Renegade is one of the clear favorites. He’s trained by Todd Pletcher, an eight-time Eclipse Award winner who has guided two horses (Super Saver and Always Dreaming) to Kentucky Derby victories. Renegade has won both of his races in 2026: the Sam F. Davis Stakes in February and Arkansas Derby (Grade 1) in March.

Brad Cox, who trained two of the three 2021 Triple Crown winners (Kentucky Derby winner Mandaloun and Belmont Stakes winner Essential Quality), has three horses in this field: Further Ado, Commandment and Fulleffort.

Further Ado won the 2026 Blue Grass (Grade 1) at Keeneland on April 4 and took second at the Tampa Bay Derby in March.

Commandment has won his last four races dating back to Nov. 2025. A victory at the Florida Derby (Grade 1) in March capped that stretch.

Fulleffort has finished second in two races and first in his most recent one in 2026. The victory occurred at the Jeff Ruby Steaks (Grade 3) in March.

So Happy is emerging as a strong contender. He’s won three of his last four races capped by the Santa Anita Derby (Grade 1) in April. One month earlier, So Happy took third to winner and Bob Baffert-trained Potente (another strong choice in this field) at the San Felipe Stakes (Grade 2). So Happy also won the San Vicente Stakes in January.

Bill Mot is training a horse in the field in Chief Wallabee. Mott, a five-time Eclipse Award winner (including the 2025 victory), just guided Sovereignty to victory at the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes last year.

Chief Wallabee most recently finished third at the Florida Derby (Grade 1) and second at the Fountain of Youth Stakes (Grade 2).