Two days after seeing his 2-year-old male champion Ted Noffey knocked off the road to the 2026 Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve due to injury, Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher apparently found a talented replacement.
The Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve in Florida begins this weekend with the 37th running of the Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park, a key Derby prep offering 42 qualifying points to the top five finishers on a 20-10-6-4-2 scale.
Welcome to Noel Michaels’ Weekend Winners, the place to go for weekend best bets and spot plays from veteran handicapper and tournament-play pioneer Noel Michaels. Check back every week for a couple of highlighted selections designed to help you cash a few bets and make some money.
BloodHorse news editor Byron King presents his weekly Derby Dozen for 2026, with a look at his leading contenders for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve on May 2.
