J. Keeler Johnson handicaps the Blue Grass (G1) at Keeneland

Juddmonte’s Idiomatic, the reigning champion older dirt female, and Godolphin’s Pretty Mischievous, who earned the 2023 Eclipse Award for champion 3-year-old filly, are at this early stage on course to collide in the May 3 La Troienne Stakes (G1).

The Bob Baffert-trained Kinza and the Richard Mandella-trained Kopion meet for a second time in the April 6 Santa Anita Oaks (G2) after Kinza defeated Kopion by two lengths this winter in the Las Virgenes Stakes (G3).

Ashbrook Farm and Upland Flats Racing’s Red Carpet Ready, a onetime Kentucky Oaks (G1) hopeful who found her best stride sprinting around one turn, will finally have her chance to taste grade 1 glory in the April 6 Madison Stakes (G1) at Keeneland.

A change of equipment and a return to the site of her greatest victory might do the trick for Repole Stable’s Life Talk in the April 6 Gazelle Stakes (G3).

Ashbrook Farm and Upland Flats Racing’s Red Carpet Ready, a one-time Kentucky Oaks (G1) hopeful who found her best stride sprinting around one turn, will finally have her chance to taste grade 1 glory in the April 6 Madison Stakes (G1) at Keeneland.

Trainer Bob Baffert opted for Imagination and Wynstock for the Santa Anita Derby, leaving other nominees Wine Me Up and Maymun for another day.

A year and a half after a last-to-first rally in the 2022 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (G1T) at Keeneland, Godolphin’s world traveler Mischief Magic reappears at the Lexington oval to race April 6 in the $350,000 Shakertown Stakes (G2T).

The first Saturday in May will mark an anniversary for trainer Rick Dutrow. As much as everyone else in Thoroughbred racing associates the day with the Kentucky Derby (G1) for Dutrow there’s something different tied to it.

If any trainer has a reason to develop Kentucky Derby (G1) Fever, it’s Christophe Clement.