Kentucky Derby News

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.

A talented and well-matched field of nine recently turned three-year-olds will travel 1 1/16 miles at Oaklawn Park on Saturday in the $250,000 Smarty Jones S. The 2026 Road to the Kentucky Derby challenge series qualifying tilt will reward the top-five...

We’ve reached the end of 2025, and the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks contenders for 2026 are in their final days as juveniles.

Kentucky Derby hopefuls will be on display at Oaklawn Park and Aqueduct on the first Saturday of the New Year, with the $250,000 Smarty Jones S. and $150,000 Jerome S. being offered.