5 Kentucky Derby horses to root for in 2026 Run for the Roses field

Let’s face it: sports are always better when you have someone (or some horse) to root for. There’s something special about an underrated two- or four-legged athlete going against the odds and reigning victorious. Rich Strike was one of the best examples of that in the 2022 Kentucky Derby , winning as an 80-1 longshot.

There are also those that draw on personal connections. Every reporter in America was likely rooting for Journalism to get a win during last year’s race. The 3-year-old colt finished second to Sovereignty, who had his own cool piece of history.

He was the first Derby-winning colt for owners Godolphin in 13 attempts. If you’re looking to pick a horse in the 152nd Run for the Roses for reasons unrelated to the morning-line odds, which were set on Saturday , here are five horses worth rooting for: Fulleffort First, the 3-year-old colt’s color makes it unique. It’s one of only two roan horses in the field.

Only eight gray/roan horses have won in the past, with Giacomo being the most recent in 2005. Outside of his color, Fulleffort has never finished worse than fourth in seven career starts. His Jeff Ruby Steaks victory also bodes well for him: Rich Strike also won the race before winning the Derby, and Two Phil’s won the Ruby before finishing second in the 2023 Derby.