Paladin takes over in Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 4

In a major shakeup from the first three pools, Paladin settled as the narrow 9-1 individual favorite over Nearly (10-1) in Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 4, which closed on Sunday.

Ted Noffey, the champion two-year-old male of 2025, ranked as the individual favorite in each of the first three pools, dipping as low as 6-1 in Pool 3. His recent departure from Triple Crown consideration due to bone bruising has left the 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) picture wide open.

Paladin is seeking to capitalize. Winner of the Remsen (G2) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby last fall, the son of Gun Runner kicked off his 2026 campaign on Saturday, winning the Risen Star (G2) with a gallant late charge. His 9-1 odds in Pool 4 marked a sharp drop from his 14-1 price in Pool 3.

Nearly also proved popular among bettors thanks to his runaway win in the Holy Bull (G3) to close out January, dropping in half from the 20-1 odds he offered in Pool 3. But the overall favorite in Pool 4 was “All Other Three-Year-Olds” at 9-2, a slightly higher price than the 7-2 available in Pool 3.

Canaletto, a flashy debut winner at Gulfstream Park, was listed at 40-1 on the morning line but dropped to 15-1 by the time betting wrapped up. He closed as the third individual choice over Sam F. Davis S. winner Renegade (16-1) and Southwest (G3) conqueror Silent Tactic (19-1).

Chief Wallabee (21-1), Commandment (23-1), Further Ado (24-1), Brant (26-1), Plutarch (27-1), Napoleon Solo (30-1), Golden Tempo (32-1), Blackout Time (32-1), Boyd (34-1), Englishman (37-1), and Litmus Test (38-1) all closed below 40-1 and stayed close to their morning-line prices for the most part.

Rounding out the betting interests were Emerging Market (42-1), Talk to Me Jimmy (42-1), Potente (44-1), Jackson Hole (45-1), So Happy (53-1), Courting (54-1), Bravaro (60-1), Secured Freedom (61-1), Ewing (62-1), Chip Honcho (65-1), Powershift (69-1), Six Speed (73-1), Class President (75-1), Pyromancer (77-1), Intrepido (82-1), Solitude Dude (83-1), Iron Honor (122-1), The Puma (123-1), Soldier N Diplomat (129-1), My World (207-1), and Carson Street (307-1).

Prior to the opening of Pool 4 on Friday, Mesquite was withdrawn from Kentucky Derby consideration with a possible soft tissue injury, which prompted his removal as a betting option. Separately, betting on Thunderously was suspended on Sunday after it was announced the promising maiden winner has been sidelined and will miss the Derby.

Total handle in Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 4 was $420,519, up 1.9% from the same pool in 2025.

Two more 2026 Kentucky Derby Future Wager pools remain. Pool 5, which coincides with the lone 2026 Kentucky Oaks Future Wager pool, runs from March 13-15. Pool 6 is scheduled for April 2-4.