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.
Three marquee Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve prep races are coming up Saturday and Sunday, which means there’ll be significant changes to the earnings leaders among horses, jockeys, and trainers racing in North America this time next week.
At a time of year when Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve hopefuls are focusing on two-turn preps and qualifying points, Saturday’s Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct offers something different.
Oaklawn Park offers a lucrative pathway to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve that leads to deep, talented fields and compelling 3-year-old qualifying races for the May 2 run for the roses at Churchill Downs.
