law</td><td>The Puma</td><td>Game For It</td><td>Epic Desire</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Robert B. Lewis</td><td>1 mile</td><td>$101,000</td><td>3</td><td>Santa Anita</td><td>Feb 7 2026</td><td>Plutarch</td><td>Intrepido</td><td>Secured Freedom</td><td>Desert Gate</td><td>Cherokee Nation</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Sunland Park Derby</td><td>1+1⁄16 miles</td><td>$500,000</td><td>Listed</td><td>Sunland Park</td><td>Feb 15 2026</td><td>Pavlovian</td><td>Express Kid</td><td>Bricklin</td><td>Daneyko</td><td>Forty Twenty</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>John Battaglia Memorial Stakes</td><td>1+1⁄16 miles</td><td>$174,835</td><td>Listed</td><td>Turfway</td><td>Feb 21 2026</td><td>Great White</td><td>Fulleffort</td><td>Maximus Prime</td><td>Baytown Dreamer</td><td>Steel Imperium</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

Championship series events

First leg of series

Note: 1st=50 points; 2nd=25 points; 3rd=15 points; 4th=10 points; 5th=5 points

Race	Distance	Purse	Grade	Track	Date	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	Ref
Risen Star	1+1⁄8 miles	$495,000	2	Fair Grounds	Feb 14 2026	Paladin	Chip Honcho	Golden Tempo	Universe	Carson Street
Gotham	1 mile	$300,000	3	Aqueduct	Feb 28 2026	Iron Honor	Crown the Buckeye	Right to Party	Exhibition Only	Balboa
Fountain of Youth	1+1⁄16 miles	$400,000	2	Gulfstream	Feb 28 2026	Commandment	Chief Wallabee	Solitude Dude	Bravaro	Napoleon Solo
Rebel	1+1⁄16 miles	$1,000,000	2	Oaklawn	Mar 1 2026	Class President	Silent Tactic	Litmus Test	Blackout Time	Soldier N Diplomat
Tampa Bay Derby	1+1⁄16 miles	$350,000	3	Tampa Bay	Mar 7 2026	The Puma	Further Ado	Canaletto	Redland Rebels	Talkin
San Felipe	1+1⁄16 miles	$201,000	2	Santa Anita	Mar 7 2026	Potente	Robusta	So Happy	Secured Freedom	Brant
Virginia Derby	1+1⁄8 miles	$506,000	Black-Type	Colonial Downs	Mar 14 2026	Incredibolt	Grittiness	Confessional	Buetane	Lockstocknpharoah

Second leg of series

These races are the major preps for the Kentucky Derby, and are thus weighted more heavily. Note: 1st=100 points; 2nd=50 points; 3rd=25 points; 4th=15 points; 5th=10 points with the exception of the Lexington Stakes; 1st=20 points; 2nd=10 points; 3rd=6 points; 4th=4 points; 5th=2 points

<table><thead><tr><th>Race</th><th>Distance</th><th>Purse</th><th>Grade</th><th>Track</th><th>Date</th><th>1st</th><th>2nd</th><th>3rd</th><th>4th</th><th>5th</th><th>Ref</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Jeff Ruby</td><td>1+1⁄8 miles</td><td>$777,000</td><td>3</td><td>Turfway</td><td>Mar 21 2026</td><td>Fulleffort</td><td>Stark Contrast</td><td>Medici</td><td>Stop The Car</td><td>Argos</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Louisiana Derby</td><td>1+3⁄16 miles</td><td>$1,000,000</td><td>2</td><td>Fair Grounds</td><td>Mar 21 2026</td><td>Emerging Market</td><td>Pavlovian</td><td>Golden Tempo</td><td>Universe</td><td>Chip Honcho</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Derby</td><td>1+1⁄8 miles</td><td>$1,000,000</td><td>1</td><td>Gulfstream</td><td>Mar 28 2026</td><td>Commandment</td><td>The Puma</td><td>Chief Wallabee</td><td>Nearly</td><td>Wayne's Law</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Arkansas Derby</td><td>1+1⁄8 miles</td><td>$1,500,000</td><td>1</td><td>Oaklawn Park</td><td>Mar 28 2026</td><td>Renegade</td><td>Silent Tactic</td><td>Taptastic</td><td>Bricklin</td><td>Blackout Time</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Blue Grass Stakes</td><td>1+1⁄8 miles</td><td>$1,000,000</td><td>1</td><td>Keeneland</td><td>Apr 4 2026</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Santa Anita Derby</td><td>1+1⁄8 miles</td><td>$750,000</td><td>1</td><td>Santa Anita</td><td>Apr 4 2026</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Wood Memorial</td><td>1+1⁄8 miles</td><td>$750,000</td><td>2</td><td>Aqueduct</td><td>Apr 4 2026</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Lexington</td><td>1+1⁄8 miles</td><td>$400,000</td><td>3</td><td>Keeneland</td><td>Apr 11 2026</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

Euro/Mideast Road to the Kentucky Derby

2026 Road to the Kentucky Derby

The Euro/Mideast Road to the Kentucky Derby is designed on a similar basis to the Japan Road and is intended to provide a place in the Derby starting gate to the top two finishers in the series. If the connections of that horse decline the invitation, their place is offered to the second-place finisher and so on. If none of the top four accept, this place in the starting gate reverts to the horses on the main road to the Derby.

