What’s next for Kentucky Derby 2018 contenders?

Given we know who’s in for the 2018 Belmont Stakes, and spots are under consideration for recent Kentucky Derby runners beyond that, this seems like an ideal time to launch Horse Racing Nation’s new Derby Alumni blog.

The format will evolve, but we intend to update when and where Derby runners past — of all years — are pointing next. That starts with the 2018 class. Here’s what’s ahead for the group of 20:

1. Justify — Belmont Stakes (and Triple Crown) contender.

2. Good Magic — After running in the Preakness, he’s due for a brief freshening and will target a summer campaign with races such as the July 28 Jim Dandy (G2) at Saratoga or July 29 Haskell (G1) at Monmouth Park.

3. Audible — Reportedly out of training after considered for the Belmont, he, too, will head into some of the summer’s top 3-year-old races fresh. Both the Jim Dandy and Haskell were mentioned.

4. Instilled Regard — Here’s another we don’t expect to see too soon. He has shipped twice to run at Louisiana’s Far Grounds, so it’s safe to assume he won’t have to remain out West. The Los Alamitos Derby (G3) runs July 14.

5. My Boy Jack — Another who was briefly considered for the Belmont, he’s also a previous winner on turf and will target the July 7 Belmont Derby (G1) to resume his campaign. Then it’s back to dirt, potentially for the Haskell.

6. Bravazo — Belmont Stakes contender, yes, and trainer D. Wayne Lukas said this week he also plans to “keep showing up” in major 3-year-old races with a goal of running this colt in the Breeders’ Cup at Churchill Downs.

7. Hofburg — Belmont Stakes contender.

8. Lone Sailor — He’s done with the Triple Crown series after a run in the Preakness, with trainer Tom Amoss saying he will target the June 23 Ohio Derby (G3). The race will mark a cut back to 1 1/8 miles and provide class relief for a colt with one win in 10 starts.

9. Vino Rosso — Belmont Stakes contender.

10. Solomini — This Curlin colt found a softer landing spot — though he’s still up for a challenge Saturday at Churchill Downs going 1 1/16 miles in Race 9, an allowance optional claimer. Competition includes Derby trail runners Mississippi and Tiz Mischief. Post time is 10:11 p.m. ET.

11. Firenze Fire — A next race spot hasn’t been named, as this one was due for a break even before he ran better than expected in the Derby. Trainer Jason Servis has said he plans to “shorten him up a little.”

12. Bolt d’Oro — He’s working at Keeneland toward a start against older horses in the Met Mile (G1). His performance there could go a long way toward showcasing the strength of this 3-year-old crop, as well as forecast what type of distances we’ll see him the rest of the year.

13. Flameaway — Thought initially to be a contender for the Queen’s Plate, a Canadian Triple Crown series race, he will instead join Lone Sailor in the Ohio Derby. Trainer Mark Casse has other Queen’s Plate contenders, such as Kentucky Oaks runner-up Wonder Gadot.

14. Enticed — As of mid-May, he had taken up a temporary residence away from the racetrack, at Greentree Training Center near Saratoga. Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin considers him possible for the July 7 Dwyer (G3).

15. Promises Fulfilled — Trainer Dale Romans is waiting to see who his challengers would be shortening up on Belmont Stakes day. The early Derby pace setter will go in either the Woody Stephens (G2) at seven furlongs or the in the Easy Goer at 1 1/16 miles.

16. Free Drop Billy — Belmont Stakes contender.

17. Noble Indy — Belmont Stakes contender.

18. Combatant — He has worked twice since the Derby and remains at trainer Steve Asmussen’s Churchill Downs barn. Asmussen saddled Gun Runner for a victory in the Matt Winn (G3) two years ago. That spot would also make sense for Combatant.

19. Magnum Moon — No word on this one, though he’s said to be back to the track for Todd Pletcher.

20. Mendelssohn — He’s in light training, and it’s likely we haven’t seen the last of him after a rough-and-tumble Derby. Trainer Aidan O’Brien has designs of bringing Mendelssohn back for the Breeders’ Cup Classic and will prep him domestically.