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.
Reigning Horse of the Year Sovereignty continues to progress in his training this winter at Payson Park in South Florida and is under consideration for the April 18 Oaklawn Handicap for his 4-year-old debut, Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott told FanDuel Racing March 4.
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.
Every longshot has his or her own story. Some overcome adversity or a run of bad luck, others defy logic, and sometimes a change in circumstance provides the key to unlocking an upset. Such was the case in the 2020 Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby.
Sam F. Davis Stakes winner Sole Volante was a viable favorite coming off a 2 ½-length win at the same track and 1 1/16-mile distance, and the Tampa Bay Downs Derby prep drew a deep field of 12 3-year-olds, but there is no way King Guillermo should have been 49.20-1 odds.
