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Kentucky Derby, post positions, gate, win, draw, percentage, 17, inside, outside, horses, Sovereignty, statistics, Mystik Dan, Ferdinand, Giacomo, Rich Strike, auxiliary, Authentic, Mandaloun, horse racing, ABR

2026 Kentucky Derby Post Positions by the Numbers

The Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve is rightfully known as the most exciting two minutes in sports; once the Churchill Downs starting gate springs open anything can (and often does) happen. For the 20 3-year-old Thoroughbreds expected to compete in 2026 it is one of the most important moments of their lives, and racing luck can make or break their Derby run from the start.

White Abarrio, Sovereignty, Journalism, 2026 Oaklawn Handicap, Oaklawn Park

White Abarrio Defeats Sovereignty, Journalism to Win Star-Studded Oaklawn Handicap

In a race heralded as the return of the rivalry of last year's top 3-year-olds Sovereignty and Journalism, it was 7-year-old White Abarrio who rolled past his younger rivals in the stretch to win the $1.25 million Grade 2 Oaklawn Handicap April 18 at

California Chrome, Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs, Triple Crown, America's Best Racing, horse racing, ABR

Just the Facts: What You Need to Know About Favorites in the Kentucky Derby

Up to 20 lightly raced 3-year-old Thoroughbreds get loaded into the starting gate with somewhere in the neighborhood of 150,000 fans (many well-lubricated) whipped into a frenzy. Approximately two minutes after the horses begin the cavalry charge down the stretch for the first time, a new Kentucky Derby winner is feted in the winner’s circle.

Counting Stars, Percy's Bar, Meaning, Kentucky Oaks, Churchill Downs, horse racing, America's Best Racing, ABR

2026 Kentucky Oaks Cheat Sheet

The Longines Kentucky Oaks has evolved into the most important North American race restricted to 3-year-old fillies, and the 1 1/8-mile dirt race will be the marquee event on Friday, May 1, at Churchill Downs.

So Happy, Fulleffort, Further Ado, Triple Crown, Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs, horse racing, America's Best Racing, ABR

SLIDESHOW: Get to Know the 2026 Kentucky Derby Contenders

Each spring America’s Best Racing compiles a slideshow with photos of the talented cast of 3-year-olds on target for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve.

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