2026 Kentucky Derby Leaderboard Update (Feb. 10th)
The Road to the Roses: February Shake-Up
As of February 9th, 2026, the “Road to the Kentucky Derby” has been turned on its head. A dramatic series of prep races over the first week of February, coupled with a major injury to the previous frontrunner, has completely reshaped the landscape. The points are accumulating faster, and the “10-point logjam” has finally broken, propelling new names to the top of the standings.
For those looking to bet on Kentucky Derby futures, the landscape is wide open. The consistency of the Pletcher and Casse barns remains evident, but local New York and Arkansas heroes have officially crashed the party.
Information Updated to February 9th, 2026
New Leadership and a Major Exit
The biggest story of the week is the departure of Ted Noffey. Previously the runaway leader with 40 points, the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner has been sidelined with bone bruising and is officially off the Derby trail.
Stepping into the void are Silent Tactic and Renegade, who now share the lead with 25 points apiece. Silent Tactic’s victory in the $1 million Southwest Stakes proved he is a force to be reckoned with on dirt, while Renegade solidified his status with a clinical win in the Sam F. Davis.
The Rise of the Upsetters
The leaderboard now reflects the results of a “Super Weekend” of horse racing:
- Silent Tactic (Mark Casse) used a devastating late rally to win the Southwest Stakes.
- Nearly (Todd Pletcher) dominated the Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream, jumping straight into the top five.
- Talk to Me Jimmy (Rudy Rodriguez) provided the shock of the season, romping to an 11-length victory in the Withers Stakes at 12-1 odds.
Official Kentucky Derby Leaderboard Standings (Top 20)
Position Horse Points Trainer 1 Silent Tactic 25 Mark Casse 2 Renegade 25 Todd Pletcher 3 Intrepido 23 Jeff Mullins 4 Plutarch 23 Bob Baffert 5 Nearly 20 Todd Pletcher 6 Golden Tempo 20 Cherie DeVaux 7 Talk to Me Jimmy 20 Rudy Rodriguez 8 Litmus Test 19 Bob Baffert 9 Chip Honcho 14 Steve Asmussen 10 Soldier N Diploat 13 Steve Asmussen 11 Universe 13 Kenny McPeek 12 Grittiness 11 Todd Pletcher 13 Napoleon Solo 10 Chad Summers 14 Further Ado 10 Brad Cox 15 Express Kid 10 Wade Rarick 16 Strategic Risk 10 Mark Casse 17 My World 10 Brad Cox 18 Paladin 10 Chad Brown 19 Incredibolt 10 Riley Mott 20 Mesquite 10 Cherie DeVaux
The Early February Triple Threat Recap
1. The Holy Bull Stakes (Gulfstream Park)
Nearly proved that Todd Pletcher has a deep bench. Despite the loss of Ted Noffey, Nearly took control of the Holy Bull early and never looked back, winning by nearly six lengths. Bravaro stayed on for a second, earning 10 points and moving to #21 on the overall list.
2. The Southwest Stakes (Oaklawn Park)
In the richest prep of the year so far, Silent Tactic thrived in the muddy Arkansas conditions. Under Cristian Torres, he circled the field to win going away. Soldier N Diplomat earned 10 points for a gutsy second, vaulting him into the top 12.
3. The Withers Stakes (Aqueduct)
The “Big A” saw the most visually impressive performance of the weekend. Talk to Me Jimmy, a New York-bred son of Modernist, destroyed his rivals by 11 lengths. He now targets the Wood Memorial as a serious classic contender. Grittiness picked up 10 points for finishing a distant second.
The Risen Star and Beyond
The “February Firestorm” is now in full effect. This coming Saturday features the Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds, which is the first race to offer 50 points to the winner. With a single win now capable of guaranteeing a spot in the starting gate, expect the leaderboard to churn once again as Golden Tempo (#6) and Paladin (#18) look to secure their futures.
Do Not Miss a Single Update on the Road to the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby leaderboard you have just reviewed represents only the very beginning of a thrilling, six-month campaign. The point values for the remaining Kentucky Derby prep races will increase significantly, with future events awarding 20, 50, and eventually 100 points to the winner. One single victory in a primary race can entirely rewrite this list. Ted Noffey holds the early advantage, but dozens of highly talented colts wait in the wings, ready to make their move.
You need real-time data and expert analysis to stay ahead of the curve, guiding your betting strategies and informing your handicapping decisions. Every primary prep race, every key workout, and every scratch can shift the odds and alter the composition of the final field.
Do not rely on outdated information or generic reports. We continuously track every development on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, providing immediate, deep-dive analysis like this after every single points race. Stay tuned to BUSR News and gain instant access to exclusive expert picks, detailed race breakdowns, and the constantly updated leaderboard.
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