Under the Radar contenders for the 2026 Kentucky Derby
The bulk of the 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) win pool is likely to center on the handful or so of leading contenders, but are there win threats percolating under the radar?
Kentucky Derby
Vance Hanson
Vance Hanson has been a contributing writer and editor for BRISnet.com, TwinSpires.com and KentuckyDerby.com since 2008. Prior to joining the Churchill Downs Inc. family, he served as a publicity assistant at Canterbury Park and as a handicapper/writer for Daily Racing Form.
British Spot Plays: Sandown for April 24, 2026
Three stakes highlight the Friday card at Sandown, highlighted by an outstanding renewal of the Sandown Mile (G2).
International
British Spot Plays: Newbury for April 18, 2026
The English flat focus turns to Newbury and its two Guineas trials on Saturday.
International
Who was the biggest underdog ever to win the Kentucky Derby?
Most recent underdogs weren’t facing an overwhelming favorite or toppling a budding superstar or two. In fact, many underdog winners can be judged less on how much they paid, but by who they beat.
Kentucky Derby
Five of the biggest shocks in Kentucky Derby history
Unlike games of chance that you might encounter in a casino, the result of a Thoroughbred horse race is far from a random outcome event. That’s not to say that there aren’t inexplicable surprises from time to time. In its century and a half of longevity, the Kentucky Derby has seen its share.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby scratches that changed history
While a comprehensive list of Kentucky Derby scratches since 1875 is not possible, these four withdrawals perhaps were the most significant.
Triple Crown
British Spot Plays: Newmarket April 15, 2026
A staple of my annual wagering is on the traditional British flat turf season, which kicks into high gear this week.
International
Jockeys and weight in the Kentucky Derby
Being the most identifiable human participants on average in Thoroughbred racing, jockeys will be a major focus in this week’s 150th edition of the Kentucky Derby.
Kentucky Derby
Best trainers never to have won the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is America's signature race, but victory in it unfortunately eluded (or has) some of the finest and most accomplished horsemen in history.
Features
Keeneland: Spot Plays for April 10
Friday's card at Keeneland is highlighted by a tremendous renewal of the Maker's Mark Mile (G1).
Wagering
Playing the All-Turf Pick 3 at Keeneland April 3
The All-Turf Pick 3 encompasses the final three scheduled grass races on opening day.
Wagering
Spot Plays for 2026 Arkansas Derby Day at Oaklawn Park
The second of two massive cards in the U.S. on Saturday, Arkansas Derby Day at Oaklawn Park, seemingly offers a number of terrific betting opportunities.
Oaklawn Park
Spot Plays for 2026 Florida Derby Day at Gulfstream Park
The Gulfstream Park Championship meeting reaches its climax on Saturday with a behemoth 14-race program, highlighted by the Florida Derby (G1).
Gulfstream Park
Spot Plays for 2026 Louisiana Derby Day at Fair Grounds
Saturday is the signature program of the meeting, with five open stakes among the seven on offer.
Wagering
Spot Plays for Colonial Downs, Oaklawn, March 14, 2026
Horses of interest on the big cards at Colonial Downs and Oaklawn Park.
Wagering
Spot Plays for Gulfstream, Fair Grounds Feb. 28, 2026
I'll concentrate on a couple of plays in the early Double there, and will take a look at the feature at Fair Grounds later in the afternoon.
Wagering
Pick 3 play for Fair Grounds Feb. 17, 2026
Fair Grounds will be running six days this week, including a special Tuesday program on Mardi Gras.
Fair Grounds
Fair Grounds Spot Plays for Risen Star Day Feb. 14, 2026
A tremendous 12-race card awaits fans at Fair Grounds on Saturday for Risen Star Day, and there's not a claiming race in sight.
Wagering
Spot Plays for Oaklawn Park Feb. 6, 2026
The rescheduled Southwest Day card on Friday is forecast to have abundant sunshine and a high of around 70 degrees.
Wagering
Spot Plays for Tampa, Gulfstream Jan. 31, 2026
With much of the country still frozen out on offering live racing this weekend, most eyes and dollars will be directed toward the action offered at Florida's two racetracks.
Wagering
Playing the Late Pick 5 on Pegasus World Cup Day
Conditions in suburban Miami on Saturday should be plenty ideal for Pegasus World Cup Day at Gulfstream Park.
Pegasus World Cup
Fair Grounds spot plays for 2026 Lecomte Day
The Saturday card at Fair Grounds is long -- 13 races -- but undeniably a fun one with few apparent stickouts among the baker's dozen.
Wagering
Churchill Downs among winners in 2025 handle growth
Takeaways from the year in Thoroughbred wagering for 2025.
Features
Concerns about Eclipse qualifications misplaced
One recurring storyline regarding the 2025 Eclipse Award vote was a seemingly increased concern about rewarding horses that raced only once in the U.S.
Features
Best of Hanson: 2025 Anthology
After a hiatus in 2024, an end-of-year compendium of my historically oriented writing is back for the year coming to a close next week.
History
Intriguing moments from the career of D. Wayne Lukas
Tidbits, trivia, and the occasional oddity related to Lukas' legendary Hall of Fame training career.
Features
Fair Grounds Spot Plays for Dec. 20
The four days when it hosts the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1) preps are usually the highest-quality cards of Fair Grounds' winter meet.
Wagering
Thanksgiving Spot Plays for Fair Grounds Nov. 27
A favorite Thanksgiving tradition is tuning in to a typically competitive and attractive card assembled by Fair Grounds.
Wagering
Betting the 2025 Breeders' Cup All-Turf Pick 4
One of the more fascinating betting opportunities on Breeders' Cup Saturday is the 50-cent all-turf Pick 4.
Breeders Cup
Price plays for 2025 Breeders' Cup Doubles
There will be rolling Double wagers throughout the two-day stand at Del Mar on Friday and Saturday, with minimums set at $1.
Breeders Cup