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.
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 $200,000 Santa Anita Oaks Presented by Surfside is the marquee race for 3-year-old fillies as Santa Anita Park and a key Southern California steppingstone to the Longines Kentucky Oaks, offering 200 qualifying points on a 100-5-25-15-10 scale to the top five finishers.
