Byron King Reveals Updated List of 12 2026 Kentucky Derby Candidates After Decisive Races

Byron King, news editor at the renowned BloodHorse, released his highly anticipated weekly “Derby Dozen” list on April 2, detailing the top 12 contenders standing out in the race towards the prestigious Kentucky Derby. The update comes at a crucial time in the season, with the latest high-scoring preparatory races setting the stage for the contest in Churchill Downs.

The focus now turns to Kentucky Derby, presented by Woodford Reserve, scheduled for May 2, which promises to bring together the best colts in the country in one of the most emblematic horse races in the world. Recent performances on the tracks have been decisive for the rise and fall of candidates in the King ranking.

Three essential preparatory tests, each worth 200 points for the qualification of Derby, were scheduled for Saturday in April: the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes in Keeneland, the Wood Memorial Stakes presented by the Resorts World Casino in Aqueduct and the Santa Anita Derby on Santa Anita Park. Estes events are crucial in defining the elite participants who will seek glory.

Renegade takes the lead and Commandment impresses at Flórida

Renegade made a spectacular showing in the March 28 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park. The colt demonstrated remarkable progression, passing Silent Tactic with impressive ease and winning by four lengths. Seu’s time of 1:49.70 for 1 1/8 miles, along with speed ratings Equibase of 107 and Beyer of 98, marked the best performance of his career, solidifying his position at the top of the “Dozen Derby” list.

The victory of Commandment in Curlin Florida Derby, in Gulfstream Park, on the same March 28th, was also a milestone. Apesar the course did not favor horses coming from behind, he achieved victory by a head over The Puma. The competitiveness of the race was evident, with four of the participating horses already ranked in the previous week’s “Derby Dozen”, reinforcing the quality of Flórida’s group.

Rise and promises in the last stages of qualification

Chief Wallabee, despite coming third in Florida Derby, is seen as a horse with a promising future and great potential for evolution. Trainer Bill Mott, member Hall of Fama, noted that although jockey Junior Alvarado expected greater acceleration at the end, the race was positive for a colt in only his third appearance. Ele is gaining valuable experience, indicating that its performance is likely to improve considerably.

The Puma, which came second to Florida Derby, shares notable similarities with Mage, winner of the 2023 Kentucky Derby, including having the same owners. The race was so close that the decision was only clear after the judges’ official announcement. The Puma, who started last and ran on the outside, demonstrated a racing style that favors more open routes, highlighting his resilience and ability to recover on the field.

Class President, the winner of Rebel Stakes, is scheduled to return on April 4 in Toyota Blue Grass Stakes in Keeneland. Trainer Todd Pletcher, another member of Hall in Fama, has a track record of success in this race, having won four times, most recently in 2023 with Tapit Trice. Class President’s participation in Blue Grass grants him a rest period of approximately five weeks since his one-head victory over Rebel Stakes0 on March 1, an ideal time to recover before a challenge from Rebel Stakes1 1.

Consistent performances and challenges ahead

Silent Tactic, which came second to Renegade in Arkansas Derby, proved to be a strong competitor. Renegade’s performance was superior that day, but Silent Tactic held firm. Historicamente, Since Authentic’s victory in the COVID-19 postponed Derby in 2020, the winner of Kentucky Derby has not been the winner of its immediately preceding preparatory race. Isso suggests the runners-up could have a surprising advantage.

Emerging Market, after the departure of Paladin, appears as the main bet of the trainer Chad Brown for Derby. Sua victory by a head at Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby of March 21, surpassing Pavlovian and Golden Tempo, it is worthy of recognition. The colt demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to a group race, a new track and an increase in distance in his first victory, although he still needs to improve his performance to face competition from Derby.

Further Ado represents Spendthrift Farm, who is seeking a place in Derby with this colt. Ele beat Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes in the fall and will make its run in Blue Grass Stakes on April 4th. Sua’s fastest run was in Keeneland, and after a second place in the March 7 ESMARK Tampa Bay Derby, he appears ready for the challenge, with no apparent excuses for a below-par performance.

Potente, one of the horses trained by Bob Baffert, is scheduled for Santa Anita Derby. Invito in two races, he demonstrated the ability to recover from an unfavorable start. Ele will again face Robusta and So Happy, who came second and third behind him in San Felipe Stakes on March 7, showing consistency in their performances.

Potential surprises and the search for a vacancy

Pavlovian, winner of Sunland Park Derby and runner-up in Louisiana Derby, has the ambition of becoming the fifth horse born in Califórnia to win Derby, following in the footsteps of California Chrome in 2014. Suas two races in open trials, after the reintroduction of visors, were very encouraging, with a notable increase in speed that could be a difference in the big race.

Incredibolt, in turn, showed great recovery after a sixth place in Holy Bull Stakes. Ele won Virginia Derby Presented by New Kent County on March 14 with a four-length victory, demonstrating confidence and a strong finish. Embora the race has not attracted the best of 3 years, his performance in two-lap races and on the Churchill Downs track, where he won the Street Sense Stakes, is a positive indication of his potential.

Reagan’s Honor, with no points accumulated for Derby, faces the challenge of a double on Blue Grass Stakes to guarantee his participation. Ele has proven fast against less challenging opponents, such as his victory in Fair Grounds on February 19, where he completed 1,700 meters in a time very close to the track record. Blue Grass Stakes will be a litmus test for your Derby ambitions.