The Road to the 2026 Kentucky Derby has officially concluded, and anticipation is mounting as contenders await to see if their horses’ performances in the prep races have secured them one of the coveted top 20 spots in the Run for the Roses starting gate.
This series of designated stakes races unfolds from September through April, forming a qualification process known as the “Road to the Kentucky Derby.” Early prep races offer a modest number of points, while the high-stakes contests later in the season deliver significantly more, making every finish down the stretch critical.
Points are awarded to horses placing in the top five of each race, ultimately determining which elite three-year-olds will earn a berth in the Kentucky Derby starting field. After a season filled with qualifying races, only the top 20 point-earners will advance to compete in the Run for the Roses on May 2.
Here is the projected horse field for one of the most exciting showdowns in all of sports.
2026 Road to the Kentucky Derby Point Standings
Here are the list of horses ranked according to their points, according to Bloodhorse.com:
- 1. Commandment: 150 points
- 2. Further Ado: 135 points
- 3. Renegade: 125 points
- 4. So Happy: 115 points
- 5. Fulleffort: 110 points
- 6. The Puma: 106 points
- 7. Silent Tactic: 100 points
- 8. Emerging Market: 100 points
- 9. Albus: 100 points
- 10. Potente: 100 points
- 11. Pavlovian: 70 points
- 12. Right to Party: 65 points
- 13. Incredibolt: 60 points
- 14. Golden Tempo: 60 points
- 15. Stark Contrast: 50 points
- 16. Iron Honor: 50 points
- 17. Chief Wallabee: 50 points
- 18. Chip Honcho: 49 points
- 19. Intrepido: 38 points
- 20. Universe: 38 points
Horses outside the bubble
Horses just outside the top 20 in the Road to the Kentucky Derby points system:
- Grittiness: 36 points
- Nearly: 35 points
- Bravaro: 35 points
- Litmus Test: 34 points
- Great White: 30 points
- Napoleon Solo 25 points
- Ocelli: 25 points
- Express Kid: 20 points
- Talk to Me Jimmy: 20 points
- Soldier N Diplomat: 18 points
When is the 2026 Kentucky Derby field determined?
The post position draw for the 2026 Kentucky Derby is set for Saturday, April 25, at 2:15 p.m. ET. This event will establish the starting gate assignments for the 152nd Run for the Roses.
When is 2026 Kentucky Derby?
The 152nd Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026. Fans can view the Kentucky Derby on NBC and USA Network, with streaming available on Peacock.
- Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
- Time: 2:30 p.m. ET – 7:30 p.m. ET
- TV: NBC, USA Network
- Stream: Peacock
- Location: Churchill Downs (Louisville, Kentucky)
How to watch 2026 Kentucky Derby
The 2026 Kentucky Derby can be watched on NBC, with streaming available on Peacock. Coverage starts at 2:30 p.m. ET.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 Kentucky Derby projected field of top 20 horses for the race