One action-packed weekend leads into another as April brings a trio of important prep races for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve and the spring-meet opening of one of horse racing’s iconic tracks.
Making Money Betting a Florida Raider in the Wood Memorial Stakes
Although Saturday’s $750,000, Grade 2 Wood Memorial Stakes Presented by Resorts World Casino is taking place at Aqueduct in New York, there’s a strong chance the 1 1/8-mile Road to the Kentucky Derby qualifier will be won by a horse shipping north from Florida.
2026 Ashland Stakes at a Glance
The first Friday in May at Churchill Downs will be in focus on the first Friday in April at Keeneland as the opening-day Central Bank Ashland Stakes at the Lexington track will add some clarity to the Longines Kentucky Oaks outlook.
Banking on a Flashy Maiden Winner in the Santa Anita Derby
Many of the horses entered in Saturday’s $500,000, Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby at Santa Anita Park appear evenly matched. There’s not much separating their best performances.
