May 1 update: The field for the 144th Kentucky Derby (G1) is now set, with post positions drawn and morning-line odds assigned.
Here’s your quick guide to the cast of 20, arranged in order of their point totals amassed through the scoring races on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. If horses have the same number of points, the tiebreak is non-restricted stakes earnings.
In addition to connections and basic pedigree, note the link to news on each contender. You can also click here to find all the Kentucky Derby-related news and features.
For more details, including Brisnet Speed figures and stats, check out the free Kentucky Derby past performances (now the final version). If you would like to learn more about the kinds of information contained in the past performances, we have an in-depth explanation.
Now, on to the contenders for Derby 144:
MAGNUM MOON (150 points), Post 16, 6-1
Undefeated winner of the Arkansas Derby (G1) and Rebel (G2) must overcome the stat that no unraced juvenile has gone on to win the Kentucky Derby since Apollo (1882).
Owner: Robert & Lawana Low; Trainer: Todd Pletcher; Jockey: Luis Saez
Pedigree: by Malibu Moon–Dazzling Song, by Unbridled’s Song
GOOD MAGIC (134 points), Post 6, 12-1
Last year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1)-winning champion regained the winning attitude in the Blue Grass (G2).
Owner: e Five Racing Thoroughbreds & Stonestreet Stables; Trainer: Chad Brown; Jockey: Jose Ortiz
Pedigree: by Curlin–Glinda the Good, by Hard Spun
AUDIBLE (110 points), Post 5, 8-1
Florida Derby (G1) and Holy Bull (G2) victor aims to become only the second New York-bred Kentucky Derby winner after Funny Cide (2003).
Owner: China Horse Club, Head of Plains Partners, Starlight Racing & WinStar Farm; Trainer: Todd Pletcher; Jockey: Javier Castellano
Pedigree: by Into Mischief–Blue Devil Bel, by Gilded Time
NOBLE INDY (110 points), Post 19, 30-1
Louisiana Derby (G2) winner came again gamely after being headed to prevail in first-time blinkers.
Owner: WinStar Farm & Repole Stable; Trainer: Todd Pletcher; Jockey: Florent Geroux
Pedigree: by Take Charge Indy–Noble Maz, by Storm Boot
VINO ROSSO (107 points), Post 18, 12-1
Wood Memorial (G2) hero finally put it all together but had to survive an inquiry and objection to keep his victory.
Owner: Repole Stable & St. Elias Stable; Trainer: Todd Pletcher; Jockey: John Velazquez
Pedigree: by Curlin–Mythical Bride, by Street Cry
BOLT D’ORO (104 points), Post 11, 8-1
Dual Grade 1-winning juvenile was awarded victory via disqualification in the San Felipe (G2) and placed second in the Santa Anita Derby (G1).
Owner: Ruis Racing; Trainer: Mick Ruis; Jockey: Victor Espinoza
Pedigree: by Medaglia d’Oro–Globe Trot, by A.P. Indy
ENTICED (103 points), Post 12, 30-1
Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) and Gotham (G3) victor was bumped by Vino Rosso when runner-up in the Wood Memorial.
Owner: Godolphin Racing; Trainer: Kiaran McLaughlin; Jockey: Junior Alvarado
Pedigree: by Medaglia d’Oro–It’s Tricky, by Mineshaft
MENDELSSOHN (100 points), Post 14, 5-1
Beholder’s half-brother and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) hero made a jaw-dropping dirt debut in a track-record UAE Derby (G2), threatening to become the first European shipper to wear the roses.
Owner: Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier & Michael Tabor; Trainer: Aidan O’Brien; Jockey: Ryan Moore
Pedigree: by Scat Daddy–Leslie’s Lady, by Tricky Creek
JUSTIFY (100 points), Post 7, 3-1
Unbeaten Santa Anita Derby winner rocketed to early Kentucky Derby favoritism, but like Magnum Moon, has to stare down the “Apollo curse.”
Owner: China Horse Club, Head of Plains Partners, Starlight Racing & WinStar Farm; Trainer: Bob Baffert; Jockey: Mike Smith
Pedigree: by Scat Daddy–Stage Magic, by Ghostzapper
FLAMEAWAY (70 points), Post 4, 30-1
Sam F. Davis (G3) winner has subsequently taken the runner-up spot in both the Tampa Bay Derby and Blue Grass.
