Blood-Horse

In addition to proving himself as a top contender on the Derby trail, The Puma has the advantage of a team surrounding him that knows what it's like to win a Kentucky Derby (G1).

The Road, presented by Gainesway and WinStar Farm, looks at the horses who are contenders to secure the early lead in this year's Kentucky Derby (G1), and, for good measure, offers thoughts on most likely winners.

John "Jack" Oxley has bred one Kentucky Derby starter and raced eight since 1995. He won the Derby as an owner in 2001 with Monarchos and will be represented this year as the breeder of Further Ado.

Cy Fair finds her way back to the winner's circle April 30 in the Mamzelle Stakes (G3T) at Churchill Downs.

Bow Echo will face 14 rivals when he goes for classic glory May 2 in the Two Thousand Guineas (G1) at Newmarket Racecourse.

Gainesway's freshman sire Drain the Clock was represented by his first winner April 30 when Dream Quest, his first starter, scored a determined victory in a maiden special weight at Santa Anita Park.

A colt by Minzaal topped the Tattersalls Guineas Breeze Up Sale April 30, selling for 240,000 guineas to Phil Cunningham and Tim Gredley. A total of 117 horses sold for 3,832,000 guineas.

As an ambassador at Kentucky Horse Park. Funny Cide's impact would continue even after his six seasons of racing that saw him win two classics, the Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes (G1) at 4, and stakes at age 6 and 7.

A Dosage analysis of Kentucky Derby (G1) starters identifies Emerging Market as the "gold standard" as judged by his aptitudinal balance of speed and stamina.

A share in reigning champion sire Zoustar topped the Inglis Digital Australia April (Late) Online Sale April 30, selling for AU$850,000 to Richard Pegum's Red and Green Bloodstock.

Deterministic returns from a nine-month hiatus to defend his Fort Marcy Stakes (G3T) title in the May 2 test at Aqueduct Racetrack.

Little Red Feather Racing, Sterling Stables, and Marsha Naify's The Padre will make his second start of 2026 following a seven-month layoff in the $200,000 Charles Whittingham Stakes (G2T) May 2 at Santa Anita Park.

If you're still hungry for stakes action after the Kentucky Derby (G1) buffet, then Aqueduct Racetrack is the place to be May 3. The Big A will offer a trio of $175,000 grade 3 stakes, topped by the Westchester Stakes.

Trainer Mark Glatt may be heading toward his first Kentucky Derby (G1) but as he prepares Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner So Happy for the 1 1/4-mile classic, he has plenty of success as a foundation.

Chris Elliott is set to make his Kentucky Derby (G1) debut aboard Right to Party 22 years after his father guided Smarty Jones to the winner circle.

In a field of 11 graded or group winners, Knightsbridge stands out as the morning-line favorite in the $1 million Churchill Downs Stakes (G1) at Churchill Downs May 2.

My Boy Prince, recent winner of the Shakertown Stakes (G2T) at Keeneland, will look for his third consecutive win of the year in the $600,000 Twin Spires Turf Sprint Stakes (G2T) May 2 at Churchill Downs.

The owners of Kentucky Oaks (G1) entrant Meaning are thrilled to be back at Churchill Downs for the first weekend in May with another elite contender.

This article published initially by BloodHorse MarketWatch explores the influence of Mr. Prospector in the Kentucky Derby (G1) winners sired by multiple leading North American stallion Into Mischief, also the sire of three Derby starters this year.

On the April 30 episode of BloodHorse at the Derby: Corbin Blumberg discusses Fulleffort's scratch, Whit Beckman on Ocelli drawing in, Alex Smallwood and Frank Angst share Derby analysis, and Mayor Craig Greenberg on the Derby's impact on Louisville.