all in Racing

From its earliest days on the fringes of American horse racing, Aqueduct Racetrack has persisted through the ups and downs of the sport in New York City. Once a so-called “outlaw,” the “Big A” has played host to Triple Crown winners, legendary battles, and at least one world leader. As we prepare to say goodbye to this Gotham sporting staple later this year, follow the evolution of this track from a rough diamond into a shining gem.

Tenuous Takeoff

After a campaign highlighted by wins in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve, Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets, and DraftKings Travers Stakes, Sovereignty was honored as 2025’s Horse of the Year Jan. 22 at the 55th annual Resolute Racing Eclipse Awards ceremonies at The Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Fla.

BloodHorse news editor Byron King presents his inaugural Derby Dozen for 2026, with a look at his leading contenders for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve on May 2.

This feature provides a capsule look at three horses who are heating up on the Triple Crown trail and three horses whose chances for the 2026 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve are not quite as strong as they previously were.

In the first edition of this blog for the 2026 run for the roses, the focus is on what has changed since the start of the new year.

HEATING UP

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