2026 Kentucky Derby Prep Races Leaderboard

The Early Point Scramble: Unpacking the First Points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby

The first critical phase of the Kentucky Derby prep races has concluded, and the Kentucky Derby prep races leaderboard is beginning to take shape, mapping the grueling path toward Churchill Downs. Earning one of the 20 coveted spots among the Kentucky Derby Entries is not about celebrity or potential; it's a relentless, mathematical hunt for points, demanding that every three-year-old colt prove his mettle across multiple high-stakes competitions.

These preliminary events are far more than warm-ups; they are fiercely contested proving grounds that test a horse’s speed, stamina, and race-day composure. The horses who have successfully banked points now stand as the first genuine Kentucky Derby contenders, forcing the rest of the division to play catch-up. As of November 11th, 2025, here is a breakdown of the horses dominating the first phase of the campaign.

Last Updated on 11/03/2025

Ted Noffey: The Early Frontrunner with a Commanding Lead (40 Points)

Trainer Todd A. Pletcher has established the first primary benchmark on the leaderboard with Ted Noffey, who sits atop the list following an explosive 40-point victory. This immediate and substantial points haul—a product of targeting one of the early high-value Kentucky Derby prep races—puts Pletcher's charge in a prime position.

Ted Noffey’s winning performance was a masterclass in controlled acceleration. The colt tracked the early pace from a perfect three-wide position on the turn, allowing the jockey to maintain clear running room and avoid traffic. When asked for his run in the stretch, Ted Noffey demonstrated a devastating turn of foot, switching leads smoothly and surging away from the competition with surprising ease. The decisive margin over the second-place runner and the fast final time confirm his credentials as an elite athlete. This single effort relieves immense pressure, allowing his connections flexibility in planning his next start, and instantly designates him as the horse to beat among current Kentucky Derby contenders.

Consistency Pays: Mr. A.P. and Intrepido Leverage Multiple Starts

While Ted Noffey leads with one knockout punch, the second and third spots are defined by consistency and durability. Mr. A.P. (15 points) and Intrepido (13 points) have utilized multiple starts to accrue essential points methodically.

Mr. A.P. (Vladimir Cerin) is the definition of a grinder. His 15 points likely stem from a combination of an early stakes win (10 points) and a minor placing (5 points), indicating a horse that is always competitive and rarely finishes off the board. His races have showcased the necessary heart and stamina to handle the rigors of the Triple Crown trail, often winning or placing through sustained, middle-distance efforts that wear down rivals.

Intrepido (Jeff Mullins) is close behind with 13 points, a total that might be derived from a strong second in a 10-point race and a minor finish elsewhere. This colt's defining characteristic is his powerful, late-closing rally. In his most considerable point-earning effort, he navigated significant traffic trouble on the far turn before unleashing a ground-devouring final furlong surge to hit the board. Both horses prove that steady performances across several Kentucky Derby prep races are a viable strategy for becoming early Kentucky Derby contenders.

The 10-Point Brigade: Early Stakes Winners Secure Their Place

A dynamic group of horses have banked 10 or more points with individual stakes wins, instantly establishing themselves as formidable potential Kentucky Derby Entries.

• Spice Runner (11 points): Steven M. Asmussen’s runner likely combined a 10-point win with a minor single point. Spice Runner’s victory was tactically brilliant, conserving energy just behind the leader before delivering a sharp, separating burst of speed at the sixteenth pole.
• Napoleon Solo (10 points): Conditioned by Chad Summers, this colt earned his points with a courageous, wire-to-wire effort. His ability to set moderate fractions and then fend off all comers in the final quarter-mile suggests exceptional gate speed and deep reserve stamina under pressure.
• Incredibolt (10 points): Riley Mott’s horse took the opposite route, relying on a powerful, sustained drive wide around the turn. This bold, sweeping move allowed him to bypass tiring rivals and establish himself as a proven winner.

These three colts have not only secured their initial points but have demonstrated how to win under differing race scenarios, setting them up for strong campaigns in the upcoming, more heavily weighted Kentucky Derby prep races.

The Dark Horse Accumulators: Small Gains, Big Potential

The deeper segments of the leaderboard highlight the strategic accumulation of minor points, a tactic favored by large operations. This is where you find potential dark horses and future Kentucky Derby contenders.

Bob Baffert's Contingent (Ineligible for points, but showcasing talent): Litmus Test (9 points), Brant (9 points), Desert Gate (5 points), and Plutarch (3 points) consistently hit the board. Litmus Test and Brant, each with 9 points (likely two minor placings), exhibit excellent talent and fitness, grinding out essential minor shares while reserving themselves for future Grade 1 efforts.

Kenneth G. McPeek’s Trio: Universe (8 points), Blackout Time (5 points), and Very Connected (3 points) are being methodically prepared. Universe’s 8 points suggest two strong second-place finishes in 4-point races, indicating he is knocking loudly on the door of a breakthrough win. These early results harden the horses, provide crucial experience, and reduce the pressure during the later 50 and 100-point races.

The Colts, currently with 5 points or less, such as Comport (5 points) and Talkin (5 points), and the 2-point earners like Civil Liberty and Diciassette, are critical to watch. A single strong performance in a 50-point race will instantly vault any of these horses into the top 20 Kentucky Derby Entries field. This stage is about patience and preparation, building slowly toward the ultimate prize.

A Game of Strategy

The initial phase reveals two prevailing strategies: the Pletcher model of early dominance (40 points in one go) versus the calculated, incremental accumulation used by barns like McPeek and Cerin. The ultimate goal remains the 150-200 point threshold for guaranteed entry.

Horses that secure 40 points early gain significant scheduling flexibility, while those in the 10-point bracket must execute a near-perfect plan in the remaining sequence of stakes races. As the distances stretch and the point values soar, the competition will intensify, and the true stayers will separate themselves, defining the final field of Kentucky Derby contenders.

This leaderboard is only the beginning of a thrilling, six-month campaign. While Ted Noffey has claimed the early advantage, the point values are about to multiply dramatically, with future events awarding 50 and, eventually, 100 points to the winner.

One single victory in a primary race can entirely rewrite this list. Keep your eyes locked on the rail—the real scramble for the 20 Kentucky Derby Entries is just beginning to heat up. Every race from here on out will either solidify the position of current Kentucky Derby contenders or create a new superstar.

US Racing Team

The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.