2026 RISEN STAR PREVIEW The road to the 2026 Kentucky Derby takes a major turn this Saturday at Fair Grounds. With 50 Kentucky Derby points to the winner, only eight runners, and 1 1/8 miles on the dirt, this race could reshape the Derby picture in a big way.

Here are the contenders:

PP1. Universe 🐎 Trainer: Kenny McPeek Jockey: Christopher Elliott Consistent and honest with five starts and four board finishes, but hasn’t won since October and regressed to a low speed figure last out in the Smarty Jones. Blinkers go on. The big question is, can he get the distance?

PP2. Golden Tempo 🐎 Trainer: Cherie DeVaux Jockey: Jose Ortiz Two starts, two wins, including the G3 Lecomte here at Fair Grounds. Curlin on top, Bernardini underneath screams distance. The concern? Pace setup. If things get moderate early, his closing kick may come too late. Major talent

PP3. Carson Street 🐎 Trainer: Brendan Walsh Jockey: Ben Curtis Always on the board and proven locally. Tactical and likely forwardly placed again. Pedigree says stamina may be there. If he controls things, he’s dangerous — but if pressured early, he may flatten late.

PP4. Paladin 🐎 Trainer: Chad Brown Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione This horse has it all. Two-for-two including the G2 Remsen at this same 1 1/8-mile distance with highest speed figure in the race. Tactical speed in a race lacking pace, proven stamina, elite connections. He checks every box and looks like the one to beat.

PP5. Chip Honcho 🐎 Trainer: Steve Asmussen Jockey: Luis Saez Won the Gun Runner here with a competitive speed figure and had a wide trip in the Lecomte. Blinkers come off and better positioning is likely. Tactical and fits the pace scenario, but nine furlongs remains the question.

PP6. Colt Forty Seven 🐎 Trainer: Keith Desormeaux Jockey: James Graham Most experienced horse in the field but stepping up sharply in class. Improved each race but needs another jump forward. Notice he is also a closer.

PP7. Courting 🐎 Trainer: Todd Pletcher Jockey: John Velazquez $5 million Curlin colt with a powerhouse pedigree. Fourth in the Remsen behind Paladin and gets blinkers on for his three-year-old debut. Hasn’t yet run a breakout race, but the bloodlines suggest improvement is coming. Dangerous if he takes the expected step forward.

PP8. Quality Mischief 🐎 Trainer: Brad Cox Jockey: Florent Geroux Has faced several of these and hasn’t beaten them yet. Best speed figure makes him competitive but not superior. A closer who needs pace help — possible late runner if things heat up.

📍 Race Details • 1 1/8 miles on dirt • Fair Grounds Race Course • Saturday, February 14 • 50 Derby points to the winner

🔥 Final Thoughts: With 50 Derby points on the line, tactical speed and proven stamina may rule the day. 👇 Who do YOU like in the Risen Star? Drop your top pick in the comments and let’s talk Kentucky Derby And if you enjoy Kentucky Derby prep coverage, make sure to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you don’t miss the next preview on the Road to Churchill Downs. 🏇