The KDTop4 Model

Traditional handicapping methods were built for typical Thoroughbred races — fields of eight to twelve horses where pace scenarios are cleaner and trip complications are limited.

The Kentucky Derby is different.

With up to twenty entrants, compressed positioning, and layered pace dynamics, the Derby introduces structural complexity that traditional evaluation methods were never designed to handle.

KDTop4 was built specifically for this environment.

Rather than adapting a standard handicapping framework, KDTop4 employs a Derby-specific system of evaluation designed to account for the unique demands of a 20-horse field. The model integrates historical performance benchmarks to ensure raw competitive ability is present — but it does not stop there.

Beyond ability, the model evaluates how that ability is expressed under pressure.

By examining energy utilization patterns and how horses distribute effort in prep races, KDTop4 identifies which runners are structurally positioned to succeed within the projected race shape and pressure environment of that year’s Derby.

The Kentucky Derby demands more than talent. It demands survivability within chaos — and the system evaluating it must be designed accordingly.

No two Kentucky Derbies unfold the same way.

Each year’s field creates a unique competitive structure shaped by running styles, early intent, and the level of pace pressure that develops throughout the race. The interaction of these elements determines how energy will be spent — and which horse profiles are most likely to benefit.

Some Derbies feature multiple speed horses vying for the same forward position (2022 — Summer Is Tomorrow and Crown Pride). When early runners compete aggressively, energy can be expended quickly, creating pace compression and late vulnerability. In 2022, that aggressive structure set the stage for Rich Strike to capitalize on a collapsing pace.

Other years present a different structure — perhaps a clear front-runner with limited early challengers (such as Medina Spirit in 2021). In those scenarios, a capable speed horse may control the tempo and conserve energy for the stretch.

Running style matters. Early speed types, tactical stalkers, and sustained closers each bring distinct energy profiles. When those profiles interact, a race environment emerges.

Using final prep race energy data, KDTop4 projects which competitive structure is most likely to develop and classifies it into one of four Race Archetypes:

🔴 High Collapse Risk – Aggressive early pressure favors sustained late energy.

🟠 Tactical Pressure – Contested but manageable pace rewards adaptable runners.

🟢 Balanced – Even distribution of styles makes execution and trip efficiency decisive.

🔵 Pace Advantage – Limited early challengers allow a capable speed horse to dictate terms.

Before ranking horses, KDTop4 defines the projected race environment. In the Kentucky Derby, the structure of the race is what determines which strengths are amplified — and which vulnerabilities may be exposed.

Once the Race Archetype is defined, competitive advantages begin to shift. Certain horses may be structurally favored, others disadvantaged, and some relatively neutral depending on how the projected pressure environment unfolds.

KDTop4 then evaluates each contender within that specific context.

To earn a place inside the KDTop4 rankings, a horse must meet or exceed historically relevant performance benchmarks demonstrated by previous Top Four Kentucky Derby finishers — particularly in key energy utilization and pressure-response variables.

Beyond baseline capability, KDTop4 also evaluates forward-looking indicators. Horses that display signals of progression — such as efficient late energy distribution, resilience under increasing pressure, or improving positioning dynamics — may project to move forward on Derby Day.

Importantly, elite horses often perform at a high level regardless of race archetype. 

However, race shape influences whether that performance translates into optimal finishing position. In the Kentucky Derby, advantage is often determined not by raw talent alone, but by how well that talent aligns with the projected competitive environment.

KDTop4 is committed to keeping race analytics accessible to anyone who values structured insight into the Kentucky Derby.

Rather than placing our research behind a paywall, KDTop4 operates under a voluntary donation model. 

Contributions support continued research, historical validation, and further development of energy utilization analytics.

Our goal is to encourage deeper analytical thinking about the Kentucky Derby — and to continue refining a system specifically built for its unique demands.

Stop back in the weeks leading up to the 2026 Kentucky Derby for race-specific analysis, updated projections, the official KDTop4 Race Pressure Forecast, and the KDTop4 Ranked List. 

During Derby Week, and as soon after the post position draw as possible—KDTop4 releases two core components:

Race Pressure Forecast
A structured projection of the expected Race Archetype and competitive environment for that year’s Kentucky Derby with a synopsis of what is likely to unfold in the 2026 Kentucky Derby (based on historical signals). 

KDTop4 Ranked List
A data-driven ranking of 2026 Kentucky Derby entrants based on historical benchmarks, energy utilization patterns, and alignment with the projected race environment.

KDTop4 does not publish picks.
There are no guarantees.
There is no betting advice.

Instead, we provide a transparent analytical framework designed to help readers understand which horses are structurally positioned to compete for a Top Four finish.