Kentucky Derby News

Postponed one week by a deluge of rain in Southern California, the $100,000 Santa Ynez S. is now on tap for this Saturday at Santa Anita.

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.

John Oxley’s homebred Strategic Risk swept to the front in early stretch and drove clear late en route to posting a convincing, 4 1/2-length tally in the $250,000 Smarty Jones S. at Oaklawn Park on Jan. 3.

Robert LaPenta and Madaket Stables’ My World earned 10 points on the 2026 Road to the Kentucky Derby challenge series following his two-length score in the $139,500 Jerome S. at Aqueduct on Jan. 3.

John C. Oxley’s homebred Strategic Risk aced his first test on the Kentucky Derby (G1) trail in Saturday’s $250,000 Smarty Jones S. at Oaklawn Park.

Maryland shipper Dazzling Dame ran away with Saturday’s Busanda S. at Aqueduct, clocking a faster time than the boys did in the Jerome S., a Road to the Kentucky Derby event earlier on the card.

My World was put to the test in Saturday’s $139,500 Jerome S. but ultimately proved best, earning his first points toward a Kentucky Derby berth.

The Road to the Kentucky Oaks goes coast-to-coast on Saturday, with the Busanda S. at Aqueduct and the Santa Ynez S. at Santa Anita.

Over the past century, 13 Thoroughbreds have conquered American racing’s coveted Triple Crown – the Kentucky Derby (G1), Preakness (G1), and Belmont (G1).