Welcome to Kentucky Derby Prospect Profiles, where we take a look each week at a recent winner on the Road to the Derby schedule of preps that offer qualifying points for the 1 ¼-mile classic race May 2, 2026, at Churchill Downs.
Black History Month offers an important opportunity to reflect on the contributions of Black Americans whose impact has shaped industries across the nation, including horse racing. While modern racing often lacks visible diversity, Black horsemen were foundational to the sport’s early success. One of the most influential among them was Ed Brown, a formerly enslaved man who became one of the leading trainers of the 19th century.
Defending winner Forever Young headlines a strong field laden with American and Japanese stars set for the seventh running of the $20 million Saudi Cup Feb. 14 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Forever Young was last seen taking the Nov.
The Southwest Stakes may not have produced a Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve winner in 2025 as it did in 2024 with Mystik Dan, but with a seven-figure purse it’s no surprise the 1 1/16-mile stakes, which has been rescueduled to Friday, Feb. 6, attracted a full field of 14 starters.
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.
