(Further Ado / Photos by Holly M. Smith)

Editor’s Note:

Click Here for the final Kentucky Derby Rankings — which include both biggest strengths and biggest questions for each horse:

KY Derby Rankings for 2026

Editor’s Note II: 

We finally were able to get enough time to post our final “Kentucky Derby 152 Rankings” for this Saturday’s magical “Run for the Roses.”

And, with our further adieu, we are going with, no need for a drum roll now, but — Further Ado.

We have been a big fan of this glorious and brilliant son of Gun Runner ever since he broke his maiden at Keeneland last October by an amazing 20 lengths. And, then, the colt accomplished one of my most important “bars” or “accomplishments” on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. That came last November when Further Ado won at Churchill Downs and the same ground that carries the winner of the Kentucky Derby — when he captured the G2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes last November.

I love it when a horse can run at Churchill Downs as a 2YO; I love it more when a horse can win at Churchill Downs as a 2YO; I love it, even more, when a horse can win a Stakes at Churchill Downs.

Further Ado got to check all three of those things off the list, too.

Then, trainer Brad Cox set his sights and Further Ado journey on a course of critical importance.

The duo had to convert Further Ado’s 2YO magic to 3YO success.

The duo had to grow Further Ado from child prodigy into a man child.

The duo had to convince both pros and cons that Further Ado was truly Kentucky Derby caliber.

After a promising 2nd place run in the Tampa Bay Derby, when he was coming off an extended layoff, the proof came convincingly in the G1 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes at Further Ado’s favorite home away from home — Keeneland. He won this time by an overwhelming 11 lengths; 11 convincing lengths; 11 impressive lengths.

Now, we are just days away.

It is time for the final challenge. Come Saturday, we all shall see.

For now, I am betting that Cox and Further Ado are up to that challenge, as well.