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.
Last weekend, graded stakes action at Oaklawn Park and Keeneland produced notable movement on the Equibase leaderboard, particularly within the older female division, and they helped Saffie Joseph Jr. move up into second place among all trainers ranked by North American earnings in 2026.
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.
Thoroughbred racing takes center stage on May 2 as many of the best 3-year-old racehorses in training will compete in the 152nd Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve at Churchill Downs.
