Saturday, April 25, 2026

Kentucky Derby 2026 Video Update (4-24-26)

In this Kentucky Derby 2026 video, I update the points leaderboard and share the latest Kentucky Derby news, workouts, and contenders (4-23-26). 

I covered all of the Kentucky Derby 2026 points races on my channel. Road to Derby video record (37 13-4-7).

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.   

Kentucky Derby 2026 Video Update (4-23-26)

In this Kentucky Derby 2026 video, I update the points leaderboard and share the latest Kentucky Derby news, workouts, and contenders (4-23-26). 

I covered all of the Kentucky Derby 2026 points races on my channel. Road to Derby video record (37 13-4-7).

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.   

Kentucky Derby 2026 Pace Analysis

As we get closer to the first Saturday in May, I’ve gone through the latest data to identify the strongest Today’s Racing Digest numbers for the top Kentucky Derby 2026 contenders. This is the time of year where understanding how a race will unfold becomes just as important as who is fastest on paper.

I’m focusing on three core areas: Fire numbers (speed throughout), CPR ratings (overall performance), and pace ratings to project how the Derby sets up. Let’s break it all down.

Updated Kentucky Derby 2026 Field Snapshot

As of April 22, the field is taking shape with a few key developments:

  • Iron Honor is unlikely to run, targeting another spot.
  • Napoleon Solo has been removed from the also-eligible list.
  • Stark Contrast is not a confirmed starter yet. More likely for American Turf.
  • Chip Honcho remains a decision pending his upcoming workout.

Meanwhile, four also-eligibles—Intrepido, Litmus Test, Great White, and Ocelli—are waiting for a scratch to draw in.

Top Fire Numbers: Sustained Speed Matters

The Fire Number measures a horse’s ability to sustain speed over distance—critical in a 10-furlong Derby.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

2026 Kentucky Derby 5 Most Likely Winners

In this Kentucky Derby 2026 video, I share my 5 most likely Derby winners.

I covered all of the Kentucky Derby 2026 points races on my channel. Road to Derby video record (37 13-4-7).

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.   

Friday, April 24, 2026

Bewitch Stakes 2026 Analysis at Keeneland (4-24-26)

I’m diving into the Grade 3 Bewitch Stakes at Keeneland, a $350,000 event for fillies and mares going 1 1/2 miles on the turf. This is a classic stamina test, and races at this distance often come down to pace dynamics, positioning, and which runners can sustain their finish over the final quarter mile.

Using the past performance data from Today’s Racing Digest, I’ve broken down each contender’s profile, speed figures, and projected trip to find the best betting opportunities.

Field Overview & Pace Scenario

This race lacks a clear-cut front-runner, which makes tactical speed extremely important. Horses that can sit forward or just off the pace should have a significant advantage, especially if the tempo turns moderate early.

Closers will need help up front—and based on the field, that help may not arrive.

Top Contenders

9 – Speed Shopper (5-2)

This is the most logical winner in the field. She brings strong Final Time Ratings, including multiple 149 figures at the graded stakes level going this distance. Her Fire Numbers—a pair of 98s—show she can sustain speed throughout the race.

What really makes her dangerous here is her tactical versatility. From the outside post, she can either take control or sit just off the lead and get first run turning for home.

My Betting Takeaway: She’s the most likely winner based on pace, consistency, and proven ability at 1 1/2 miles.

6 – Mrs. Astor (4-1)

A model of consistency, Mrs. Astor has finished in the top three in nine straight starts. She fits this field on both class and numbers, typically running in the 130–140 range.

The added distance works in her favor, and she has multiple wins at this trip. She can adapt to different race shapes, giving her jockey flexibility depending on how the pace unfolds.

The main concern? She’s still winless at Keeneland.

My Betting Takeaway: A must-use contender with a high floor, but not quite as appealing as the top choice.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest 

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Kentucky Derby 2026 Video Update (4-20-26)

In this Kentucky Derby & Oaks 2026 video, I update the points leaderboard and share the latest Kentucky Derby & Oaks news, workouts, and contenders. 

I covered all of the Kentucky Derby 2026 points races on my channel. Road to Derby video record (37 13-4-7).

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.   

