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.
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.
He was on the doorstep of becoming America’s greatest Black race rider. One of just six men to win back-to-back Kentucky Derbys (1901-1902), he barely missed a third victory the following year.
But, the story of James “Wink” Winkfield being a great jockey would just be a slice of his existence. Has any jockey led a more incredible life?
