Danon Bourbon profile: 2026 Kentucky Derby odds, post position, history and more to know
Danon Bourbon, a Japan-based colt bred in Kentucky by Blue Heaven Farm, enters the 2026 Kentucky Derby with a perfect 3-for-3 record, all wins coming at nine furlongs or longer in Japan. Trained by Manabu Ikezoe and ridden by first-time Derby jockey Atsuya Nishimura, he is considered one of the top international contenders despite limited data on his competition. He drew post position 7, which suits his front-running style, but questions remain about the quality of his past races and how he will handle the Churchill Downs field and pace dynamics.
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Danon Bourbon profile: 2026 Kentucky Derby odds, post position, history and more to know Get caught up with Danon Bourbon's past performances, jockey, trainer and full analysis heading into the Run for the Roses By Gene Menez Apr 30, 2026 at 12:56 pm ET • 3 min read Imagn Images Horses from Japan have won many of the biggest races on the international stage in recent years, but they've been a big zero in the Kentucky Derby. Of the 10 horses from Japan to start in the Run for the Roses, only one has finished better than fifth: Forever Young, who was a troubled third in 2024. This year the Japan-based Danon Bourbon arguably has the best credentials of the Derby's three international invaders to take home the blanket of roses.
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