Meet the Contenders: 2026 Arkansas Derby
Silent Tactic wins the Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park. (Photo by Coady Media)
March 25th, 2026
Meet the horses running in the 2026 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential. The star rating of 1 to 5 represents opportunity to perform well. Be sure to follow these contenders by adding them to your Stable Alerts.
Click on each horse's name to add them to your stable. Never miss a race they're a part of again!
Redland Rebels wins at Gulfstream Park. (Photo by Coglianese Photo / Credit to Ryan Thompson)
#1 Redland Rebels **
Trainer: Patrick Biancone
Pro: Speedy colt will attempt to take these as far as he can.
Con: Best finishes have been on turf and extra distance big concern.
Silent Tactic wins the Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park. (Photo by Coady Media)
#2 Silent Tactic *****
Trainer: Mark Casse
Pro: Never worse than second in five starts; exciting stretch runner.
Con: No excuse not closing the deal in Rebel (G2); must find more.
SILENT TACTIC with a last to first win in the G3 Southwest and picks up 20 points towards the @kentuckyderby! 🔇🌹@markecasse trains the son of Tacitus and @cristiantorr64 was aboard!
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) February 6, 2026
At 12/1, the colt paid $26 to win. 💰
🎥 #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/wbw8JL3i9L
Blackout Time breaks his maiden at Ellis Park. (Photo by Coady Media)
#3 Blackout Time ***
Trainer: Kenny McPeek
Pro: Likely in need of a race when a distant fourth in the Rebel; can fare better.
Con: Like some others, stretching out to 1 1/8m a concern with him.
#4 Bricklin **
Trainer: Rodolphe Brisset
Pro: Winner over the track then beaten by subsequent La. Derby (G2) runner-up.
Con: Seems a cut or two below class-wise.
Taptastic winning his debut at Oaklawn Park (Photo by Coady Media)
#5 Taptastic ***
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Pro: Won at first asking and bred to run all day.
Con: Seemingly has a bright future, but this is a deep spot for a maiden winner.
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Taptastic overcomes tough trip. 🎓 @kentuckyderby @j_keelermanhttps://t.co/Gp6OdPfAzT
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) March 11, 2026
#6 Renegade *****
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Pro: Deserving favorite off Sam F. Davis S. win, form versus Paladin.
Con: Biggest knock will be the lack of betting value.
Napoleon Solo wins the Champagne Stakes at Aqueduct. (Photo by Coglianese Photo)
#7 Napoleon Solo SCRATCHED
Exosome wins at Keeneland. (Photo by Coady Media)
#8 Exosome *
Trainer: Kelsey Danner
Pro: All-or-nothing type gutted out local allowance win last time.
Con: Given speed ratings, even a minor share looks a stretch.
Litmus Test justified 3-5 favoritism in the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) (Photo by Benoit Photo)
#9 Litmus Test ***
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Pro: Price on offer will be much better than it has been of late.
Con: Although below par in Rebel, not sure if nine furlongs is what he wants.
