Saturday features the final major prep races for the 2026 Kentucky Derby, with the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland, the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct, and the Santa Anita Derby in California all offering critical points to secure a spot in the Derby starting gate. The Blue Grass Stakes, a Grade 1 race, has seven contenders after two scratches, with morning line favorite Further Ado aiming to capitalize on a less crowded field. Reagan’s Honor is expected to set the pace, while Great White tests the dirt surface for the first time. Meanwhile, the Wood Memorial, marking its 101st and final running at Aqueduct, features a strong field led by Chad Brown’s Iron Honor, fresh off a Gotham Stakes win, and includes Bob Baffert’s Buetane among others. The Santa Anita Derby, the most productive Derby prep of the weekend, has seven horses including two from Bob Baffert’s stable: Potente, following a path similar to Triple Crown winner Justify, and Cherokee Nation, who recently broke his maiden impressively.

Each race awards points to the top five finishers (100-50-25-15-10), making these events pivotal for Derby hopefuls. Coverage will be available on Peacock, FS1, and FanDuel TV, with expert analysis highlighting key contenders and betting insights. Notable horses include Further Ado in the Blue Grass, Iron Honor in the Wood Memorial, and Potente in the Santa Anita Derby, with handicappers debating the potential outcomes and long-shot plays. These races will finalize the Kentucky Derby field, setting the stage for the first leg of the Triple Crown.