Wagering

Thirty-nine horses were individually-named options in this week’s Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 3, but the winner of the only Derby points-scoring race wasn’t one of them.

The second of four 2025-26 Road to the Kentucky Derby qualifiers taking place at Fair Grounds is Saturday’s $250,000 Lecomte (G3).

Although it’s not an official Road to the Kentucky Derby qualifier, Saturday’s $200,000 San Vicente (G2) at Santa Anita is nevertheless an important stop on the path to the 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1).

So, if anything, the picture is a little murkier this week. However, we do see some notable changes among Derby contenders.

We’ve reached the end of 2025, and the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks contenders for 2026 are in their final days as juveniles.

Nine horses will vie for 21 Road to the Kentucky Derby qualification points in Saturday’s $250,000 Smarty Jones S. at Oaklawn Park.

Every horse entered in Saturday’s $150,000 Jerome S. at Aqueduct will earn at least one Road to the Kentucky Derby qualification point.

An accomplished cast of nine sophomores will run 1 1/8 miles over the Tapeta at Turfway Park in Saturday’s $125,000 Last Hurrah S.

Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) runner-up Mr. A. P. sustained an injury in training, likely sidelining him until at least the end of March.

A dozen horses are slated to vie for 21 Kentucky Derby qualification points in Saturday’s $300,000 Remington Springboard Mile S. at Remington Park.