An odds-on favorite, Salahudin overcame a tough trip to prevail in Saturday's Iroquois (G3) at Churchill Downs, the first qualifier for the 2027 Kentucky Derby.

Salahudin goes for Bob Baffert in the Iroquois, which will award Derby qualifying points 10-5-3-2-1 to the respective top five finishers.

Two jewels of the Triple Crown – the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont (G1) – will become part of a six-race “Thoroughbred Championship Series” for sophomores in 2027.

The Belmont, which will return to its traditional 1 1/2-mile distance at Belmont Park next year, attracted a field of nine.

History was made on the first Saturday in May when Golden Tempo stormed down the Churchill Downs homestretch to win the $5 million Kentucky Derby (G1).

Each "Between-The-Ears" snapshot is designed to give you a feel for the horse behind the numbers, but beneath the surface, something else is shaping the outcome.

***Updated with post positions, morning-line odds, and scratches

Saturday’s $398,750 Lexington (G3) featured an eclectic cast of class-climbers, fringe players from the Kentucky Derby (G1) trail, and minor stakes veterans.

Lush Lips has been a gem of consistency for trainer Brendan Walsh, which makes her especially dangerous against a quality cast.

A better trip helped So Happy, but the Mark Glatt trainee might have received an extra lift, just when he needed it.

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 6 closed with runaway Arkansas Derby (G1) winner Renegade the clear 4-1 favorite among 40 betting interests.

Last-out maiden winners Albus and Always a Runner stamped their respective Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks tickets Saturday, winning the Wood Memorial and Gazelle at Aqueduct.

The son of Gun Runner demolished his rivals in the $1,237,813 Blue Grass (G1) on Saturday.

Rebel winner Class President and Tampa Bay Derby runner-up Further Ado are top draws for Saturday's $1.25 million Blue Grass (G1) at Keeneland, a major qualifier for the 2026 Kentucky Derby.

The last edition of the race to be held at Aqueduct will present a challenge for likely favorite Iron Honor.

Renegade offered an eye-catching late run to dominate the Arkansas Derby, confirming himself as a major win contender for the Kentucky Derby.

Commandment will head back to Churchill Downs a winner of four consecutive races.

Both colts clinched Kentucky Derby (G1) invitations via the Euro/Mideast Road.

Despite regional war and torrential rain this week, Meydan will stage the 30th Dubai World Cup extravaganza on Saturday.

Most eyes will be on a trio of colts who have turned in some of the fastest prep performances this season.