Kentucky Derby 2026: Litmus Test leads derby hopefuls on tab

Litmus Test drilled at Santa Anita Park on Saturday ahead of his Kentucky Derby 2026 campaign.

The son of Nyquist came home fourth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Del Mar last time out, posting a 95 Beyer Speed Figure, according to Daily Racing Form.

The 2-year-old breezed six furlongs in 1:13.6 seconds. It was the only work at the distance. This marked his second timed work since the Breeders' Cup.

Litmus Test placed third in the Breeders' Futurity (G1) at Keeneland on Oct. 4. Before that, he finished fourth in the Del Mar Futurity (G1) at Del Mar on Sept. 7. He captured a maiden special weight in his debut at Del Mar on Aug. 16.

Litmus Test has a career record of 4: 1-0-1 with earnings of $230,188 for owners SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables and partners.

Litmus Test was one of 11 Kentucky Derby hopefuls with published works on Saturday.

Cabourg (Munnings) worked four furlongs in 50.6 seconds at Palm Meadows on Saturday morning. It was the 42nd fastest of 66 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Palm Meadows. In his last start he placed fourth in an allowance race going six furlongs on the main track at Churchill Downs on Nov. 1 for trainer Jose D'Angelo.

Courting (Curlin) worked four furlongs in 48.9 seconds at Belmont Park on Saturday morning. It was the 27th fastest of 112 works at the distance. His previous work was eight days ago going four furlongs at Belmont Park. In his last start he won a maiden race going one mile on the main track at Aqueduct on Nov. 9 for trainer Todd Pletcher.

Day One Starter (Upstart) worked four furlongs in 49.6 seconds at Belmont Park on Saturday morning. It was the 57th fastest of 112 works at the distance. His previous work was eight days ago going four furlongs at Belmont Park. In his last start he placed third in the Nashua going one mile on the main track at Belmont at the Big A on Nov. 1 for trainer Shug McGaughey.

Diamond Child (Weekend Hideaway) worked four furlongs in 49.2 seconds at Belmont Park on Saturday morning. It was the 41st fastest of 112 works at the distance. His previous work was eight days ago going four furlongs at Belmont Park. In his last start he placed third in the New York Breeders' Futurity going six furlongs on the main track at Finger Lakes on Oct. 13 for trainer Melanie Giddings.

Froutien (Galilean) worked four furlongs in 52.6 seconds at Belmont Park on Saturday morning. It was the 109th fastest of 112 works at the distance. His previous work was eight days ago going four furlongs at Belmont Park. In his last start he placed sixth in the Sleepy Hollow going one mile on the main track at Belmont at the Big A on Oct. 25 for trainer Todd Pletcher.

Grittiness (Curlin) worked four furlongs in 48.9 seconds at Belmont Park on Saturday morning. It was the 27th fastest of 112 works at the distance. His previous work was eight days ago going four furlongs at Belmont Park. In his last start he placed second in a maiden race going one mile on the main track at Aqueduct on Nov. 9 for trainer Todd Pletcher.

Knick the Quick (Knicks Go) worked four furlongs in 48.4 seconds at Turfway Park on Saturday morning. It was the 14th fastest of 136 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going five furlongs at Turfway Park. In his last start he placed eighth in an allowance race going 1 1/16 miles on the main track at Keeneland on Oct. 11 for trainer Christopher Davis.

Litmus Test (Nyquist) worked six furlongs in 1:13.6 at Santa Anita on Saturday morning. It was the only work at the distance. His previous work was six days ago going five furlongs at Santa Anita. In his last start he placed fourth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile going 1 1/16 miles on the main track at Del Mar on Oct. 31 for trainer Bob Baffert.

My World (Essential Quality) worked four furlongs in 48.6 seconds at Belmont Park on Saturday morning. It was the 15th fastest of 112 works at the distance. His previous work was 14 days ago going four furlongs at Belmont Park. In his last start he won the Nashua going one mile on the main track at Belmont at the Big A on Nov. 1 for trainer Brad Cox.

Parker Boone (Solomini) worked four furlongs in 51.2 seconds at Parx on Saturday morning. It was the 44th fastest of 56 works at the distance. His previous work was six days ago going four furlongs at Parx. In his last start he won a maiden race going six furlongs on the main track at Parx on Nov. 4 for trainer Butch Reid.

Talkin (Good Magic) worked four furlongs in 50.2 seconds at Belmont Park on Saturday morning. It was the 81st fastest of 112 works at the distance. His previous work was nine days ago going four furlongs at Belmont Park. In his last start he placed second in the Champagne (G1) going one mile on the main track at Belmont at the Big A on Oct. 4 for trainer Danny Gargan.