Kentucky Derby Contenders: Nearly Claims the Early Spotlight
The paddock is getting ready as we begin the long journey toward the 152nd Kentucky Derby. With over a dozen qualifying events already in the books and many more high-stakes preps on the horizon, the path to the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs is becoming clearer. These early results are essential for fans looking to analyze Kentucky Derby Odds and get a feel for the leading three-year-olds, especially for those planning to play multiple horses in exotic wagers.
Following a massive weekend of horse racing action across Arkansas, New York, Florida, and California, we present our initial power rankings for the Top 10 Kentucky Derby contenders. (Note: Jockey assignments will be updated as they are confirmed. This list will evolve weekly throughout the prep season.)
Nearly Emerges as the Early Favorite
The top spot in our rankings belongs to Nearly, who delivered a professional performance to win the Holy Bull Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 31. Conditioned by Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher, this son of Not This Time stepped up just as stablemate and former favorite Ted Noffey was unfortunately sidelined with an injury.
Nearly currently holds a narrow edge over Further Ado, the Brad Cox trainee who looked sharp winning the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs last November.
Silent Tactic and Plutarch Join the Elite
Recent stakes results have shaken up the leaderboard. Plutarch (No. 8) impressed many by taking the Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita for Bob Baffert. Baffert, a six-time Derby winner, compared the colt to his former champion Authentic, noting his ability to improve week over week.
Other notable movers include Silent Tactic (No. 5), who surged late to win the Southwest Stakes (G3) for Mark Casse, and Renegade (No. 9), who secured a gritty win in the Sam F. Davis (G3). As these prospects continue to develop, many fans are heading to their favorite racebook to lock in early value.
The Kentucky Derby Top 10 Contenders
1. Nearly (Todd Pletcher / John Velazquez)
- The Profile: Dominant 5 ¾-length winner of the Holy Bull. He proved he can handle two turns and high-level stakes pressure.
- Stats: Three straight wins since his October debut. Purchased for $350,000.
- Next Start: Florida Derby (March 28).
- Leaderboard: 20 Points (No. 5).
- Future Odds: 20-1.
2. Further Ado (Brad Cox / Irad Ortiz, Jr.)
- The Profile: Followed a massive maiden win with a score in the Kentucky Jockey Club. Recently clocked a “bullet” work at Payson Park.
- Stats: 2 wins from 4 starts. $510,000 purchase price.
- Next Start: Blue Grass Stakes (April 4).
- Leaderboard: 10 Points (No. 14).
- Future Odds: 26-1.
3. Paladin (Chad Brown / Tyler Gaffalione)
- The Profile: Sturdy winner of the Remsen Stakes at 1 1/8 miles. High-priced yearling ($1.9M) with a classic pedigree.
- Next Start: Risen Star Stakes (Feb. 14).
- Leaderboard: 10 Points (No. 18).
- Future Odds: 14-1.
4. Golden Tempo (Cherie DeVaux / Jose Ortiz)
- The Profile: Unbeaten (2-0) and coming off a thrilling closing effort in the Lecomte Stakes. Could give DeVaux her first Derby starter.
- Next Start: Risen Star (Feb. 14).
- Leaderboard: 20 Points (No. 6).
- Future Odds: 7-2 (Field).
5. Silent Tactic (Mark Casse / Cristian Torres)
- The Profile: A versatile runner who switched from turf to dirt with massive success in the Southwest Stakes.
- Next Start: Rebel Stakes (March 1).
- Leaderboard: 25 Points (No. 1).
- Future Odds: 7-2 (Field).
6. Litmus Test (Bob Baffert / Juan Hernandez)
- The Profile: Well-seasoned Grade 1 performer. Despite a recent scratch, he is working fast at Santa Anita.
- Next Start: San Felipe Stakes (March 7).
- Leaderboard: 19 Points (No. 8).
- Future Odds: 35-1.
7. Napoleon Solo (Chad Summers / Joel Rosario)
- The Profile: Undefeated Champagne Stakes winner preparing for a sophomore debut. Recently posted the fastest work of the day at Palm Meadows.
- Next Start: Fountain of Youth Stakes (Feb. 28).
- Leaderboard: 10 Points (No. 10).
- Future Odds: 30-1.
8. Plutarch (Bob Baffert / Florent Geroux)
- The Profile: Bred for distance (Into Mischief out of Stellar Wind). Finally, put it all together in the Robert B. Lewis.
- Next Start: TBD.
- Leaderboard: 23 Points (No. 4).
- Future Odds: 7-2 (Field).
9. Renegade (Todd Pletcher / Irad Ortiz, Jr.)
- The Profile: Gritty Sam F. Davis winner. Despite some early-career drama and DQs, he is finding his stride at the right time.
- Next Start: Tampa Bay Derby (March 3).
- Leaderboard: 25 Points (No. 2).
- Future Odds: 7-2 (Field).
10. Intrepido (Jeff Mullins / Hector Berrios)
- The Profile: Narrowly beaten in the Lewis but has a win over Plutarch in his history. A consistent performer in a high-level company.
- Next Start: San Felipe (March 7).
- Leaderboard: 23 Points (No. 3).
- Future Odds: 87-1.
Don’t Miss Out on the Action
The road to Churchill Downs is paved with heartbreak and triumph, and these ten Kentucky Derby contenders represent the cream of the crop heading into the spring. Whether you are looking for longshot value or backing the heavy favorites, the time to bet on the Kentucky Derby online is now, while the prices are still enticing. Keep a close eye on the prep results, study the pedigree, and get ready for the fastest two minutes in sports. If you want to maximize your returns, staying ahead of Kentucky Derby Betting trends is the only way to reach the winner’s circle.
Join the BUSR Experience. Stream LIVE all major sport leagues, enjoy live in-game moments with live betting, exclusive team props, and season futures. You control your winnings with our new Early Cash-Out option, no need to wait for game endings. Enjoy 24-hour payouts, dive into over 1,000 casino games, and access to exclusive lines and boosted odds.Score up to $1,500
on your first deposit100% Welcome Bonus + 25 Casino Spins
Related Articles:
Horse Racing Betting | Horse Racing Odds | Horse Racing Schedule | Racetracks | $150 Racebook Bonus | Horse Betting 10% Rebate
