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For the third consecutive year, Japan-based horses will participate in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve. As talented runners continue to arrive each year from Japan, the same statement can be heard Derby week on the Churchill Downs backstretch: “Japan is going to win one eventually.”

When turf specialist Kitodan was honored by the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association as the 2020 Claiming Horse of the Year, one of the owners that trainer Eric Foster works with remarked that they should appreciate the moment as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“Well," Foster responded, "you don’t know that.”

Each week, members of the national media vote on the nation's top contenders on the Triple Crown trail in the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) Top Thoroughbred Poll.

BloodHorse news editor Byron King presents his final Derby Dozen with a look at his leading contenders for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve on May 4.

Jockey Antonio Fresu will ride in his first Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve this year when he gets a leg up from trainer Phil D’Amato – also a first-time participant in the run for the roses – on Stronghold, the winner of the April 6

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