The first Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve qualifier of 2026 is Saturday’s $150,000 Jerome Stakes at Aqueduct, which will be followed by the Smarty Jones Stakes at Oaklawn Park later that afternoon.
Author: News
Where to Watch/Listen: Horse Racing Coverage Jan. 1-4
The North American Thoroughbred racing calendar turns to 2026 with a busy New Year’s Day slate of racing on Thursday, and two days later on Saturday, Jan.
Rookie Rankings for Dec. 30: Leading 2026 Kentucky Derby Contenders
As 2025 draws to a close, Week 5 of the Rookie Rankings features a Top 10 that is largely unchanged from Week 4. But there is one small shift worth noting as the series wraps up.
Final Rookie Rankings for Dec. 30: Leading 2026 Kentucky Derby Contenders
As 2025 draws to a close, Week 5 of the Rookie Rankings features a Top 10 that is largely unchanged from Week 4. But there is one small shift worth noting as the series wraps up.
