Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for Aug. 19, 2020

WHO'S HOT

With the points-scoring races now completed, the order of preference is known for the prospective field for the Kentucky Derby on Sept. 5, and that will be the overriding factor on who moves onto the list. This week, Shirl’s Speight and Winning Impression are the two newcomers. Shirl’s Speight is a 30-1 shot on the line of Marty McGee of Daily Racing Form, with Winning Impression at 50-1, one of eight horses McGee has at that price.

:: KENTUCKY DERBY 2020: Derby Watch, point standings, prep schedule, news, and more

WHO'S NOT

Two horses – Money Moves and Pneumatic – were removed from the list. Money Moves is farther down the Derby points list than the two newcomers this week, and he’s not a certainty to try and run in the Derby anyway, so he’s out. Pneumatic had enough points to get in following his victory on Saturday in the Pegasus at Monmouth, but his connections are not eager to run him against the best right now, so he will await the Preakness on Oct. 3 at Pimlico.

ON THE BUBBLE

Jesus’ Team, second in the Pegasus, is farther up the list than Money Moves and Shirl’s Speight, but his connections, like those of Pneumatic, are taking an easier route at the moment. He will be pointed to the Jim Dandy on Sept. 5 at Saratoga. In theory, others with no points could jump in, but as of now there’s no one else being seriously considered for the race.