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.
Author: News
Eyeing a Chad Brown Exacta in the Withers Stakes
Trainer Chad Brown has won two of the last five editions of the $200,000 Withers Stakes at Aqueduct. He has a strong chance to pick up a third win when the 2026 edition of the 1 1/8-mile Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve qualifier is contested on Saturday.
Byron King’s Derby Dozen for Jan. 29
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.
Thoroughbred Incentive Program Announces 2026 Shows and Championships
The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) announced Jan. 27 that it has approved more than 8,000 awards and classes at more than 1,600 shows in 42 states and five Canadian provinces for 2026. Awards are available for multiple disciplines, including eventing, dressage, Western and English pleasure, ranch horse, hunter/jumper, competitive trail, barrel racing, polo, and polocrosse. A full calendar of shows offering awards is available at: tjctip.com/CalendarOfEvents and will be updated as show dates are confirmed.
