Kentucky Derby 2026: Further Ado Leads Field with Top Speed Figure As the 2026 Kentucky Derby field takes shape, speed figures are emerging as a key differentiator among contenders. Further Ado, trained by Brad Cox, holds the highest Beyer Speed Figure in the field at 106 from his Blue Grass Stakes victory, according to Daily Racing Form’s David Grening. This figure also translates to a 122 TimeformUS rating, leading all Derby hopefuls by any metric. The Derby Watch List, updated weekly by Daily Racing Form handicappers David Aragona and David Grening, reflects the final pre-entry contenders following the close of the prep season. Intrepido joined the list at 50-1 odds after trainer Chad Brown confirmed Ottinho’s withdrawal from Derby consideration. Renegade remains the 4-1 favorite for Todd Pletcher, with Commandment and Further Ado sharing co-second choice status at 5-1 for Brad Cox. In the next tier, Chief Wallabee moved to 8-1 and The Puma to 10-1 after swapping positions. Chief Wallabee’s recent workout in blinkers at Churchill Downs drew attention, with jockey Junior Alvarado noting the equipment change helped the colt focus and lower his head during the gallop. Aragona observed the workout “really kind of grew his bandwagon a little bit,” while cautioning that equipment changes entering the Derby have not historically been a reliable predictor of success. Entries for the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby will be taken Saturday, April 25, at Churchill Downs, with wagering opening Friday, May 1. The race continues to attract international interest, including contenders from Japan, as the final field prepares for America’s most prestigious horse race.
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