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.
Tag: Racing
Ted Noffey Tops First 2026 Poll of Triple Crown Contenders
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.
2026 Southwest Stakes at a Glance
The Southwest Stakes may not have produced a Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve winner in 2025 as it did in 2024 with Mystik Dan, but with a seven-figure purse it’s no surprise the 1 1/16-mile stakes, which has been rescueduled to Friday, Feb. 6, attracted a full field of 14 starters.
2026 Holy Bull Stakes Cheat Sheet
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.
