Road to Kentucjky Derby Winds Through Virginia in Weekend Horse Racing

Road to Kentucjky Derby winds through Virginia in weekend horse racing

The Virginia Derby provides a chance for yet another Kentucky Derby prospect to join the chase for spots in the Churchill Downs starting gate.

Pletcher, Baffert Lead Way on Road to Kentucky Derby and Oaks

Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher frequently tops the list of most horses nominated to the Triple Crown series, the Kentucky Derby (G1), the Preakness Stakes (G1), and the Belmont Stakes (G1). Usually, fellow Hall of Famer Bob Baffert is right behind, along with future Hall of Famers Brad Cox and Chad Brown. This year’s Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs on May 2 is no exception: Pletcher nominees totaled 31, Baffert had 23, Brown 22, and Cox…

What's on Track: Roads to Kentucky Derby, Oaks, Cross at Colonial Downs During Spread-Out Stakes Weekend

Recharged Incredibolt enters the $500,000 Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs a bounce back candidate after faltering to a last place finish in January’s Holy Bull Stakes (G3). It was an uncharacteristic showing for the promising Bolt D’Oro colt, who wasn’t able to translate the momentum from a promising rookie season into his first start of 2026. In 2025, Incredibolt picked up a pair of victories from three starts, headlined by an impressive trium…

Weekend GamePlan: Picks for Virginia Derby, San Simeon, Sandy Bottom

Weekend GamePlan: Picks for Virginia Derby, San Simeon, Sandy Bottom