May 3 update: The field for Derby 143 has been drawn! The horses are still listed here in order of their Derby points, with post positions and morning line odds added.
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As the build-up to the May 6 Kentucky Derby (G1) reaches fever pitch, it’s time to cram on the contenders for America’s iconic race.
In addition to free Kentucky Derby past performances courtesy of Brisnet, here is a handy reference page for the top 20 contenders who have accumulated the most Derby points. Next come the nearest “bubble” horses hoping for defection(s) so they can draw into the field.
Each horse’s highlights and connections are listed, along with links to related news/features and work videos. Note that the works page is in progress, so if a contender doesn’t have an associated video yet, check back for updates.
Now, let’s help find your Derby horse!
GIRVIN (150 points), Post 7, 15-1
Louisiana Derby (G2) and Risen Star (G2) winner tops the leaderboard.
Owner: Brad Grady, Trainer: Joe Sharp, Jockey: Mike Smith
Pedigree: by Tale of Ekati—Catch the Moon, by Malibu Moon
CLASSIC EMPIRE (132 points), Post 14, 4-1
Last year’s juvenile champion may be favored after rebounding in the Arkansas Derby (G1).
Owner: John Oxley, Trainer: Mark Casse, Jockey: Julien Leparoux
Pedigree: by Pioneerof the Mile—Sambuca Classica, by Cat Thief
Classic Empire news and work videos
GORMLEY (125 points), Post 18, 15-1
Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner previously captured the FrontRunner (G1) and Sham (G3).
Owner: Jerry and Ann Moss, Trainer: John Shirreffs, Jockey: Victor Espinoza
Pedigree: by Malibu Moon—Race to Urga, by Bernstein
IRAP (113 points), Post 9, 20-1
Stakes veteran finally broke his maiden in the Blue Grass (G2).
Owner: Reddam Racing, Trainer: Doug O’Neill, Jockey: Mario Gutierrez
Pedigree: by Tiznow—Silken Cat, by Storm Cat
Irap news and work videos
IRISH WAR CRY (110 points), Post 17, 6-1
Holy Bull (G2) winner bounced back to dominate the Wood Memorial (G2).
Owner: Isabelle de Tomaso, Trainer: Graham Motion, Jockey: Rajiv Maragh
Pedigree: by Curlin—Irish Sovereign, by Polish Numbers
Irish War Cry news and work videos
THUNDER SNOW (100 points), Post 2, 20-1
UAE Derby (G2) hero seeks to give global power Godolphin a first Kentucky Derby.
Owner: Godolphin, Trainer: Saeed bin Suroor, Jockey: Christophe Soumillon
Pedigree: by Helmet—Eastern Joy, by Dubai Destination
Thunder Snow news and work videos
ALWAYS DREAMING (100 points), Post 5, 5-1
Resounding Florida Derby (G1) winner will likely vie for favoritism with Classic Empire.
Owner: Brooklyn Boyz Stables & Viola et al, Trainer: Todd Pletcher, Jockey: John Velazquez
Pedigree: by Bodemeister—Above Perfection, by In Excess
Always Dreaming news and work videos
GUNNEVERA (84 points), Post 10, 15-1
Fountain of Youth (G2) and Delta Jackpot (G3) winner exits a third in the Florida Derby.
Owner: Peacock Stables, Trainer: Antonio Sano, Jockey: Javier Castellano
Pedigree: by Dialed In—Unbridled Rage, by Unbridled
Gunnevera news and work videos
PRACTICAL JOKE (74 points), Post 19, 20-1
Dual Grade 1-winning juvenile was second in both the Fountain of Youth and Blue Grass.
Owner: Klaravich Stables & William Lawrence, Trainer: Chad Brown, Jockey: Joel Rosario
Pedigree: by Into Mischief—Halo Humor, by Distorted Humor
Practical Joke news and work videos
J BOYS ECHO (63 points), Post 13, 20-1
Gotham (G3) victor came back to finish fourth in the Blue Grass.
Owner: Albaugh Family Stable, Trainer: Dale Romans, Jockey: Luis Saez
Pedigree: by Mineshaft—Letgomyecho, by Menifee
J Boys Echo news and work videos
STATE OF HONOR (62 points), Post 6, 30-1
Florida Derby runner-up had previously placed in the Tampa Bay Derby (G2) and Sam F. Davis (G3).
Owner: Conrad Farms, Trainer: Mark Casse, Jockey: Jose Lezcano
Pedigree: by To Honor and Serve—State Cup, by Elusive Quality
State of Honor news and work videos
TAPWRIT (54 points), Post 16, 20-1
Tampa Bay Derby hero aims to improve off a fifth in the Blue Grass.
Owner: Bridlewood/Eclipse TB/La Penta, Trainer: Todd Pletcher, Jockey: Jose Ortiz
Pedigree: by Tapit—Appealing Zophie, by Successful Appeal
HENCE (50 points), Post 8, 15-1
Sunland Derby (G3) winner has been flattered by how his beaten rivals have performed since.
