Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher has outlined the next steps for six 3-year-old horses in his stable, beyond the undefeated champion Ted Noffey, as they gear up for the 2026 Kentucky Derby trail. Speaking from Palm Beach Downs in Delray Beach, Florida, Pletcher shared insights on their recent performances and upcoming races. These colts represent a mix of promising talents and those needing to prove themselves.
Todd Pletcher, the renowned trainer, is focusing on several 3-year-olds with potential for the Kentucky Derby beyond his star pupil Ted Noffey. In a recent update, Pletcher highlighted six horses currently in his care, each with tailored plans to build toward the prestigious race.
Nearly, a son of Not This Time purchased for $350,000 by Centennial Farms, enters Saturday's Holy Bull Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park. After a puzzling debut last of six on October 26 at Belmont at the Big A, he has won his next two races by a combined 14 1/4 lengths. "We are very perplexed by his debut," Pletcher said. "He’s a horse that had trained really well leading into that. He was super green." The 1 1/16-mile race marks his first at two turns, and Pletcher added, "We’re excited about seeing him stretch out."
Class President, an Uncle Mo colt, impressed in his debut on December 27 at Gulfstream, winning by 3 1/4 lengths under Irad Ortiz Jr. despite traffic. "I thought his debut was good," Pletcher noted. "He not only won but he had a little bit of traffic and had to alter course." He is slated for an allowance race next, followed by a Derby prep if successful.
Courting, a $5 million Curlin colt owned by Whisper Hill Farm, Stonestreet Stables, and Windancer Farm, finished fourth in the Remsen (G2) after a troubled start. Pletcher believes it's undervalued: "I think his fourth in the Remsen was much better than it looks on paper." He targets the February 14 Risen Star (G2).
Grittiness, another Curlin colt bought for $575,000 by Mike Repole, has one second in four starts, including fifth in the Remsen. "He needs to step up and make a forward move here soon," Pletcher said. Options include the January 31 Withers or a February 1 maiden at Aqueduct.
Jackson Hole, by Nyquist and owned by WinStar Farm, CHC, and First Go Racing, is undefeated in two starts. His latest victory on January 17 at Fair Grounds covered 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.71, 5 1/2 lengths ahead. "He’s on the trail now," Pletcher affirmed.
Renegade, an Into Mischief colt partnered by Repole and the Low family for $975,000, showed promise with consecutive seconds and a strong Remsen effort. "I thought he ran a big race," Pletcher said. He heads to the February 7 Sam F. Davis (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs.
These updates underscore Pletcher's depth in preparing for the Derby, balancing experience with potential.
