2020 Kentucky Derby: Brisnet Speed Rating Report

The time is finally at hand! After a four-month delay, the 2020 Kentucky Derby is fast-approaching, and a full field of 20 is possible for the 1 1/4-mile classic on Sept. 5.

A total of 21 are under consideration, with Money Moves needing a defection to move into the main body, and let’s take a look at the last three Brisnet Speed ratings for each runner.

This year’s crop had extra time to develop, and it’s a fast group entering the Kentucky Derby. Twelve horses have earned at least one triple-digit Brisnet Speed rating, with six accomplishing it multiple times, and Winning Impression is the only one who hasn’t been close to the century threshold.

But Tiz the Law was earning figures as high as 108 back in early February. His 115 Speed rating for the Travers (G1) is higher than any career number posted by a Kentucky Derby winner this century.

Tiz the Law, Caracaro, Honor A.P., Authentic, Max Player, and Ny Traffic have registered Speed figures in prep races that exceed the numbers earned by 10 of the last 20 winners of the Kentucky Derby.

Kentucky Derby winners

Maximum Security finished first by 1 3/4 lengths last year before being disqualified for interference entering the stretch. He posted Brisnet Speed ratings of 96-100-102 before arriving at Churchill Downs, with his 102 being the second-highest last-out figure in the 2019 Kentucky Derby field.

Here are the last three Speed ratings for Derby winners this century:

Animal Kingdom is the only horse listed that failed to register a triple-digit Speed rating. The majority accomplished it only once.

As can be expected due to the delay, horses have posted bigger numbers in advance of the 2020 Kentucky Derby. But it’s still unusual to see so many runners excel heading into the Run for the Roses.