The series consists of ten races – In Europe four events run on the turf in late 2025 when the horses are age two, plus two races run on a synthetic surface in early 2026. The last four events are in the Middle East including the Group 2 UAE Derby.

Race	Distance	Track	Date	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	Ref
Beresford Stakes	1 mile	The Curragh	Sep 27 2025	Hawk Mountain	Geryon	Al Haarith	Shaihaan	Port of Spain
Royal Lodge Stakes	1 mile	Newmarket	Sep 27 2025	Bow Echo	Humidity	Action	Pacific Avenue	Daytona
Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère	1,400 metres (about 7 furlongs)	Longchamp	Oct 5 2025	Puerto Rico	Nighttime	Rayif	Campacite Imperial Me Cen
Futurity Trophy	1 mile	Doncaster	Oct 25 2025	Hawk Mountain	Action	Benvenuto Cellini	Rochfortbridge	Oxagon
UAE 2000 Guineas	1,600 metres (about 1 mile)	Meydan	Jan 23 2026	Six Speed	Devon Island	Union Security	Lino Padrino	Raajehh
Saudi Derby	1,600 metres (about 1 mile)	King Abdulaziz Racetrack	Feb 14 2026	Al Haram	Obliteration	Satono Voyage	Wonder Dean	Keiai Agito
Dubai Road to the Kentucky Derby Stakes	1,900 metres (about 1+3⁄16 miles)	Meydan	Feb 20 2026	Brotherly Love (GB)	Duke of Immatin	Lino Padrino	Sary Shahin	Raajehh
European Road to the Kentucky Derby Conditions Stakes	1 mile	Kempton Park	Feb 25 2026	Hidden Force (GB)	Venetian Prince	Tadej	Utmost Good Faith	—
Patton Stakes	1 mile	Dundalk	Feb 27 2026	ƒ Blanc de Blanc	Whatchadoin	Redemption Road	Flanker Jet	Outlaw Man
UAE Derby	1,900 metres (about 1+3⁄16 miles)	Meydan	Mar 28 2026	Wonder Dean (JP)	Six Speed	Pyromancer (JP)	Brotherly Love (GB)	Devon Island

• the four races in 2025 for two-year-olds: 1st=10 points; 2nd=5 points; 3rd=3 points; 4th=2 points; 5th=1 point • the European Road to the Kentucky Derby Conditions Stakes, Patton Stakes, UAE Two Thousand Guineas, Dubai Road to the Kentucky Derby Stakes: 1st=20 points; 2nd=10 points; 3rd=6 points; 4th=4 points; 5th=2 points • the Saudi Derby: 1st=30 points; 2nd=15 points; 3rd=9 points; 4th=6 points; 5th=3 points • the UAE Derby: 1st=100 points; 2nd=50 points; 3rd=25 points; 4th=15 points; 5th=10 points

The top four horses (colored brown within the standings) are eligible to participate in the Kentucky Derby provided the two horses that can be nominated.

