Can American Soul shatter half a century of history and become the first horse with experience racing outside of North America to win the Kentucky Derby since 1976?
Not every talented racehorse winds up competing in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve at Churchill Downs. There are many reasons why. Some horses mature too soon, or too late, to compete on the first Saturday in May. Others prefer to race at a different distance or surface than the Kentucky Derby’s 1 1/4 miles on dirt.
As promised, the Rookie Rankings have undergone significant revisions following the running of three Grade 1 races for juveniles last Saturday. However, our top three candidates for the 2027 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve remain unchanged.
After racing comfortably on the lead early, Rhetorical then delivered a strong late run to draw off to an easy victory in the $1.25 million Coolmore Turf Mile Stakes Oct. 3 at Keeneland Race Course, securing victory in the race for a second straight year.
Expectations were high for Team Valor International’s U. S. S. Valor off a 13 ¼-length maiden victory Sept. 5 at Saratoga Race Course, and they paid off immensely Oct.
