Kentucky Derby 2026: Ocelli, Incredibolt target Virginia Derby

With nominations for the $500,000 Virginia Derby closing Wednesday, Ocelli and Grade 3 winner Incredibolt have emerged as likely starters.

The 1 1/8-mile Virginia Derby will be run Saturday, March 14, highlighting Colonial Downs’ three-day meet which runs March 12 through March 14. Held seven weeks before the Kentucky Derby, the race awards 50-25-15-10-5 qualifying points to the top five finishers toward a berth in the “Run for the Roses.” The three-day meet also includes the $250,000 Virginia Oaks, offering 50-25-15-10-5 qualifying points.

Click here for Colonial Downs results.

Trained by Whit Beckman, Ocelli has generated buzz with three in-the-money finishes and sharp morning workouts. “I’ve always seen the talent that this colt has,” Beckman said. “We’re excited to point him toward the Virginia Derby.”

The Connect colt, owned by Ashley Durr, Anthony Tate and Front Page Equestrian, finished sixth behind Renegade in the Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs in February. Ocelli has faced top 3-year-olds in all four of his starts, including a third-place finish to Reagan’s Honor on the Lecomte undercard at Fair Grounds. Reagan’s Honor later earned a 96 Beyer Speed Figure in an allowance win.

“He’s had some excuses, some tough trips, faced some very good horses,” he said. “I think it will be a really good spot for him. Looking over the condition book, there are some good races for us and we’ll have a few more entries for the week.”

Trained by Riley Mott, Incredibolt earned 10 Kentucky Derby qualifying points with his victory in October’s Street Sense (G3) at Churchill Downs. The Bolt d’Oro colt, owned by Pin Oak Stud, finished sixth in the Holy Bull (G3) at Gulfstream Park in his lone start this year.

Nominations for all seven opening-week stakes close Wednesday. The meet begins March 12, with the inaugural $150,000 Golden Horseshoe Handicap, a 1 3/16-mile race for older horses and the $150,000 Stellar Wind Handicap, a six-furlong sprint for Virginia-restricted fillies and mares. The $150,000 Boston Handicap, a seven-furlong sprint for Virginia-restricted older horses follows March 13. Virginia-restricted races are open to horses bred or sires in the state as well as Virginia-certified horses.

The $100,000 Royal New Kent and $100,000 Sandy Bottom, both one-mile races, will debut on the Virginia Derby undercard.

Gates will open at 10 a.m. EST for Virginia Derby Day on Saturday, March 14 and the first post time is at noon.