Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert has entered the Kentucky Derby conversation with his trainee Desert Gate, who secured a notable victory in the Grade 3 Best Pal Stakes at Del Mar, placing sixth in the Derby standings. While a series of points races starting in September primarily determine Derby entry, earnings in non-restricted stakes serve as a tiebreaker, benefiting Desert Gate. Meanwhile, Comport leads the standings after a commanding win in the Ellis Park Juvenile Stakes, with a close rating comparison favoring Desert Gate slightly.

Among juveniles, the filly Mythical holds the top performance figure, having won the Tremont Stakes against males and the Adirondack Stakes (G3), though the latter does not count toward Derby earnings due to its female restriction. Desert Gate and Comport have surged up Horse Racing Nation’s Kentucky Derby 2026 contender rankings, now sitting third and fourth behind Saratoga Special (G2) winner Ewing and runner-up Obliteration.