Get incredible future odds and payouts on the top Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby contenders, as well as the industry's best jockeys and trainers. Don't miss the "Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" on Saturday, May 4th, 2024 at Churchill Downs
The Kentucky Derby Prep Races being each year in September and end in April with the goal of qualifying for the the Saturday, May 4th, 2024 Kentucky Derby. With only 20 horses set to take the starting gates under the famous twin spires of Churchill Downs, the road is long. Only the strong will survive.
The "Road to the Kentucky Derby" is rich in history, dating back to the late 1800s. The Kentucky Derby itself started in 1875, but the prep races began gaining importanc in the early 20th century. These races are more than just competitions; they are chapters in the legacy that has shaped the heart and soul of American horse racing.
Date | Race | Track | Points |
---|---|---|---|
December 2, 2023 | Remsen | Aqueduct | 10-5-3-2-1 |
December 13, 2023 | Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun | Kawasaki | 20-10-6-4-2 |
December 15, 2023 | Springboard Mile | Remington Park | 10-5-3-2-1 |
December 16, 2023 | Los Alamitos Futurity (GII) | Los Alamitos | 10-5-3-2-1 |
December 23, 2023 | Gun Runner | Fair Grounds | 10-5-3-2-1 |
January 1, 2024 | Smarty Jones | Oaklawn Park | 10-5-3-2-1 |
January 6, 2024 | Jerome | Aqueduct | 10-5-3-2-1 |
January 7, 2024 | Sham (GIII) | Santa Anita Park | 10-5-3-2-1 |
January 20, 2024 | Lecomte (GIII) | Fair Grounds | 20-10-6-4-2 |
January 27, 2024 | Southwest (GIII) | Oaklawn Park | 20-10-6-4-2 |
February 3, 2024 | Robert B. Lewis (GIII) | Santa Anita Park | 20-10-6-4-2 |
February 3, 2024 | Holy Bull (GIII) | Gulfstream Park | 20-10-6-4-2 |
February 10, 2024 | Sam F. Davis (GIII) | Tampa Bay Downs | 20-10-6-4-2 |
February 10, 2024 | Withers (GIII) | Aqueduct | 20-10-6-4-2 |
February 17, 2024 | Risen Star (GII) | Fair Grounds | 50-25-15-10-5 |
February 18, 2024 | Hyacinth | Tokyo | 30-15-9-6-3 |
February 24, 2024 | Rebel (GII) | Oaklawn Park | 50-25-15-10-5 |
March 1, 2024 | Patton | Dundalk | 20-10-6-4-2 |
March 2, 2024 | Fountain of Youth (GII) | Gulfstream Park | 50-25-15-10-5 |
March 2, 2024 | John Battaglia Memorial | Turfway Park | 20-10-6-4-2 |
March 2, 2024 | San Felipe (GII) | Santa Anita | 50-25-15-10-5 |
March 2, 2024 | Gotham (GIII) | Aqueduct | 50-25-15-10-5 |
March 9, 2024 | Tampa Bay Derby (GII) | Tampa Bay Downs | 50-25-15-10-5 |
March 13, 2024 | Road to the Kentucky Derby Condition Stakes | Kempton | 20-10-6-4-2 |
March 23, 2024 | Fukuryu | Nakayama | 40-20-12-8-4 |
March 23, 2024 | Louisiana Derby (GII) | Fair Grounds | 100-50-25-15-10 |
March 23, 2024 | Jeff Ruby Steaks (GIII) | Turfway Park | 100-50-25-15-10 |
March 24, 2024 | Sunland Derby (GIII) | Sunland Park | 20-10-6-4-2 |
March 30, 2024 | UAE Derby (GII) | Meydan Racecourse | 100-50-25-15-10 |
March 30, 2024 | Arkansas Derby (GI) | Oaklawn Park | 100-50-25-15-10 |
March 30, 2024 | Florida Derby (GI) | Gulfstream Park | 100-50-25-15-10 |
March 30, 2024 | Cardinal Condition Stakes | Chelmsford City | 30-15-9-6-3 |
April 6, 2024 | Santa Anita Derby (GI) | Santa Anita Park | 100-50-25-15-10 |
April 6, 2024 | Blue Grass (GI) | Keeneland | 100-50-25-15-10 |
April 6, 2024 | Wood Memorial (GII) | Aqueduct | 100-50-25-15-10 |
April 13, 2024 | Lexington (GIII) | Keeneland | 20-10-6-4-2 |
The journey on the "Road to the Kentucky Derby" isn't just about the horses. Renowned trainers and jockeys play a pivotal role in preparing and guiding these equine athletes towards victory. Legendary names like Bob Baffert and Todd Pletcher, along with jockeys like Mike Smith and John Velazquez, have left indelible marks on this road.
The point system on the "Road to the Kentucky Derby" is meticulously structured. Points are awarded based on a horse's performance in each race, with more significant races offering more points. This system ensures that only the best of the best make it to the starting gate at Churchill Downs.
How many prep races are there for the Kentucky Derby?
The number can vary slightly from year to year, but typically there are around 35-40 Kentucky Derby Prep Races.These include notable races like the Florida Derby, Santa Anita Derby, and the Blue Grass Stakes.
When do the Kentucky Derby Prep Races take place?
These races usually begin in September of the year before the Derby and continue through April,leading up to the Kentucky Derby in early May.
Where are the Kentucky Derby Prep Races held?
They are held at various racetracks across the United States, including Churchill Downs in Kentucky, Santa Anita Park in California, Gulfstream Park in Florida, and Aqueduct Racetrack in New York.
How can horses qualify for the Kentucky Derby through these races?
Horses qualify for the Kentucky Derby by earning points in these prep races.The points system varies by race, with more prestigious races offering more points. The top 20 point earners get a spot in the Kentucky Derby.
Who are some notable winners of Kentucky Derby Prep Races?
Notable winners include American Pharoah, who won the Rebel Stakes and the Arkansas Derby before winning the Kentucky Derby and the Triple Crown in 2015, and Justify, who won the Santa Anita Derby in 2018 before going on to win the Triple Crown.
What impact do the results of the Prep Races have on the Kentucky Derby?
The results of these races significantly impact the field for the Kentucky Derby.They determine which horses qualify and can also influence betting odds and public perception of each horse's chances in the Derby.
Where can I watch the Kentucky Derby Prep Races?
These races are often broadcasted on sports networks like NBC Sports, Fox Sports.
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