Welcome to Noel Michaels’ Weekend Winners, the place to go for weekend best bets and spot plays from veteran handicapper and tournament-play pioneer Noel Michaels. Check back every week for a couple of highlighted selections designed to help you cash a few bets and make some money.
Byron King’s Derby Dozen for March 19
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.
When a $220 Louisiana Derby Winner Left the Fair Grounds Faithful Flabbergasted
The biggest upset in the 112-year history of the Louisiana Derby was every bit a longshot. Hero of Order entered the 2012 Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds with 13 races and only one victory on his résumé for a little-known trainer from Russia, former jockey Gennadi Dorochenko, who had never won a graded stakes.
Value Hunting Approach to Betting the 2026 Fair Grounds Oaks
Two of the last three Longines Kentucky Oaks winners prepped in the Fasig-Tipton Fair Grounds Oaks and seven of the last 18 Kentucky Oaks winners came out of the race. Safe to say the Fair Grounds race is an influential steppingstone to victory at Churchill Downs May 1.
