Wide Open Trail: 367 Made Eligible For Triple Crown Series

[Wandering Eyes]

A total of 367 of the world's top 3-year-old Thoroughbreds became eligible to compete in the 2026 Triple Crown series during the early nomination phase, which closed Monday, Jan. 26, Churchill Downs said in a press release on Tuesday.

This year's early nominees span the globe and include several horses that have already made an impact on the 'Road to the Kentucky Derby', led by graded stakes winners 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard', Further Ado (Gun Runner), 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard', Golden Tempo (Curlin), 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard', Intrepido (Maximus Mischief), Litmus Test (Nyquist), Napoleon Solo (Liam's Map), Nearly (Not This Time) and Paladin (Gun Runner).

International representation included 37 horses from Japan, led by Godolphin's Pyromancer (Jpn) (Pyro), winner of the Listed Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun at Kawasaki Racecourse .

Eleven fillies were nominated including: Bella Ballerina (Street Sense), Belle of the Barn (Street Sense), Counting Stars (Honor A.P.), Dancin in Old Town (Tapit), Energy Issei (Jpn) (Mozu Ascot), Goldmunze (Jpn) (Suave Richard {Jpn}), Perfect Town (Speightstown), Ten Time Top (Jpn) (Nadal), Tokai Ma Cherie (Jpn) (Drefong), Unnatamsa (Jpn) (Pyro) and Zany (American Pharoah).

Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher led all trainers with 31 nominees, followed by Bob Baffert (23), Chad Brown (22), Brad Cox (21) and Daisuke Takayanagi (14).

Last year, there were 373 early nominees and another five late nominations.

Click here for a complete list of Triple Crown nominees.

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