<table><thead><tr><th>Rank</th><th>Horse</th><th>Points</th><th>Eligible Earnings</th><th>Trainer</th><th>Owner</th><th>Ref</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1</td><td>Wonder Dean (JPN)</td><td>106</td><td>$725,172</td><td>Daisuke Takayanagi</td><td>Yoshinari Yamamoto</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Six Speed</td><td>80</td><td>$314,366</td><td>Bhupat Seemar</td><td>Brunetti Dugan Stables, Black Type Thoroughbreds, Steve Adkisson, Swinbank Stables</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Brotherly Love (GB)</td><td>35</td><td>$180,704</td><td>Jamie Osborne</td><td>Jim & Claire Bryce</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Al Haram (IRE)</td><td>30</td><td>$900,000</td><td>Abdullah Alsidrani</td><td>Sheikh Abdullah Almalek Alsabah</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Pyromancer (JPN)</td><td>30</td><td>$445,736</td><td>Keiji Yoshimura</td><td>Godolphin Racing</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Hawk Mountain (IRE)</td><td>20</td><td>$233,829</td><td>Aidan O'Brien</td><td>Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier & Michael Tabor</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Devon Island</td><td>20</td><td>$68,122</td><td>Charlie Appleby</td><td>Godolphin Racing</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Hidden Force (GB)</td><td>20</td><td>$0</td><td>Charlie Appleby</td><td>Godolphin Racing</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>ƒ Blanc de Blanc</td><td>20</td><td>$0</td><td>Robson De Aguiar</td><td>AMO Racing</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>bypassing</td><td>Obliteration</td><td>15</td><td>$824,250</td><td>Steven M. Asmussen</td><td>Leland Ackerley Racing, James Sherwood, Jode Shupe & John Cilia</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>bypassing</td><td>Puerto Rico (IRE)</td><td>10</td><td>$476,281</td><td>Aidan O'Brien</td><td>Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier & Michael Tabor</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Bow Echo (IRE)</td><td>10</td><td>$132,683</td><td>George Boughey</td><td>Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Duke of Immatin</td><td>10</td><td>$43,568</td><td>Musabbeh Al Mheiri</td><td>Mohamed Eldubeba</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>bypassing</td><td>Lino Padrino</td><td>10</td><td>$41,315</td><td>Bhupat Seemar</td><td>Suited & Booted – My Future Champion Racing</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Whatchadoin (IRE)</td><td>10</td><td>$1,170</td><td>Josh Halley</td><td>Carly Halley</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Venetian Prince (GB)</td><td>10</td><td>$0</td><td>Andrew Balding</td><td>Mr. J.C. Smith</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Satono Voyage (JPN)</td><td>9</td><td>$328,707</td><td>Hiroyasu Tanaka</td><td>Hajime Satomi</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Action (IRE)</td><td>8</td><td>$76,531</td><td>Aidan O'Brien</td><td>Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier & Michael Tabor</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Tadej (GB)</td><td>6</td><td>$60,151</td><td>Archie Watson</td><td>Jinky Farms & Partner</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Union Security</td><td>6</td><td>$39,061</td><td>Ahmad Harmash</td><td>Mohammed Ahmad Ali Al Subousi</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Redemption Road (GB)</td><td>6</td><td>$0</td><td>David Marnane</td><td>MRC International</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Nighttime (FR)</td><td>5</td><td>$182,481</td><td>Christine Head</td><td>Alain & Gérard Wertheimer</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Humidity (GB)</td><td>5</td><td>$141,313</td><td>Andrew Balding</td><td>Wathnan Racing</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Geryon (IRE)</td><td>5</td><td>$53,404</td><td>Ger Lyons</td><td>Newtown Anner Stud Farm Ltd.</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Raajehh</td><td>4</td><td>$12,253</td><td>Michael Costa</td><td>Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Sary Shayan</td><td>4</td><td>$10,892</td><td>Doug Watson</td><td>Ardak Amirkulov, Shamil Kurbanov, Mamed Kurbanov & Allan Amirkulov</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Flanker Jet (GB)</td><td>4</td><td>$3,355</td><td>Robson De Aguia</td><td>Giselle De Aguilar</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Utmost Good Faith (GB)</td><td>4</td><td>$0</td><td>George Boughey</td><td>Middleham Park Racing CXIII & Partner</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Benvenuto Cellini (IRE)</td><td>3</td><td>$132,508</td><td>Aidan O'Brien</td><td>Brant, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Westerberg (Georg von Opel)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Rayif (IRE)</td><td>3</td><td>$96,517</td><td>Francis-Henri Graffard</td><td>Princess Zahra Aga Khan</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>bypassing</td><td>Keiai Agito (JPN)</td><td>3</td><td>$45,000</td><td>Yukihiro Kato</td><td>Keiai Stallion Co Ltd.</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Al Haarith (IRE)</td><td>3</td><td>$12,637</td><td>Joseph O’Brien</td><td>Alwasmiyah/Ballylinch/Umm Al Shukhout</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Pacific Avenue (IRE)</td><td>2</td><td>$101,881</td><td>Charlie Appleby</td><td>Godolphin Racing</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Rochfortbridge (IRE)</td><td>2</td><td>$42,052</td><td>Adrian Keatley</td><td>James & Scott Fyffe</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Shaihaan (IRE)</td><td>2</td><td>$5,616</td><td>Donnacha O'Brien</td><td>Al Shaqab Racing</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Outlaw Man</td><td>2</td><td>$0</td><td>M.D. O’Callaghan</td><td>Chad Schumer</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Campacite (FR)</td><td>1.5</td><td>$86,561</td><td>Jean-Claude Rouget</td><td>Ecurie Friedrider</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Imperial Me Cen (IRE)</td><td>1.5</td><td>$77,222</td><td>Patrik Olave Valdivielso</td><td>Yeguada Centurion Slu</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Oxagon (FR)</td><td>1</td><td>$68,852</td><td>John & Thady Gosden</td><td>Prince A. A. Faisal</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Daytona (IRE)</td><td>1</td><td>$62,230</td><td>Aidan O'Brien</td><td>Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier, Westerberg (Georg von Opel) & Peter M. Bran</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>not nominated</td><td>Port of Spain (IRE)</td><td>1</td><td>$9,100</td><td>Aidan O'Brien</td><td>Westerberg (Georg von Opel), Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

