The countdown to the opening leg of the Triple Crown series in the United States is well underway, with many bettors already examining the Kentucky Derby contenders ahead of the key preps on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
There was disappointing news in January, as it was revealed that Breeders’ Cup Juvenile hero Ted Noffey will miss out on a trip to Churchill Downs.
But, his absence could be to the gain of another runner. But, who are the early contenders for the Kentucky Derby in 2026?
Check out a full list of contenders here: https://www.twinspires.com/kentuckyderby/contenders/
Nearly
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Total Road to the Kentucky Derby Points: 20
Best Recorded Equibase Rating: 92 (Allowance Optional Claiming- 1/2/2026)
Ted Noffey’s absence has been to the gain of Nearly, ensuring that Todd Pletcher still holds very strong claims.
After breaking his maiden on the second attempt, the three-year-old posted a career-best 92 Equibase rating when winning at Gulfstream in early January.
However, the Pletcher runner took his form to a new level at the end of January, winning the G3 Holy Bull Stakes in impressive fashion, beating Bravaro by five lengths, with the highly talented Cannoneer back in fourth. Will likely be aimed at the G1 Florida Derby on his next start.
Paladin
Trainer: Chad Brown
Total Road to the Kentucky Derby Points: 10
Best Recorded Equibase Rating: 96 (G2 Ramsen Stakes- 12/6/2025)
Chad Brown will have a strong squad for the Triple Crown series this year, as the trainer targets a first winner in the Kentucky Derby, and a third Classic success following two victories in the Preakness Stakes.
Paladin is yet to put a foot wrong, winning on back-to-back stars as a juvenile, landing an eye-catching 96 Equibase rating when winning the G2 Remsen Stakes.
Certainly looks to have bundles of stamina, and he will be a fascinating late contender when making his three-year-old debut, likely in the G2 Risen Star Stakes.
Boyd
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Total Road to the Kentucky Derby Points: 0
Best Recorded Equibase Rating: 98 (Maiden Special Weight- 9/7/2025)
Bob Baffert will have aspirations of landing a first Derby success 2020. Boyd has been a buzz horse since winning the Ed Brown Stakes over 6 ½ furlongs at Churchill Downs in late November.
The three-year-old was an impressive juvenile, but his Derby credentials are likely to be tested fully when jumping up in distance and grade.
However, he should have the stamina to emerge as a Derby hope, being sired by Violence out of the Street Boss mare A Taste of Red.
Blackout Time
Trainer: Kenneth McPeek
Total Road to the Kentucky Derby Points: 5
Best Recorded Equibase Rating: 94 (G1 Breeders’ Futurity- 10/4/2025)
You don’t need to go back too far to find a Kenneth McPeek success in the Kentucky Derby, landing the 150th edition of the race in 2024 with Mystik Dan.
Blackout Time looks like a very solid contender at this stage, winning a maiden over a mile in August, before pushing Ted Noffey very close in the G1 Breeders’ Futurity.
Was only beaten two lengths by the subsequent Breeders’ Cup Juvenile champion, but Blackout Time could excel when stepped up in distance.
Canaletto
Trainer: Chad Brown
Total Road to the Kentucky Derby Points: 0
Best Recorded Equibase Rating: 94 (Maiden Special Weight- 1/25/2026)
One of the most impressive recent debutants on the Road to the Kentucky Derby came on January 25, as Canaletto delivered a dominant showing on debut over a mile.
The colt travelled excellently throughout the race, and easily put eight lengths between himself and Lost Money.
The manner of the performance deserves extra credit, while it’s likely that he will improve when stepped up in grade as a son of Into Mischief.
Chief Wallabee
Trainer: William Mott
Total Road to the Kentucky Derby Points: 0
Best Recorded Equibase Rating: 91 (Maiden Special Weight- 1/10/2026)
William Mott and Junior Alvarado could team up with another Triple Crown hope in 2026.
Chief Wallabee made a dream start to life under rules, posting an eye-catching 91 Equibase speed figure when beating The Puma over seven furlongs at Gulfstream Park.
Connections deserve a lot of respect, and his time on the clock puts him among the standout contenders at this very early stage on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Brant
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Total Road to the Kentucky Derby Points: 9
Best Recorded Equibase Rating: 105 (G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile- 10/31/2025)
Bob Baffert’s highly regarded Brant may yet emerge to be a leading Kentucky Derby hope. The three-year-old enjoyed an excellent juvenile campaign, winning impressively on debut before landing the G1 Del Mar Futurity.
The Gun Runner colt finished third on his final start last year, but finished within two lengths of Ted Noffey in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.
Faded in the closing stages of that race to lose second, but he should be stronger when he reappears as a three-year-old
