The field for Kentucky Derby 2026 will be drawn this weekend, when final breezes will show up on the Churchill Downs work tab. That is the setting for this episode of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

Riley Mott, the son of Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott, is preparing his first two Derby horses for next Saturday's big date. He talks about Virginia Derby winner Incredibolt and Grade 2 Wood Memorial victor Albus as well as his relationship with their owner Pin Oak Stable.

In a nod to bettors, National Thoroughbred Racing Association chief operating officer Keith Chamblin discusses the growth of handicapping contests in the blush of the most exciting renewal of the National Horseplayers Championship. He talks about the formats of these competitions as well as his concerns about the future of money-troubled Hawthorne, which has been a breeding ground for NHC winners from Chicagoland.

Super Screener creator Mike Shutty looks at early handicapping angles on the Derby and areas where he may be aiming his money. He also has tips for the Roxelana Stakes on opening day Saturday at Churchill Downs.

Co-hosts John Cherwa of the Los Angeles Times and Keith Nelson of Fairmount Park have their popular host chat and offer reaction to listener and reader feedback.

The Ron Flatter Racing Pod via Horse Racing Nation is available via free subscription from Apple, Firefox, iHeart and Spotify as well as HorseRacingNation.com.

Coming Saturday night: The pop-up episode featuring Kentucky Derby 2026 hard-core handicappers Caton Bredar, Ed DeRosa and Mark Midland.