Ten contenders. One Kentucky Derby. And only a few are getting my rose.

🌹 Welcome to The Derby Bachelor: February Rankings for the 2026 Kentucky Derby (Kentucky Derby 152). I am evaluating some of the top Kentucky Derby contenders on the Derby trail right now — speed figures, pedigree, prep race performances, and yes… handing out roses. If you’re new to the Kentucky Derby: this is your crash course.

These are my early February Kentucky Derby 152 rankings — and they will change as prep races unfold.