Mike previews the 2022 Pocahontas Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs, then gives his top picks and longshots in the first prep race for the 2023 Kentucky Oaks (G1). The undefeated Ellis Park Debutante Stakes winner Justa Warrior holds an experience edge over several of her rivals, but is a new shooter waiting to pull an upset? Tell us YOUR thoughts in the Comments section!
SMASH the *Thumbs Up* ~ HIT *Subscribe* ~ RING the *Notification* bell
- Kentucky Derby & Oaks 2026 Prep Picks | Southwest Stakes Breakdown | Blinkers Off 767
The Racing Dudes break down a huge weekend on the Road to the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, headlined by the $1 million Southwest Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn Park. Tune… Read more: Kentucky Derby & Oaks 2026 Prep Picks | Southwest Stakes Breakdown | Blinkers Off 767 - Sam F. Davis Stakes 2026 Picks and Preview | Kentucky Derby Prep Race
Aaron previews the field for the 2026 Sam F. Davis Stakes, which will be contested at Tampa Bay Downs on Saturday, February 7th. Will Todd Pletcher win this race with… Read more: Sam F. Davis Stakes 2026 Picks and Preview | Kentucky Derby Prep Race - Super Bowl & Southwest Stakes PICKS | Dudes Who Bet Sports 274
Aaron and Papa Dude give their picks for the Super Bowl between the Seattle Seahwaks and the New England Patriots. Who will win the big game? The duo also analyze… Read more: Super Bowl & Southwest Stakes PICKS | Dudes Who Bet Sports 274 - Triple Crown 2026 Racing Dudes Fantasy League Update: Four Preps Highlight Massive Weekend
Each week we’ll bring you the standings, power rankings, and all the latest transactions from every Racing Dudes Triple Crown Fantasy League team. You’ll not only see which horses are moving up… Read more: Triple Crown 2026 Racing Dudes Fantasy League Update: Four Preps Highlight Massive Weekend - Robert B. Lewis Stakes 2026 Picks and Preview | Kentucky Derby Prep Race
Aaron previews the field for the 2026 Robert B. Lewis Stakes, which will be contested at Santa Anita on Saturday, February 7th. Will Bob Baffert win this race with any… Read more: Robert B. Lewis Stakes 2026 Picks and Preview | Kentucky Derby Prep Race - Kentucky Derby 2026 Latest News & Top 5 | Ted Noffey OUT of Kentucky Derby
This weeks top 5 contenders list for the 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) includes a brand new number one ranked horse after the news that Ted Noffey is off the Kentucky… Read more: Kentucky Derby 2026 Latest News & Top 5 | Ted Noffey OUT of Kentucky Derby
The track press release:
Holy Cow Stable’s $200,000 Adirondack (Grade III) winner Naughty Gal was entered to face a full field of 11 rivals including Stone Bridge Farm’s undefeated $125,000 Ellis Park Debutante winner Justa Warrior in Saturday’s $300,000 Pocahontas (GIII) at Churchill Downs.
The 1 1/16 mile Pocahontas kicks off the 2022-23 Road to the Kentucky Oaks. The Pocahontas was carded as the 11th race finale with a post time of 5:58 p.m. Saturday’s program also will feature the $300,000 Iroquois (GIII), the Pocahontas’ male counterpart which kicks off the Road to the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve. Along with the duo of 2-year-old stakes events, the program includes the $400,000 Locust Grove (GIII), $300,000 Open Mind (Listed) and $275,000 Louisville Thoroughbred Society.
Trained by Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas, Naughty Gal broke her maiden at second asking on July 4 at Churchill Downs by 9 ¼ lengths. One month later the daughter of leading stallion Into Mischief became a graded stakes winner when she led every step of the way in the 6 ½-furlong Adirondack. Just two weeks ago, Naughty Gal tested Grade I competition in the $300,000 Spinaway (GI) but faded to ninth. She’ll be ridden in the Pocahontas by Mitchell Murrill from post No. 3.
Justa Warrior, the daughter of Triple Crown winner Justify, is undefeated from two starts for Ellis Park leading trainer John Ortiz. In her debut, Justa Warrior drew away from a field of nine by five lengths under jockey Rey Gutierrez. Four weeks later, Justa Warrior was victorious by one-length in the Ellis Park Debutant as the 5-2 post time favorite. Gutierrez will be back aboard Justa Warrior in the Pocahontas and break from post 11.
The Pocahontas also includes impressive maiden winner Fun and Feisty for trainer Kenny McPeek.
Here is the complete field for the Pocahontas from the rail out (with jockey and trainer): Boss Lady Bailey (Brian Hernandez Jr., Ortiz); Kiss Me On Oconee (Edgar Morales, Tom Amoss); Naughty Gal (Murrill, Lukas); Shoplifter (Rafael Bejarano, Eddie Kenneally); Grand Love (Joel Rosario, Steve Asmussen); Outofnothingatall (David Cohen, Ricky Courville); Southlawn (Tyler Gaffalione, Norm Casse); Need Some Money (Francisco Arrieta, Sarah Hamilton); Jet Setting (Florent Geroux, Brad Cox);Fun and Feisty (Julien Leparoux, Kenny McPeek); Justa Warrior (Gutierrez, Ortiz); and Friendlypersuasion (James Graham, Michael McCarthy).
