An Update on the Derby Watch List

At the start of every new year, top handicappers start tracking the top three-year-old colts and geldings in the U.S. They use this information to create a "Derby Watch" list, which is specifically designed to give horse racing fans and bettors a little insight. The insight is directed at pointing out which horses are likely to make it into the Kentucky Derby starting gate on the first Saturday in May.

This year's Kentucky Derby will be run at Churchill Downs on May 4, 2024, mid-afternoon.

During the lead-up to the Kentucky Derby, 47 races, called Derby preps, are run throughout the U.S. and certain parts of the world. The number of Derby preps is divided equally between 2-year-old and 3-year-old races. Each of these Derby preps awards Derby points to the first 4 finishers. The points are used to determine which horses will get preference should the Kentucky Derby be over-subscribed with entries, which is almost always the case. If over-prescribed, the top 20 points earners will get preference with 4 alternates listed.

The Week Ending February 26, 2024

As of the racing week ended February 26, 2024, 30 of the 47 prep races have been run. Points have been awarded and accumulated, which has resulted in the Derby picture becoming a little clearer. Keeping in mind that Derby watch handicappers don't necessarily look at points when ranking the top Derby contenders, it seems prudent to list the Top 10 points leaders and follow that up with the Top 10 contenders based on handicapper opinions.

Top 10 Points Leaders (points in parentheses):

1. Sierra Leone (55)

2. Track Phantom (55)

3. Fierceness (36)

4. Stronghold (25)

5. Catching Freedom (25)

6. Mystik Dan (21)

7. Hades (20)

8. Uncle Heavy (20)

9. No More Time (20)

10. Locked & Liberal Art (19)

Top 10 on the Derby Watch List:

1. Sierra Leone - Big winner of the Grade II Risen Start at Louisiana Downs in February 2024

2. Dornock - Winner of the Grade II Remson in December 2023, first 2024 scheduled for March 2 in the Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park

3. Locked - 3rd in the Breeders Cup Juvenile in 2023, first 2024 scheduled for March 2 in the Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park

4. Timberlake - Winner of the Grade II Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park in February 2024

5. Fierceness - 2 Year Old Champion, started his 2024 campaign with a 3rd place finish in the Grade III Holy Bull at Gulfstream Park in February 2024

6. Mystik Dan - Winner of the Grade III Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park in February 2024

7. Track Phantom - Finished 2nd behind leading contender Sierra Leone in the Grade II Risen at Louisiana Downs in February 2024

8. Catching Freedom - Finished 3rd behind leading contender Sierra Leone in the Grade II Risen at Louisiana Downs in February 2024

9. Conquest Warrior - Impressive maiden winner at Gulfstream Park in January 2024

10. Forever Young (JPN) - Japan-based undefeated (4-4) Winner of the Group 2 Saudi Derby in Saudi Arabia in February 2024

Note: Five (5) Derby Preps will be run during the racing week ending March 3, 2024.