Inside the Kentucky Derby-Trio of Championship Series Tests Take Center Stage

Feb 26, 2026 Darren Rogers and Kevin Kerstein

Napoleon Solo wins the Champagne Stakes at Aqueduct. (Photo by Coglianese Photo)

Kevin Kerstein and Darren Rogers preview a pivotal weekend on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, highlighted by the Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream Park, the Gotham at Aqueduct and the Rebel at Oaklawn. The trio of Championship Series races offers valuable qualifying points and could significantly reshape the Derby leaderboard.

Inside the Kentucky Derby: Around the Downs 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.

Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS

Also, make sure you subscribe to the Kentucky Derby YouTube channel to see our Road to the Kentucky Derby video series, classic races, and more great Derby video content.