Expert picks

Godolphin’s homebred Hidden Force showed his powerful acceleration in a last-to-first rally in Wednesday’s European Road to the Kentucky Derby conditions race at Kempton.

Sunday’s running of the $1 million Rebel (G2) over 1 1/16 miles at Oaklawn Park is packed with accomplished graded stakes horses.

Saturday’s $300,000 Gotham (G3) at Aqueduct is a one-mile Road to the Kentucky Derby qualifier worth 50-25-15-10-5 points to the top five finishers.

A total of 105 qualifying points (50-25-15-10-5) on the 2026 Road to the Kentucky Derby are up for grabs at Gulfstream Park on Saturday in the $425,000 Fountain of Youth (G2).

Saturday’s $425,000 Fountain of Youth (G2) at Gulfstream Park is an important stop on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, awarding 50-25-15-10-5 qualifying points to the top five finishers.

This week’s prep races figured to have limited impact on the Kentucky Derby and Oaks Power Rankings. In the end, it arguably had even less relevance than may have been imagined.

Sword Dancer’s close call under the Twin Spires touched off a year where he beat both the best of his division and older horses to earn his place among the sport’s best of all time.

In the 16 editions of the Rebel (G2) held at Oaklawn Park since 2010, Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert has won eight.

Napoleon Solo will have his two-turn capabilities tested off the bat in his three-year-old bow Saturday in the $425,000 Fountain of Youth (G2).

Get ready for an unforgettable Derby Week! From Opening Day to Thurby, Oaks Day, and the 152nd Kentucky Derby, discover key event times and how to join the celebration at Churchill Downs.