Chip Honcho, trained by Steve Asmussen with Luis Suez aboard, is a front-running colt who excels at setting or pressing early pace. A Risen Star runner-up and Louisiana Derby competitor, he uses tactical speed and experience to influence races.

Trainer: Michael McCarthy

Stark Contrast ran a solid second in the Jeff Ruby Stakes and boasts a strong pedigree blending speed and stamina, making him an intriguing Derby trail prospect.

Golden Tempo, trained by Cherie DeVaux with Jose Ortiz aboard, is a consistent graded-stakes performer who won the Lecomte and placed in both the Risen Star and Louisiana Derby.

Trainer: Chad Brown

Iron Honor is rising fast. After a G3 Gotham Stakes win, this Nyquist colt, ridden by Manuel Franco, is now 2-for-2and locked into the Derby gates despite limited experience. Distance beyond the one-turn mile remains the big question.

Trainer: Bob Baffert

Potente sits firmly on the Kentucky Derby trail after capturing the G2 San Felipe Stakes. With a pressing running style, 50 Derby points, and the powerhouse combination of Bob Baffert and Juan Hernandez, the lightly raced colt looks like a developing contender who still has room to improve.

Trainer: Bill Mott

Chief Wallabee stamped himself as a rising Derby prospect after a 101 Beyer runner-up finish in the G2 Fountain of Youth, battling wide and still pulling clear of the rest of the field in just his second career start.

Silent Tactic, trained by Mark Casse and ridden by Christian Torres, is the only horse to run in every Oaklawn prep this season.

Pavlovian, trained by Doug O’Neill with Edwin Maldonado aboard, is a frontrunner who recently finished second in the Louisiana Derby after dueling Emerging Market in the stretch.

Full Effort is a versatile closer trained by Brad Cox and ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., coming off a powerful win in the Jeff Ruby Stakes.

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Class President has quickly emerged as one of the most promising Derby contenders. Each start shows improvement, and his Rebel Stakes victory highlighted his ability to handle two turns while racing near the lead

Trainer: Riley Mott

Incredibolt stamped himself as a legitimate Kentucky Derby contender with a Virginia Derby win, showcasing a tactical midpack style and steady progression. While his 88 Beyer leaves room for improvement, his upside, professionalism, and stamina-rich pedigree make him a dangerous late-developing threat on the Derby trail.

Emerging Market, trained by Chad Brown and ridden by Flavien Prat, won the Louisiana Derby in just his second start, impressively stretching out to the longest prep distance for the Kentucky Derby.

Trainer: Gustavo Delgado

The Puma earned 50 Derby points with a win in the Tampa Bay Derby and continues to trend upward with improvement in every start including the G1 Florida Derby most recently where he ran 2nd.

Trainer: Brad Cox

Commandment is on the rise. After a G1 Florida Derby win, this Brad Cox-trained, Flavien Prat-ridden colt by Into Mischief is on a 4-race win streak and locked into the Derby gates.

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Renegade is a talented colt who recently captured the Arkansas Derby, proving he belongs at this level.