Elite contenders emerge from top-tier paths to Kentucky Derby and Oaks

The 2026 Road to the Kentucky Derby stretched to 50 races across the country and around the world, while the Road to the Oaks unfolded across 33 contests of its own. Both paths culminated with a championship series: races offering 100 points to the winner and the best shot of securing a spot in the starting gate. Here’s a look at five of these top-tier Kentucky Derby and Oaks preps. 

Louisiana Derby and Fair Grounds Oaks 

On March 21, jockey Flavien Prat had a banner day, winning the Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) aboard Life of Joy, then returning to the winner’s circle in the Louisiana Derby (G2) with Emerging Market.

Life of Joy’s win was a mild upset over favorite and Rachel Alexandra S. (G2) victress Bella Ballerina. Life of Joy has been withdrawn from the Oaks due to a minor setback. Bella Ballerina—who won her other three career starts—figures to be a major player.

Emerging Market enters the Derby with just two career starts. Only one horse—Leonatus in 1883—has won the Derby under the same circumstances. However, trainer Chad Brown isn’t concerned: he believes Emerging Market is more talented than some recent Derby winners. Brown has saddled nine Derby starters and is looking for his first win. 

Arkansas Derby and Fantasy S. 

The following weekend, Oaklawn Park hosted the Fantasy S. (G2) on March 27 and the Arkansas Derby (G1) on March 28.

Bob Baffert-trained Explora, winner of Oaklawn’s prior prep, scratched due to a fever, paving the way for the Mark Casse exacta of Counting Stars and Search Party. All three fillies are prepping for the race at Churchill. 

Renegade dominated the Arkansas Derby, cruising to a four-length victory under Irad Ortiz Jr. for trainer Todd Pletcher and owner Repole Stables. Although Ortiz is a five-time Eclipse Award-winning jockey, he is winless in the Derby in nine mounts. Repole is as well, having gone 0-for-8 with two likely favorites scratched late.

Arkansas Derby and Fantasy S. 

The following weekend, Oaklawn Park hosted the Fantasy S. (G2) on March 27 and the Arkansas Derby (G1) on March 28.

Bob Baffert-trained Explora, winner of Oaklawn’s prior prep, scratched due to a fever, paving the way for the Mark Casse exacta of Counting Stars and Search Party. All three fillies are prepping for the race at Churchill. 

Renegade dominated the Arkansas Derby, cruising to a four-length victory under Irad Ortiz Jr. for trainer Todd Pletcher and owner Repole Stables. Although Ortiz is a five-time Eclipse Award-winning jockey, he is winless in the Derby in nine mounts. Repole is as well, having gone 0-for-8 with two likely favorites scratched late.

Florida Derby and Gulfstream Park Oaks

While the Arkansas Derby was underway at Oaklawn, trainer Brad Cox recorded career highlights at Gulfstream, first capturing the Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2) with Prom Queen, and then taking the Florida Derby (G1) with Commandment. In her second start, Prom Queen bested maidens by eight lengths. She answered any questions about her jump up in class with her 2 3/4-length win. She is a daughter of Florida Derby winner Quality Road.

Five races later, Commandment—who captured the Fountain of Youth S. (G2) by a neck—edged the Florida Derby by a nose, vaulting himself into the top picks of early Derby selections.

Blue Grass and Ashland S. 

In the final weekend of the championship series, Percy’s Bar won hearts in the April 3 Ashland S. (G1) at Keeneland. Named for the second-floor bar at Keeneland—long manned by the late Percy Pool—he is trained by Ben Colebrook. Colebrook has already saddled one Kentucky Derby starter, Raise Cain, who finished eighth in 2023, and Percy’s Bar will mark his first Oaks entry.

The next day, Further Ado emerged as a top Derby wagering interest with a rollicking 11-length romp in the Blue Grass S. (G1). A son of 2017 Horse of the Year Gun Runner, he earned his maiden victory at Keeneland last October by 20 lengths. Irad Ortiz Jr., who has elected to ride Renegade in the Derby, was in the irons. Three-time Kentucky Derby winner and Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez has picked up the mount.