(Commandment, winner of the Florida Derby, has arrived at trainer Brad Cox’s barn at Churchill Downs / Photos by Coady Media)

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. Commandment — 150 points
  2. Further Ado — 135
  3. Renegade — 125
  4. So Happy — 115
  5. Fulleffort — 110
  6. The Puma — 106
  7. Silent Tactic — 100
  8. Emerging Market — 100
  9. Albus — 100
  10. Potente — 100
  11. Pavlovian — 70
  12. Right to Party — 65
  13. Incredibolt — 60
  14. Golden Tempo — 60
  15. Ottinho — 56
  16. Class President — 50
  17. Start Contrast — 50
  18. Danon Bourbon — Japan Road to Kentucky Derby
  19. Wonder Dean (JPN) — Euro / Mideast Road to Kentucky Derby
  20. Six Speed — Euro / Mideast Road to Kentucky Derby
  21. ————————-

Iron Honor — 50

Chief Wallabee — 50

Chip Honcho — 49

Intrepido — 38

Universe — 38

Grittiness — 36

Nearly 35

Bravaro — 28