Before Ted Noffey was sidelined with bone bruising earlier this spring, Spendthrift Farm appeared to have the favorite to win the May 2 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve at Churchill Downs.
Several minutes after unleashing a rocket move along the rail to win the $750,000 Central Bank Ashland Stakes April 3, Percy’s Bar entered a crowded stakes winner’s circle at Keeneland while carefully guided by jockey Luan
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.
