Inside the Kentucky Derby | Stars of Tomorrow I Preview

Oct 23, 2026 Darren Rogers and Kevin Kerstein

The next generation of Thoroughbred racing talent takes center stage at Churchill Downs on Sunday, October 25, as the Stars of Tomorrow I program kicks off the 24-day Fall Meet with an entire card dedicated to 2-year-old horses.

On the latest episode of Inside the Kentucky Derby, hosts Kevin Kerstein and Darren Rogers preview Sunday's Stars of Tomorrow I racing program, highlighted by two key prep races on the Road to Kentucky Derby 153 and the Kentucky Oaks: the $200,000 Street Sense Stakes (GIII) and the $200,000 Rags to Riches Stakes.

The Road to the Kentucky Derby continues with the Street Sense Stakes, where 9-5 morning-line favorite Mystik Bayou looks to take another step toward the First Saturday in May. Trained by Kenny McPeek, Mystik Bayou is the half-brother of Kentucky Derby 150 winner Mystik Dan and enters the race following a 4 ½-length maiden victory at Belmont Park. The 1 1/16-mile contest also features contenders Card Man, Blessed Flyer and Staunch.

On the Road to the Kentucky Oaks, Godolphin's Wharfie headlines the $200,000 Rags to Riches Stakes as the 9-5 morning-line favorite. Trained by Bill Mott, the promising filly enters following a 2 ¾-length maiden victory at Belmont Park. She'll face a field of aspiring Oaks contenders, including Oh She Said Yes, First Laugh and Juana Margarita, in the 1 1/16-mile race.

Since its introduction in 2005, Churchill Downs' Stars of Tomorrow program has showcased some of horse racing's biggest names, including Kentucky Derby winners Super Saver, Mandaloun, Mystik Dan and Sovereignty. In total, 103 Grade I or Group 1 winners have competed on Stars of Tomorrow cards, combining for more than $209 million in career earnings.

Kevin and Darren analyze the upcoming stakes action, emerging contenders and key storylines surrounding Sunday's races. With Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks qualifying points on the line, the Stars of Tomorrow  I program offers an early glimpse at the young Thoroughbreds hoping to follow in the footsteps of racing's greatest champions.

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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