Inside the Kentucky Derby Previews Claiming Crown at Churchill Downs

Nov 13, 2026 Darren Rogers and Kevin Kerstein

The spotlight shines on some of horse racing's hardest-working Thoroughbreds as the 28th annual Claiming Crown returns to Churchill Downs on Saturday, November 14, for a championship day of racing beneath the Twin Spires.

On the latest episode of Inside the Kentucky Derby, hosts Kevin Kerstein and Darren Rogers preview Saturday's Claiming Crown Championship Series, featuring nine races worth a combined $1.2 million. The annual event celebrates the sport's blue-collar Thoroughbreds, giving horses that have competed in claiming races an opportunity to compete for championship honors.

Saturday's racing program features several compelling matchups, including the $100,000 Ready's Rocket Express, where Kerness K looks to extend his remarkable 11-race winning streak against two-time defending winner Concrete Glory. The card also includes the $200,000 Claiming Crown Jewel, the richest race in the series, where morning-line favorite Expect the Best headlines a competitive field.

The 12-race program also features the $300,000 Dream Supreme Stakes (Listed), bringing another exciting afternoon of Thoroughbred racing to historic Churchill Downs Racetrack.

Along with a preview of the Claiming Crown, Kevin and Darren revisit some of the week's most notable 2-year-old winners, highlighting promising young Thoroughbreds and emerging talent worth following as the Road to Kentucky Derby 153 continues.

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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