The Kentucky Derby trail has shifted dramatically with the injury and subsequent removal of Ted Noffey, the unbeaten 2-year-old champion and early favorite, due to bone bruising that will sideline him for about three months. This development has left the Derby favorite spot open, with Paladin, the Remsen Stakes winner, as a tentative frontrunner, though his position remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Nearly, trained by Todd Pletcher, is rapidly rising in prominence after an impressive win in the Holy Bull Stakes, showcasing his ability to handle longer distances and positioning himself as a top contender with 20 qualifying points.

This weekend’s prep races are crucial as several key events will influence the Derby leaderboard. The Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn features Strategic Risk aiming for a third straight stakes win, while Bob Baffert’s Buetane will make his two-turn debut. Other notable races include the Withers Stakes at Aqueduct, the Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita, and the Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs, each featuring promising contenders like Ottinho, Intrepido, and Renegade. The current points leaderboard is topped by Nearly and Golden Tempo, with several other horses jockeying for position as the Derby approaches.