Guess the 2018 Kentucky Derby contenders from their baby pictures

May 01, 2018 Kellie Reilly/Brisnet.com

Twenty aspiring three-year-olds await their date with destiny in Saturday’s 144th running of the Kentucky Derby (G1). Making it to America’s iconic race, the “greatest two minutes in sports,” is the culmination of a journey that began in the hopes and dreams of babyhood.

We’ve chronicled the backgrounds of these contenders as the trail unfolded through the spring, right up to Derby Week itself. Now all of their “Tales from the Crib” are collected here.

To make it a little more interesting, their identities are not revealed on this page, just their foal or yearling (or occasional two-year-old) pictures, and a descriptive hint to accompany the story link.

Now, can you guess these Derby 144 contenders? Feel free to peek at the link!

Unbeaten colt rose to the top of the points leaderboard (Dell Hancock photo)

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Champion looks to cast a winning spell (Stonestreet Farms photo)

 

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New York-bred has made noise (Ferran Robinson photo)

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Aristocrat may be overlooked (WinStar Farm photo)

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Mellow type is improving over time (Glennwood Farm photo)

 

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Classy performer is no flash in the pan (WinStar Farm photo)

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Blueblood has alluring pedigree (Godolphin photo)

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Well-related globetrotter aims to compose a classic victory (Clarkland Farm photo)

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Undefeated colt bids to vindicate his lofty reputation (Glennwood Farm photo)

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Versatile Ontario-bred thrives in the heat of competition (Laura Richard/Taylor Made photo)

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Grinder may make it a little wise to include him (Ryann Ball photo)

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Well-connected colt has an awesome sire (Lucas Marquardt photo)

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Hardy runner is proficient in all trades (Airdrie Stud photo)

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Speedy type keeps his word to go forward early (Matt Goins/Select Sales photo)

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Genuine colt looks for a birdie, eagle, or even a hole in one (Middlebrook Farm photo)

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Late runner hopes for fair winds and following seas down the stretch (Middlebrook Farm photo)

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Up-and-comer may turn out to be imperious (Juddmonte Farms photo)

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Florida-bred lit up New York at two (Ron Lombardi photo)

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Deep closer is battle-tested (Blandford Stud photo) 

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Well-bred colt aims to recover initially high opinions (KatieRich Farms photo)

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Thanks to all of the breeders, farms, owners, horsemen, and photographers for their invaluable help in telling the stories of the Derby 144 runners!