Trainer Brad Cox Eyes First On-Track Kentucky Derby Win In 2026

Brad Cox will call on his past Derby experience as he prepares fore Kentucky Derby 152

Lisa Brewer

Brad Cox comes into the 2026 Kentucky Derby with a trio of very talented runners. As he prepares Florida Derby winner Commandment, Blue Grass Stakes champion Further Ado, and Jeff Ruby Steaks victor Fulleffort for the 152ndRun For The Roses, this cunning Thoroughbred conditioner has crafted a simplistic plan as he tries to find the winner’s circle in the world’s most famous race.

Winning the Kentucky Derby does not have to be the result of an exotic and complicated formulation. Thoroughbred racing, like most sports, boils down to some simple things. Just score more than the other team, or in this case, have your horse run faster than all the others. Having sent twelve horses to the Derby starting gates since 2021, Brad Cox has experience to draw from and past runnings have been very educational for this Louisville native.

“We have been very fortunate to have had some really good horses over the past five years”, says Cox, who has saddled over 2500 winners. “Our goal every year is to have Derby horses that are not just entrants but have a real shot to win the race. This race can bring a lot of pressure and we figured that out. I have learned a lot over the past few years in dealing with the whole Derby experience and hopefully it will help us this year.”

Past Kentucky Derby Experience With Post-Time Favorites

Knowing all about the pressure to perform, he has sent two horses to the starting gates as post-time favorites in the Kentucky Derby. The media crunch and public expectations for those favored teams can be a bit taxing. Both Essential Quality (2021) and Angel of Empire (2023) went on to finish third in their respective races. Cox does have a win to his credit in the Derby as Mandaloun crossed the finish line second in 2021 but was later elevated to first when Medina Spirit was disqualified after failing the post-race test for banned substances.

“The important thing is you have to stay focused on your horses”, says Cox, a two-time Eclipse Award winner as champion trainer. “We understand this is not just another race, but we are trying to treat it as just another race. Don’t add any pressure on yourself and just stay to task. Have your horses ready and what will be will be.”

3 Big Stakes Winners Have Been Brilliant For Brad Cox