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.
Week 1 of the 2026 NTRA Top 3-Year-Old Thoroughbred Poll, covers races through Jan. 25. The poll is topped by undefeated 2-year-old champion Ted Noffey. At this stage of the season, many of the top contenders have yet to make their 3-year-old debuts.
Gulfstream Park kicks off its always influential prep series for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve Saturday with the 37th running of the Holy Bull Stakes.
Mike Curry offers takeaways from Pegasus World Cup day at Gulfstream Park, where Skippylongstocking and sunny Florida took center stage on a weekend when snow and ice blanketed much of the Midwest and East Coast.
I am not a horse racing fan. Why should I be? I don’t gamble, it is too complicated, it is bad for the horses, and women are not welcome. These are just a few of the sentiments I hear from my friends. Maybe you also believe them. If so, I get it. I understand why these opinions exist, but I am here to offer you a different perspective on areas where horse racing is most often misunderstood.