Owner: Calumet Farm, Trainer: Steve Asmussen, Jockey: Florent Geroux
Pedigree: by Street Boss—Floating Island, by A.P. Indy
FAST AND ACCURATE (50 points), Post 3, 50-1
The winner of the Spiral (G3) over Turfway’s Polytrack must prove himself on dirt.
Owner: Kendall Hansen & Skychai et al, Trainer: Mike Maker, Jockey: Channing Hill
Pedigree: by Hansen—It’s Heidi’s Dance, by Green Dancer
Fast and Accurate news and work videos
MCCRAKEN (40 points), Post 15, 5-1
Unbeaten through Sam F. Davis but minor setback shuffled plans and led to third in Blue Grass.
Owner: Whitham Thoroughbreds, Trainer: Ian Wilkes, Jockey: Brian Hernandez Jr.
Pedigree: by Ghostzapper—Ivory Empress, by Seeking the Gold
©Benoit Photo
BATTLE OF MIDWAY (40 points), Post 11, 30-1
Late developer earned his way in with hard-fought second in Santa Anita Derby.
Owner: Don Alberto Stable & WinStar Farm, Trainer: Jerry Hollendorfer, Jockey: Flavien Prat
Pedigree: by Smart Strike—Rigoletta, by Concerto
Battle of Midway news and work videos
PATCH (40 points), Post 20, 30-1
Missed juvenile season after losing an eye but making up for lost time with second in Louisiana Derby.
Owner: Calumet Farm, Trainer: Todd Pletcher, Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
Pedigree: by Union Rags—Windyindy, by A.P. Indy
UNTRAPPED (34 points), Post 4, 30-1
Rebel, Risen Star, and Lecomte placegetter must do better than his sixth in the Arkansas Derby.
Owner: Michael Langford, Trainer: Steve Asmussen, Jockey: Ricardo Santana Jr.
Pedigree: by Trappe Shot—Exit Three, by Giant’s Causeway
Untrapped news and work videos
LOOKIN AT LEE (32 points), Post 1, 20-1
Deep closer has racked up several minor awards, most recently a tough-trip third in the Arkansas Derby.
Owner: L & N Racing, Trainer: Steve Asmussen, Jockey: Corey Lanerie
Pedigree: by Lookin at Lucky—Langara Lass, by Langfuhr
Lookin at Lee news and work videos
SONNETEER (30 points), Post 12, 50-1
Still a maiden but a rallying second in the Rebel and fourth in the Arkansas Derby.
Owner: Calumet Farm, Trainer: Keith Desormeaux, Jockey: Kent Desormeaux
Pedigree: by Midnight Lute—Ours, by Half Ours
Sonneteer news and work videos
ALSO-ELIGIBLES
Scratch time for the Derby is Friday at 9 a.m. (EDT), so the two on the outside looking in need defection(s) by then to get into the gate.
ROYAL MO (30 points), 20-1
Robert B. Lewis (G3) winner comes off a valiant third in the Santa Anita Derby.
Owner: Jerry and Ann Moss, Trainer: John Shirreffs, Jockey: Gary Stevens
Pedigree: Uncle Mo—Royal Irish Lass, by Saint Ballado
MASTER PLAN (20 points), 50-1
OBS Championship scorer shipped to Dubai and finished third in the UAE Derby
Owner: Al Shaqab/WinStar/China Horse Club, Trainer: Todd Pletcher, Jockey: TBA
Pedigree: Twirling Candy–Sage Mist, by Henny Hughes
Master Plan news and work videos
The complete Kentucky Derby field in post order is available here.
Looks like a great field for the derby. I like Always dreaming, & Girvin, & Gormley for the trifecta. We’ll have to see exactly who makes the cut. Good luck to all.
Good derby field.l like Gunnevera,Always dreaming and Classic Empire, long shot for the super JboysEcho.
My 5 top picks are Always Dreaming, Classic Empire, Girvin, Gunnevera, and Hence.
I hate to dismiss Malagacy, so I will use him. I think if he paces himself and runs just off the pace, he has a real good shot at hitting the board.
Patch, Lookin At Lee, and Sonneteer could come late and get in the superfecta.
The rest of them are distance challenged if you ask me. I’d like McCraken and Irish War Cry if it was a mile and an eighth race.
I’m with you, Donald, on my picks. I like Classis Empire, Girvin and Gunnereva….sounds like a good tri to me! Think I’ll place an early bet. Hmmmmm……
A very good mix,then think what the weather conditions may be.Girvin gets my vote with mike smith in the saddle.
See our upcoming story on Girvin’s status — battling a quarter-crack, according to DRF & Blood-Horse, but trainer Joe Sharp still hopes to make the Derby.