The 2026 Kentucky Derby is fast approaching, with the race scheduled for May 2 at Churchill Downs.
Here’s a look at the horses currently in contention for a spot in the starting gate.
How to Qualify for the Kentucky Derby
The road to the Kentucky Derby involves a series of races where horses accumulate points. The top 20 horses in the final standings will earn a spot in the 2026 Kentucky Derby.
Ties in the points standings are broken by earnings in non-restricted stakes.
Invitations also will be extended to the top two horses in the Euro/Mideast Road to the Kentucky Derby and the top horse in the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Horses to Watch
Several horses have already made a mark with victories in key races.
- One horse won the Grade 1 Florida Derby on March 28 at Gulfstream Park.
- Another secured a win in the Grade 1 Blue Grass on April 4 at Keeneland.
- A further contender won the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby on March 28 at Oaklawn Park.
- The Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby on April 4 also produced a winner.
- A horse claimed victory in the Grade 3 Jeff Ruby Steaks on March 21 at Turfway Park.
Other notable performances include a win in the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby on March 21 at Fair Grounds, and a win in the Grade 2 Wood Memorial on April 4 at Aqueduct.
A horse also won the Virginia Derby on March 14 at Colonial Downs.
Runners-Up Also Eyeing a Spot
Finishing second in major races can also be a path to the Kentucky Derby.
The second-place finishers in the Grade 1 Florida Derby, Grade 1 Arkansas Derby and Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby are all looking towards the main event. Horses that came second in the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby and the Grade 2 Wood Memorial are also in contention.
The horse that finished second in the Grade 1 Blue Grass and the one that came second in the Grade 3 Jeff Ruby Steaks are also hoping to make the final cut.
The horse that finished third in the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby is also looking to the Kentucky Derby.
The Kentucky Derby on May 2 at Churchill Downs promises to be an exciting race.