all in The Sport

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.

The final three major prep races for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve worth 100 qualifying points each to the winner are on tap for Saturday in New York, Kentucky, and California, so by this time next week the field for the 2026 run for the roses will nearly be finalized.

During his 15 years in the saddle, jockey Jose Ortiz has certainly been no stranger to success.

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.

The Kentucky Derby was first held in 1875 and ranks as the longest continuously held major sporting event in the United States.

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