Legend:   Can qualify for the Derby   Injured/Bypassing/Inactive/Not nominated

Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby

2026 Road to the Kentucky Derby

The Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby is intended to provide a place in the Derby starting gate to the top finisher in the series. If the connections of that horse decline the invitation, their place is offered to the second-place finisher and so on through the top five finishers.

Race	Distance	Track	Date	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	Ref
Cattleya Stakes	1,600 metres (~1 mile)	Tokyo Racecourse	Nov 29 2025	Satono Voyage	Don Erectus	Arcadia Cafe	ƒ Every Possible	Ho O Luxor
Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun	1,600 metres (~1 mile)	Kawasaki Racecourse	Dec 17 2025	Pyromancer	ƒ Tamamo Freesia	Best Green	Ayasan Jotaro	Cosmo Gigantea
Hyacinth	1,600 metres (~1 mile)	Tokyo Racecourse	Feb 22 2026	Lucky Kid	Don Erectus	Itterasshai	Boku Mada Nemuiyo	Your Felicity
Fukuryu	1,800 metres (~1+1⁄8 miles)	Nakayama Racecourse	Mar 28 2026	Danon Bourbon	Don Erectus	Charlie	Itterasshai	Sunrise Kevin

ƒ Filly Cattleya Sho: 1st=10 points; 2nd=5 points; 3rd=3 points; 4th=2 points; 5th=1 point Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun: 1st=20 points; 2nd=10 points; 3rd=6 points; 4th=4 points; 5th=2 points Hyacinth: 1st=30 points; 2nd=15 points; 3rd=9 points; 4th=6 points; 5th=3 points Fukuyru: 1st=40 points; 2nd=20 points; 3rd=12 points; 4th=8 points; 5th=4 points

The top four horses (colored brown within the standings) are eligible to participate in the Kentucky Derby provided the horse is nominated.

Rank	Horse	Points	Eligible Earnings	Trainer	Owner	Ref
not nominated	Don Erectus (JPN)	40	$257,896	Noboru Takagi	Koichi Yamada
1	Danon Bourbon	40	$221,246	Manabu Ikezoe	Danox Co. Ltd.
bypassing	Lucky Kid (JPN)	30	$228,417	Yukihiro Kato	Godolphin Racing
2	Pyromancer (JPN)	20	$496,606	Keiji Yoshimura	Godolphin Racing
bypassing	Itterasshai (JPN)	17	$99,154	Makoto Saito	SNS Group Co. Ltd.
not nominated	Charlie (JPN)	12	$160,955	Takeshi Okumura	Masaru Shimada
not nominated	Satono Voyage (JPN)	10	$387,431	Hiroyasu Tanaka	Hajime Satomi
not nominated	ƒ Tamamo Freesia (JPN)	10	$371,765	Yuki Ohashi	Tamamo
bypassing	Best Green (JPN)	6	$242,388	Junji Tanaka	Guoxin Taixiu
not nominated	Boku Mada Nemuiyo (JPN)	6	$101,851	Akishi Higashida	Hikaru Odagiri
not nominated	Sunrise Kevin (JPN)	4	$129,007	Osamu Hirata	Takao Matsuoka
not nominated	Ayasan Jotaro (JPN)	4	$118,817	Junji Tanaka	Yoshitomo Takayama
bypassing	Arcadia Cafe (JPN)	3	$82,738	Noriyuki Hori	Koichi Nishikawa
not nominated	Your Felicity (JPN)	3	$74,316	Naoto Chiba	Yoshiaki Tanaka
not nominated	ƒ Every Possible (JPN)	2	$118,164	Koichi Shintani	G1 Racing Co. Ltd.
not nominated	Idaten Shacho	2	$58,250	Hiroaki Kawazu	Miki House HK Service Co. Ltd.
not nominated	Ho O Luxor (JPN)	1	$59,303	Toru Kurita	Yoshihisa Ozasa

Legend:   Can qualify for the Derby   Injured/Bypassing/Inactive/Not nominated