Owner: John C. Oxley; Trainer: Mark Casse; Jockey: Jose Lezcano
Pedigree: by Scat Daddy–Vulcan Rose, by Fusaichi Pegasus
SOLOMINI (54 points), Post 17, 30-1
First-past-the-post (but disqualified) in the Los Alamitos Futurity (G1) has collected a fistful of placings, most recently in the Arkansas Derby.
Owner: Zayat Stables, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor & Derrick Smith; Trainer: Bob Baffert; Jockey: Flavien Prat
Pedigree: by Curlin–Surf Song, by Storm Cat
BRAVAZO (54 points), Post 13, 50-1
Risen Star (G2) victor comes off a strange-trip eighth in the Louisiana Derby where he lugged out and was virtually wrapped up on by the rider.
Owner: Calumet Farm; Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas; Jockey: Luis Contreras
Pedigree: by Awesome Again–Tiz o’ Gold, by Cee’s Tizzy
MY BOY JACK (52 points), Post 10, 30-1
Southwest (G3) romper just clinched his spot with a score in the Lexington S. (G3).
Owner: Don’t Tell My Wife Stables, Monomoy Stables & West Point Thoroughbreds; Trainer: Keith Desormeaux: Jockey: Kent Desormeaux
Pedigree: by Creative Cause–Gold N Shaft, by Mineshaft
PROMISES FULFILLED (52 points), Post 3, 30-1
Fountain of Youth (G2) upsetter got torched in a speed duel last time in the Florida Derby and wound up last.
Owner: Robert Baron; Trainer: Dale Romans; Jockey: Corey Lanerie
Pedigree: by Shackleford–Marquee Delivery, by Marquetry
FREE DROP BILLY (44 points), Post 2, 30-1
Breeders’ Futurity (G1) hero has placed in his last three preps after being elevated to third (via disqualification of a rival) in the Blue Grass.
Owner: Albaugh Family Stables; Trainer: Dale Romans; Jockey: Robby Albarado
Pedigree: by Union Rags–Trensa, by Giant’s Causeway
LONE SAILOR (42 points), Post 8, 50-1
Louisiana Derby runner-up appeared to have victory in his grasp before just getting outdueled late.
Owner: G M B Racing; Trainer: Tom Amoss; Jockey: James Graham
Pedigree: by Majestic Warrior–Ambitious, by Mr. Greeley
HOFBURG (40 points), Post 9, 20-1
Late developer punched his Derby ticket with an outstanding second in his Florida Derby stakes debut.
Owner: Juddmonte Farms; Trainer: Bill Mott; Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
Pedigree: by Tapit–Soothing Touch, by Touch Gold
FIRENZE FIRE (39 points), Post 1, 50-1
Hero of the Champagne (G1) and Jerome faces a big distance question after checking in a distant fourth in the Wood Memorial.
Owner: Mr Amore Stable; Trainer: Jason Servis; Jockey: Paco Lopez
Pedigree: by Poseidon’s Warrior–My Every Wish, by Langfuhr
COMBATANT (32 points), Post 20, 50-1
Frequent stakes-placer just missed the cut when fourth in a blanket finish for the minor awards in the Arkansas Derby.
Owner: Winchell Thoroughbreds & Willis Horton Racing; Trainer: Steve Asmussen; Jockey: Ricardo Santana Jr.
Pedigree: by Scat Daddy–Border Dispute, by Boundary
INSTILLED REGARD (29 points), Post 15, 50-1
The Lecomte (G3) winner was thought to be off the trail after a fourth in the Santa Anita Derby, but Daily Racing Form reports connections had a re-think.
Owner: Oxo Equine; Trainer: Jerry Hollendorfer; Jockey: Drayden Van Dyke
Pedigree: by Arch–Enhancing, by Forestry
Also-eligible
If a horse scratches by Friday morning, the also-eligible entrant would draw in to Derby 144.
BLENDED CITIZEN (22 points), 50-1
Jeff Ruby Steaks (sic) (G3) winner, originally removed from consideration after a fifth in the Blue Grass, is now back in the picture.
Owner: Greg Hall & SAYJAY Racing; Trainer: Doug O’Neill; Jockey: Kyle Frey
Pedigree: by Proud Citizen–Langara Lass, by Langfuhr
I see a few common ownership contenders for the Derby and wonder whatever happened to the rules about coupled entries. How does a trainer decide which of his potential runners will be forwardly placed to ensure a legitimate pace and which owner will benefit from the sacrifice of the rabbit’s connections?