Ranking the best Kentucky Derby horses by name, from Litmus Test to Commandment

Ranking the best Kentucky Derby horses by name, from Litmus Test to Commandment originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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There is plenty of pomp and circumstance on display during the Kentucky Derby. Horse-racing’s greatest spectacle is caked in color every spring, accompanied by billowing hats and dresses and bowties — lots of bowties.

That goes beyond humans, too. Every Kentucky Derby filly was christened with a non-naturally occurring name.

Some stand out more than others. Secretariat is an all-time classic, while American Pharaoh introduced new audiences to the masses. 

A name isn’t everything. But it can shape one’s biggest moments.

With that, the Sporting News ranks the best Kentucky Derby horses based entirely on names. Here’s what you need to know.

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• Why Secretariat is tied to majority of 2026 Kentucky Derby field
• Meet every Kentucky Derby horse and their jockey
• How much money will winner of this year’s Kentucky Derby receive?

Ranking the best Kentucky Derby horses by name

20. Great White

Is it a horse? Or a shark? Great White is a solid, if unspectacular name. But it’s lacking any real vigor, especially when compared to some of its counterparts. Tried and tested isn’t always better, at least not where horse names are concerned.

19. Emerging Market

Joining Great White in the bottom of the barrel is Emerging Market, a sordid moniker that lionizes the world’s biggest crooks — consultants. Any name that evokes memories of “The Wealth of Nations” and Sam Bankman-Fried is not worth having.

18. Renegade

Steelers fans, look away. While some might celebrate the song (or songs, depending on your disposition), the title itself is fairly predictable. It’s not that it’s bad. But there are better options out there than something as basic as “Renegade.” No offense, though.

17. Wonder Dean

Who is Dean? Why is he so wonderful? Is this named after Dean Wade? Dean Smith? James Dean? My roommate’s friend, Dean? Ultimately, the quality of this name depends largely on who Dean is — and who they are not. Shoutout to all the Deans, though. You too, Olivia Dean.

16. Golden Tempo

All that glitters…

There’s something rhythmic about this title. It is certainly befitting of a thoroughbred, even if it is a tad on the nose. If you were riding a horse, you’d want that horse to have a golden tempo, right? I can certainly see the appeal of this nom de guerre.

15. Ocelli

A simple Google search reveals that Ocelli refers to the simplest eyes, comprised of a single lens without the burden of the elaborate retina that exists in most vertebrates. The name is ironic; horses, one of the world’s greatest-ever vertebrates, have a retina. My biology skills could use some work. But I appreciate the opportunity to learn something new. Huzzah!

14. Danon Bourbon

As a non-drinker, I must admit that Bourbon isn’t quite as alluring as it sounds. But Danon reminds me of Dannon, who famously produced Danimals, the greatest of all yogurt-related inventions. He’s good in my book.

13. Albus

The person who christened this horse with this name surely was a Harry Potter fan. From my memory, Albus Dumbledore was a sage presence in the fictional series (and its subsequent films). Perhaps that quality will recreate itself as the Race for the Roses.

12. Robusta

I really like the word robust. It is rather … robust, having a lot of different uses in a lot of different situations. Perhaps that’s what makes the title so appealing for a horse owner or trainer. Those qualities could find a home at Churchill Downs. Or it could refer to the robusta plant, a species of coffee native to Africa. Regardless, the term is a memorable one.

11. Intrepido

The first of several titles that reference translations of English words, Intrepido can be interpreted as an Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese reading of intrepid. Assuming this choice was intentional, it seems like the Jeff Mullins-trained steed has a real international flair. That’s rarely a bad thing.

10. Potente

From one translation to another, we’re now presented with potente, a Spanish, Italian and Portuguese cognate of potent. There’s not too much between potente and intrepido. However, potency seems a more appropriate quality to attempt to conjure ahead of a spectacle like the Derby. We’ll go with Potente.

9. Chief Wallabee

I’d be lying if I said I know who Chief Wallabee is. I struggle to believe they actually exist, or ever did, for that matter. Nevertheless, wallabies are cool macropods indigenous to Australia and New Guinea (word to the good homie Sine). I’m moved.

MORE KENTUCKY DERBY HISTORY:

• Every winner in Kentucky Derby history
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• History behind the hats tradition at the Kentucky Derby
• Complete timeline of wins for legendary trainer Bob Baffert

8. Incredibolt

Feast your eyes! Another compound word! This one is more clever than its predecessor, though, with “bolt” nestling nicely into the lap of “incredible.” It’s not much, but it’s an honest living.

7. The Puma

Pumas are cool. So too are nouns that start with “The.” The Gambia? Fantastic. The Bahamas? Majestic. The Puma? Marvelous. For trainer Gustavo Delgado and Co., here’s hoping the filly takes on the finest elements of its namesake — namely, its near 50 mph top speed. 

6. So Happy

Yes, it’s basic. But it’s also sweet. Happiness might be fleeting. But it’s presence lights our hearts, our minds and our souls. The prospect of unbridled happiness is a worthwhile pursuit.

5. Commandment

Like Silent Tactic, my love of commandment might have less to do with the title itself and more to do with what erupts in my spirit when I read the word. One of my father’s favorite Notorious B.I.G. songs is “10 Crack Commandments.” Suffice to say, that hymn swirls in my head whenever I see this horse amble down the track.

4. Further Ado

Few idioms hit quite as hard as further ado. It’s just a wonderful figure of speech, taking hold of countless sitcoms and monologues. Its relationship to horse racing is unclear. Still, the novelty of the term is enough for it to get headline billing in my book.

3. Litmus Test

No notes needed, here. Just an incredibly clever and incredibly salient name that should have real staying power — especially if the Bob Baffert-trained filly finds the victory circle on Saturday.

2. Pavlovian

What do you know about classical conditioning? This term reminds me of my old psychology classes in high school, a space of both intense discomfort and shocking camaraderie for my teenage self. Hearing the name Ivan Pavlov is enough to make you drool, isn’t it? Or is that just me?

1. Six Speed

Pavlovian was always going to be tough to beat. But as a bike lover, it’s hard to rule anything superior to Six Speed. It reminds me of the good old days, when I’d bike down DC’s thoroughfares with one of my best friends, Enzo. We’d adjust our gears as we climbed up and down the winding road, huffing and puffing as we reached our apex.

Perhaps I’m biased. But this is my list! I’ll go with Six Speed No. 1.

MORE: Meet NBCs star-studded broadcast team for 2026 Kentucky Derby

Recent Kentucky Derby winners

Names have very little bearing on the final result of the Kentucky Derby. In fact, those who claim the crown at the Race for the Roses often sport unremarkable names.

But when the horses do hit, their titles start to follow. With that, here’s a look at the last 10 winners in the Kentucky Derby

*Medina Spirit won, but was later DQ’d after failing drug tests.