Blue Grass Stakes Picks — Betting Preview and Predictions (Apr 4)

The final field for the 2026 Kentucky Derby is nearing completion, with just a handful of prep races remaining on the schedule. This weekend, the attention switches to Keeneland for the G1 Blue Grass Stakes. Find our picks here.

Odds

Blue Grass Stakes Recent Winners

Blue Grass Stakes: Event Information

ALSO SEE: Wood Memorial Stakes Picks — Betting Preview and Predictions (Apr 4)

Race Preview

Pressure increases on the Road to the Kentucky Derby this weekend, with a stacked Saturday of graded action offering 100 qualifying points. Keeneland hosts the G1 Blue Grass Stakes, which has been won in recent years by Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Sierra Leone and Belmont Stakes victor Essential Quality.

Brad Cox will unleash one of his leading Derby hopes in Grade One company this Saturday, as Further Ado bids to win a second stakes race.

The son of Gun Runner was an excellent winner of the G2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes at Churchill Downs in November, before returning with a narrow second behind the hugely talented The Puma in the G3 Tampa Bay Derby. Key player on ratings and form in the book.

Uncle Mo colt Class President gives Todd Pletcher a strong chance this weekend. The three-year-old put a second in the Swale Stakes behind him last time out when showing plenty of late speed to hold off Silent Tactic in the G2 Rebel Stakes.

Reagan’s Honor may be the most interesting runner in the field this weekend for Cherie DeVaux. The three-year-old has won on back-to-back starts this season, setting an eye-catching Equibase speed figure of 105 when winning an allowance last time. Well worth a shot at the highest level.

Joe Sharp-trained Creole Chrome fits a similar profile after progressing nicely in lesser company this year. Was a good winner of the Guitar Stakes at Fair Grounds last time, beating Bubby by nearly seven lengths.

Blue Grass Stakes Picks

This is a very informative renewal of the Blue Grass Stakes. Reagan’s Honor is expected to take this step up in grade in his stride to hit the frame, but Further Ado is the class angle with the proven form in the book after finishing second to the recent Florida Derby runner-up.