Get ready for the ultimate 2026 Kentucky Derby Monster Podcast, where JK (Jonathon Kinchen) and PTF (Peter Thomas Fornatale) bring together every standalone breakdown into one complete guide to the Run for the Roses. This master episode covers the full field heading into Churchill Downs, featuring detailed discussions on every contender expected to compete on Saturday, May 2, with post time scheduled for 6:57 p.m. and the post-position draw set for April 25.
This episode includes full coverage of the leading contenders on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard, including Renegade, the Arkansas Derby winner trained by Todd Pletcher; Albus and Incredibolt from the Riley Mott barn; Intrepido for trainer Jeff Mullins; and Litmus Test representing Bob Baffert. The discussion also includes Right to Party trained by Kenny McPeek, along with Commandment, Further Ado, and Fulleffort from the Brad Cox stable, each arriving with different prep paths and race records.
International contenders are also featured, including Danon Bourbon from Japan and Wonder Dean (JPN), along with Dubai-based runner Six Speed. The field continues with So Happy from Mark Glatt’s barn, The Puma trained by Gustavo Delgado, and Chief Wallabee from trainer Bill Mott. Additional contenders include Silent Tactic for Mark Casse, Potente from the Bob Baffert barn, Emerging Market trained by Chad Brown, Pavlovian from Doug O’Neill, and Golden Tempo from Cherie DeVaux.
Each horse discussed in this episode has earned a place on the Kentucky Derby trail through a series of prep races that began in the fall of their two-year-old season and continued through major graded stakes races in early 2026. The leaderboard reflects those results, with qualifying points determining entry into the 20-horse field at Churchill Downs.
This master video brings together all individual Monster Podcast episodes into one comprehensive breakdown, covering ownership, trainers, pedigrees, race records, prep performances, and current positioning for every contender. The discussion reflects the perspectives of JK, PTF, and their guests across each episode, while combining all available information into a single, complete preview of the 2026 Kentucky Derby.
Follow along with the Monster Podcast series for full Kentucky Derby coverage, including deep dives on every runner in the field, trainer insights, and continued updates as the Run for the Roses approaches at Churchill Downs.
