2026 Kentucky Derby projected field: Top 20 horses, those outside bubble

Q: What are the top 20 horses projected for the 2026 Kentucky Derby?

The projected field for the 2026 Kentucky Derby includes the top 20 horses based on their performance in the qualifying races.

Q: How does the qualification process for the Kentucky Derby work?

Horses accumulate points through designated prep races from September to April, with the top 20 point-earners qualifying for the Derby.

Q: When is the 2026 Kentucky Derby scheduled to take place?

The 2026 Kentucky Derby is scheduled for May 2.

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.

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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.