Today the Daily Racing Blog takes a look at the final six entrants in the 2026 Kentucky Derby.
And there has been yet another scratch in the Run for the Roses as FULLEFFORT will not go on Saturday and will be replaced by OCELLI.
15. EMERGING MARKET [ML 15-1] Jockey: Flavien Prat. Trainer: Chad Brown. Enters with just two starts under his belt and no Derby winner has done that since 1883. That’s a tough stat to ignore, but he’s extremely talented as evidenced by winning the 1 3/16-mile Louisiana Derby in his second start. He has the potential to run fast enough to win this race. The question is, does he have the experience to handle all of the chaos in a 20-horse field?
16. PAVLOVIAN [ML 30-1] Jockey: Edwin Maldonado. Trainer: Doug O’Neill. This owner- Reddam Racing and trainer combo have already won the Kentucky Derby twice. But there’s nothing to salivate about here, but this colt has taken some nice steps forward in winning the Sunland Park Derby and running 2nd in the Louisiana Derby. Should be part of the early pace but could easily drop anchor in the stretch.
17. SIX SPEED [ML 50-1] Jockey: Brian Hernandez. Trainer: Bhupat Seemar. Has plenty of speed, which he flashed when he ran 2nd in the UAE Derby at 1 3/16 miles. He also has class, which makes him a threat. But is he ready for this kind of competition at this distance?
18. FUTHER ADO [ML 6-1] Jockey: John Velazquez. Trainer: Brad Cox. If he runs back to his 11-length romp in the Blue Grass Stakes, this is a no-brainer. But horses are not machines and a huge effort in a final Kentucky Derby prep can lead to a bounce on the first Saturday in May. (BELLAMY ROAD comes to mind). He’s certainly capable of winning but he’s sure to get bet down which breeds skepticism as he comes off a career-best effort.
19. GOLDEN TEMPO [ML 30-1] Jockey: Jose Ortiz. Trainer: Cherie DeVaux. Compelling outsider who always gives his best effort. Rallied for 3rd in the Louisiana Derby and with a good trip can make his presence felt. Would make DeVaux the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby.
20. FULLEFFORT [SCRATCHED] Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione. Trainer: Brad Cox.
21. GREAT WHITE [ML 50-1] Jockey: Alex Archard. Trainer: John Ennis. He lost by 22 ¼ lengths in his lone start on dirt in the Blue Grass Stakes. Nothing to see here folks, move along. He drew into the race following the April 29th scratch of SILENT TACTIC.
22. OCELLI [ML 50-1] He lost 2nd-place in the Wood Memorial in the final stride but drew into the Kentucky Derby April 30th when FULLEFFORT was scratched. Previous Stakes efforts were mediocre at best.
The Kentucky Derby is listed as race 12 on a massive card of 14 with a scheduled Post Time of 7:00.
Best of luck however you play it.
