Derby Watch Heading into April

March 29, 2026

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It's that time of year. With springtime, the world of thoroughbred horse racing is heating up. It's a mere 5 weeks until the 2026 Grade I Kentucky Derby, which is scheduled to run at Churchill Downs on May 2. The race is restricted to three-year-olds and will be run at a distance of 1 1/4 miles for a purse of $5,000,000 (a record high).

As the top contenders start their final preparations for the big race, we thought it would be helpful for us to run through a list of the top 10 contenders. Let's take a look.

1. Paladin - trained by Chad Brown for owners Magnier, Tabor, Smith, Brant, Smith, Summer Wind Equine. Last race: Won the Grade II Risen Star and is currently scheduled to run in the Grade I Bluegrass Stakes on April 4. Estimated odds = 6-1

2. Chief Wallabee - trained by Bill Mott for owners Michael and Katherine Ball. Last Race: 2nd in the Grade II Fountain of Youth Stakes and is currently scheduled to run in the Grade I Florida Derby on April 4. Estimated odds = 8-1

3. Commandment - trained by Brad Cox for owners Wathnan Racing. Last Race: Won the Grade II Fountain of Youth Stakes and is currently scheduled to run in the Grade I Florida Derby on April 4. Estimated odds = 8-1

4. Nearly - trained by Todd Pletcher for owners Cenntenial Farms. Last Race: Won the Grade III Holy Bull and is currently scheduled to run in the Grade I Florida Derby on April 4. Estimated odds = 10-1

5. Renegade - trained by Todd Pletcher for owners Robert and Lawana Low, Repole Stable. Last Race: Won the Grade III Sam F. Davis and is currently scheduled to run in the Grade I Arkansas Derby on March 28. Estimated odds = 10-1

6. Class President - trained by Todd Pletcher for owners WinStar Farm, First Go Racing, CHC. Last Race: Won the Grade II Rebel Stakes and is currently scheduled to run in the Grade I Blue Grass Stakes on April 4. Estimated odds = 15-1

7. Emerging Market - trained by Chad Brown for owners Klaravich Stables. Last Race: Won the Grade II Louisiana Derby and is currently scheduled to run in the Grade I Kentucky Derby on May 2 (no more preps). Estimated odds = 15-1

8. Potente - trained by Bob Baffert for owners Speedway Stables. Last Race: Won the Grade II San Felipe Stakes and is currently scheduled to run in the Grade I Santa Anita Derby on April 4. Estimated odds = 20-1

9. Silent Tactic - trained by Mark Casse for owners Speedway Stables. Last Race: 2nd in the Grade II Rebel Stakes and is currently scheduled to run in the Grade I Arkansas Derby on March 28. Estimated odds = 20-1

10. Fulleffort - trained by Brad Cox for owners St. Elias Stable, Starlight Racing. Last Race: Won the Grade III Jeff Ruby Stakes and is currently scheduled to run in the Grade I Kentucky Derby on May 2 (no more preps). Estimated odds = 25-1