Welcome to Kentucky Derby Prospect Profiles, where we take a look each week at a recent winner on the Road to the Derby schedule with races that offer qualifying points to the 1 ¼-mile classic May 2, 2026, at Churchill Downs.
Mike Curry offers takeaways from a frenetic weekend of Longines Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve qualifying races from coast to coast.
As a son of champion sprinter Runhappy, So Happy wasn't supposed to be able to get the 1 1/8-mile distance of the Grade 1 $500,000 Santa Anita Derby, but he did, winning the race by 2 3/4 lengths.
Riley Mott trainee Albus won New York's definitive prep race for the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve, drawing clear in the stretch to post a 1 1/4-length victory over fast-closing 38-1 shot Right to Party in the Grade 2
Before Ted Noffey was sidelined with bone bruising earlier this spring, Spendthrift Farm appeared to have the favorite to win the May 2 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve at Churchill Downs.
