From the Churchill Downs Media Team / Darren Rogers:

2025-26 ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY

HOW TO GET INTO THE KENTUCKY DERBY STARTING GATE – The Road to the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve is

a series of races that awards points to the top five finishers in each race. The top 17 point-earners will earn a spot in the starting gate for the 152nd

running of the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (Grade I), which is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026. Up to two invitations will be

extended to the top point-earners in the Euro/Mideast Road to the Kentucky presented by Woodford Reserve and one invitation will be extended to

the top point-earners in the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve. The Kentucky Derby field has been limited to 20

starters since 1975. At least 20 horses have entered the 1 ¼-mile race for 3-year-olds in 24 of the last 27 years.

Road to the Kentucky Derby Leaderboard

  1. Paladin — 60 points
  2. Chip Honcho — 39
  3. Golden Tempo — 35
  4. Silent Tactic — 25
  5. Renegade — 25
  6. Intrepido — 23
  7. Universe — 23
  8. Plutarch 23
  9. Nearly — 20
  10. Talk to Me Jimmy — 20
  11. Litmus Test — 19
  12. Soldier N Diplomat — 13
  13. Grittiness — 11
  14. Carson Street — 11
  15. Napoleon Solo — 10
  16. Further Ado — 10
  17. Express Kid — 10
  18. Strategic Risk — 10
  19. My World — 10
  20. Incredibolt — 10
  21. Bravaro — 10