Inside the Kentucky Derby | Iroquois Preview

Sep 11, 2026 Darren Rogers and Kevin Kerstein

Salahudin wins the Ellis Park Juvenile (Photo by Coady Media)

The Road to Kentucky Derby 153 begins where Derby dreams first start to take shape: beneath the Twin Spires at Churchill Downs.

On the latest episode of Inside the Kentucky Derby, hosts Kevin Kerstein and Darren Rogers preview Saturday’s Iroquois Stakes, the first race on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. The conversation sets the stage for the opening step toward the 153rd Kentucky Derby, presented by Woodford Reserve, as promising 2-year-old Thoroughbreds begin their journey toward the First Saturday in May.

The Iroquois Stakes at Churchill Downs marks an important early moment in the Kentucky Derby season, giving fans their first look at potential contenders and the storylines that may carry into spring. From emerging talent to key connections, this episode offers racing fans insight into what to watch as the Road to the Kentucky Derby gets underway.

Inside the Kentucky Derby is a is your home for exciting news, stories and insights from the people inside of historic Churchill Downs Racetrack. Hosts Darren Rogers and Kevin Kerstein provide a series of interviews with the people who work behind the scenes to make the Most Exiting Two Minutes in Sports happen. Inside the Kentucky Derby is presented by Woodford Reserve.

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