Kentucky Derby Preps Take Center Stage Saturday: Gotham & Fountain of Youth Picks

The Road to the 2026 Kentucky Derby heats up in a big way this weekend with multiple major prep races that could dramatically reshape the Derby picture.

On Saturday, the spotlight shines on the Gotham Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct and the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park — two critical stepping stones on the Derby trail. Then on Sunday, the action continues with the Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park, adding even more Derby points and intrigue to a massive weekend of racing (we’ll have a separate full breakdown of the Rebel coming shortly).

Derby points are on the line. Rising stars are stepping forward. And several legitimate contenders will either stamp themselves as serious Churchill Downs threats — or fade from the conversation.

At RacingDudes.com, we’ve got you fully covered with FREE race previews and picks, plus our Premium selections and multi-race wagering strategies for bettors looking to attack the card aggressively.

Gotham Stakes (G3) – Aqueduct

$300,000 | 1 Mile

A competitive nine-horse field headlines Race 10 at Aqueduct, led by morning-line favorite Iron Honor (6/5) for Chad Brown and jockey Manny Franco. The colt looks formidable on paper, but this mile test is far from a walkover.

Key challengers include:

• Crown the Buckeye (4/1) – Dangerous if the pace heats up
• Dirty Rich (10/1) – Intriguing upside at a price
• Right to Party (8/1) – Capable of improving at the right time

👉 Get our FREE full Gotham preview and picks now at RacingDudes.com

Premium members receive:

• Most Likely Winner
• Best Value play
• Expert Win/Place/Show (WPS) picks
• Detailed Exacta and Trifecta wagers
• Structured multi-race tickets

Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) – Gulfstream Park

$425,000 | 1 1/16 Miles

One of the most important early-season Derby preps, the Fountain of Youth annually shapes the Florida Derby picture — and this year is no different.

The field includes:

• Commandment (2/1) – The likely favorite with elite connections
• Napoleon Solo (7/2) – Elite talent but off the layoff
• Chief Wallabee (9/2) – A serious player but big ask
• Jackson Hole (8/1) – Value potential in a loaded lineup

This race is deeper than the odds suggest, and several of these colts could vault themselves into the top tier of Derby contenders with a strong performance.

👉 Read our FREE Fountain of Youth preview and expert picks

Premium subscribers get:

• Most Likely Winner
• Best Value play
• Expert Win/Place/Show (WPS) picks
• Detailed Exacta and Trifecta wagers
• Structured multi-race tickets

Free Picks. Premium Firepower.

Whether you’re looking for quick expert insight or a full wagering roadmap, Racing Dudes has you covered this weekend.

✅ Free race previews for both prep races
🔥 Premium picks and betting strategies
🎙 Podcast breakdowns
📊 Derby implications and updated rankings

Saturday could reveal a legitimate Kentucky Derby contender — and you don’t want to miss the opportunity to cash in early.