Kentucky Oaks 2026 Report (4-20-26)

The Kentucky Oaks 2026 horses are starting to assemble at Churchill Downs and in this report, I will take a look at the latest workouts, update the points standings, and share my top Oaks contenders.

Lorelei Lee, 15th on the Oaks points list, breezed a half-mile in 48.20 (11/32) at Churchill Downs on April 20.

I covered all of the Kentucky Oaks 2026 preps on my Runaway Horse YouTube channel, and after 31 points races, my top choices had 14 wins, 7 runner-up finishes, and 5 show finishes. My top choices showed a flat bet profit in this series.

Kentucky Oaks 2026 Points Race Results (Top Choice Winners Bolded)

Pocahontas (10-5-3-2-1) – Sep. 13 – Winner: Taken by the Wind ($14.10)

Alcibiades (10-5-3-2-1) – Oct. 3 – Winner: Tommy Jo ($2.88)

Frizette (10-5-3-2-1) – Oct. 4 – Winner: Iron Orchard ($6.90)

Oak Leaf (10-5-3-2-1) – Oct. 4 – Winner: Explora ($2.80)

Rags to Riches (10-5-3-2-1) – Oct. 26 – Winner: Life of Joy ($3.68)

BC Juvenile Fillies (30-15-9-6-3) – Oct. 31 – Winner: Super Corredora ($19.60)

Golden Rod (10-5-3-2-1) – Nov. 29 – Winner: Bella Ballerina ($10.28)

Demoiselle (10-5-3-2-1) – Dec. 6 – Winner: Zany ($3.50)

Starlet (10-5-3-2-1) – Dec. 6 – Winner: Consequent ($7.60)

Untapable (10-5-3-2-1) – Dec. 20 – Winner: Hit Parade ($6.60)

Busanda (20-10-6-4-2) – Jan. 3 – Winner: Dazzling Dame ($6.24)

Santa Ynez (10-5-3-2-1) – Jan. 10 – Winner: Explora ($2.10)

Silverbulletday (20-10-6-4-2) – Jan. 17 – Winner: Taken by the Wind ($10.80)

Forward Gal (20-10-6-4-2) – Jan. 31 – Winner: On Time Girl ($4.20)

Martha Washington (20-10-6-4-2) – Feb. 6 – Winner: Search Party ($10.20)

Suncoast (20-10-6-4-2) – Feb. 7 – Winner: Zany ($2.40)

Las Virgenes (20-10-6-4-2) – Feb. 8 – Winner: Meaning ($7.80)

Rachel Alexandra (50-25-15-10-5) – Feb. 14 – Bella Ballerina ($3.60)

Sunland Park Oaks (20-10-6-4-2) – Feb. 15 – Bottle of Rouge ($2.80)

Cincinnati Trophy (20-10-6-4-2) – Feb. 20 – Winner: Resplendence ($25.42)

UAE Oaks (50-25-15-10-5) – Feb. 21 – Winner: Labwah

Busher (50-25-15-10-5) – Feb. 28 – Winner: Paradise ($4.72)

Davona Dale (50-25-15-10-5) – Feb. 28 – Winner: She Be Smooth ($13.60)

Honeybee (50-25-15-10-5) – March 1 – Winner: Explora ($4.00)

Santa Ysabel (50-25-15-10-5) – March 8 – Winner: Forced Entry ($7.60)

Virginia Oaks (50-25-15-10-5) – March 14 – Winner: Bottle of Rouge ($3.60)

Bourbonette Oaks (50-25-15-10-5) – March 21 – Winner: Lorelei Lee ($23.98)

FG Oaks (100-50-25-15-10) – March 21 – Winner: Life of Joy ($9.40)

Fantasy (100-50-25-15-10) – March 27 – Winner: Counting Stars ($3.80)

GP Oaks (100-50-25-15-10) – March 28 – Winner: Prom Queen ($8.20)

Ashland (100-50-25-15-10) – April 3 – Winner: Percy’s Bar ($7.12)

Gazelle (100-50-25-15-10) – April 4 – Winner: Always a Runner ($11.38)

SA Oaks (100-50-25-15-10) – April 4 – Winner: Meaning ($3.80)

Read more at The Runaway Horse