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Renegade Leads Sophomores; Derby Battle Heats Up
8 Apr
Summary
- Renegade, unbeaten this year, leads the top 3-year-old poll.
- Commandment, a G1 Florida Derby winner, is ranked second.
- Kentucky Derby is the next planned start for top contenders.
As of April 8, 2026, Renegade, an undefeated Grade 1 Arkansas Derby and Sam F. Davis Stakes winner, is leading the NTRA Top 3-Year-Old poll. This impressive colt, trained by Todd Pletcher, has garnered 14 first-place votes.
Close behind in second place is Commandment, the Grade 1 Florida Derby champion, with nine first-place votes. Commandment has also secured victories in the G2 Fountain of Youth and Mucho Macho Man Stakes at Gulfstream Park this year.
Further Ado, owned by Spendthrift Farm, moves into third place after a commanding 11-length win in the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes. The next significant race for all these top contenders is the Kentucky Derby, slated for May 2nd at Churchill Downs.
In the NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll, Magnitude maintains its lead, a Grade 1 Dubai World Cup and G2 Razorback Handicap winner, securing 18 first-place votes. Reigning Horse of the Year Sovereignty holds the second position.
