Each spring America’s Best Racing compiles a slideshow with photos of the talented cast of 3-year-olds on target for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve. 

The 2026 edition of the 1 ¼-mile classic on May 2 at Churchill Downs should draw a full field of 20 horses, including the winners of the Santa Anita Derby, Wood Memorial Stakes Presented by Resorts World Casino, Toyota Blue Grass Stakes, Arkansas Derby, Curlin Florida Derby Presented by Hill 'n' Dale Farms at Xalapa, Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby, Jeff Ruby Steaks, San Felipe Stakes Presented by DK Horse, and ESMARK Tampa Bay Derby, plus a trio of International contenders.

For most of the horses expected to compete in first jewel of the Triple Crown, we were able to find a nice mix of photos to show fans their competitive side as well as a bit of their personality. The contenders appear in order by points earned via the Road to the Kentucky Derby scoring system that determines the 20-horse field with profile photos, workout images, and racing pictures when available.