Kentucky Derby Prep Races

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Kentucky Derby Prep Races

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What are the Kentucky Derby Prep Races?

The Kentucky Derby Prep Races, also known as the "Road to the Kentucky Derby," are a series of races leading up to the Kentucky Derby, one of the most prestigious events in horse racing.

These prep races allow thoroughbreds to earn qualifying points that determine the 20 horses who will compete in the Kentucky Derby. The series includes races across the United States and other parts of the world, giving horses the opportunity to showcase their talent and secure a spot in the Derby.

Each race in the series awards points based on finishing position, with the higher-stakes races closer to the Derby awarding more points. This points system ensures that the best-performing horses earn their place at Churchill Downs, making these prep races critical for both horse owners and online horse betting enthusiasts.

2025 Kentucky Derby Prep Races Schedule

Date Race Track Points
September 14, 2024 Iroquois Stakes Churchill Downs 10-5-3-2-1
September 28, 2024 Montane Developments Beresford Stakes (Group 2) Curragh 20-10-6-4-2
September 28, 2024 Juddmonte Royal Lodge (Group 2) Newmarket 10-5-3-2-1
October 5, 2024 Breeders’ Futurity(GI) Keeneland Racecourse 10-5-3-2-1
October 5, 2024 American Pharoah (GI) Santa Anita Park 10-5-3-2-1
October 5, 2024 Champagne Stakes Aqueduct Racetrack 10-5-3-2-1
October 6, 2024 Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (GI) Longchamp 10-5-3-2-1
October 26, 2024 Futurity Trophy Doncaster 10-5-3-2-1
October 27, 2024 Street Sense Stakes (GIII) Churchill Downs 10-5-3-2-1
November 1, 2024 Breeder's Cup Juvenile (GI) Del Mar Racetrack 30-15-9-6-3
November 23, 2024 Cattleya Tokyo Racecourse 10-5-3-2-1
November 30, 2024 Kentucky Jockey Club (GII) Churchill Downs 10-5-3-2-1
December 7, 2024 Remsen Stakes Aqueduct Racetrack 10-5-3-2-1
December 11, 2024 Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun FKawasaki 20-10-6-4-2
December 13, 2024 Remington Springboard Mile Remington Park 10-5-3-2-1
December 14, 2024 Los Alamitos Futurity (GII) Los Alamitos Race Course 10-5-3-2-1
December 21, 2024 Gun Runner Stakes Fair Grounds Race Course 10-5-3-2-1
January 4, 2025 Jerome Stakes Aqueduct Racetrack 10-5-3-2-1
January 4, 2025 Smarty Jones Stakes Oaklawn Park 10-5-3-2-1
January 18, 2025 Lecomte Stakes (GIII) Fair Grounds Race Course 20-10-6-4-2
January 25, 2025 Southwest Stakes(GIII) Oaklawn Parkk 20-10-6-4-2
February 1, 2025 Withers Stakes (GIII) Aqueduct Racetrack 20-10-6-4-2
February 1, 2025 Robert B. Lewis (GIII) Santa Anita Park 20-10-6-4-2
February 1, 2025 Holy Bull (GIII) Gulfstream Park 20-10-6-4-2
February 8, 2025 Sam F. Davis (GIII) Tampa Bay Derby 20-10-6-4-2
February 15, 2025 Risen Star (GII) Fair Grounds Race Course 50-25-15-10-5
February 16, 2025 Hyacinth Tokyo Racecourse 30-15-9-6-3
February 22, 2025 John Battaglia Memorial Turfway Park 20-10-6-4-2
February 22, 2025 Rebel (GII) Oaklawn Park 50-25-15-10-5
February 26, 2025 Road to the Kentucky Derby Condition Stakes Kempton 20-10-6-4-2
February 28, 2025 Patton Dundalk 20-10-6-4-2
March 1, 2025 Fountain of Youth (GII) Gulfstream Park 50-25-15-10-5
March 1, 2025 Gotham (GIII) Aqueduct Racetrack 50-25-15-10-5
March 2, 2025 San Felipe (GII) Santa Anita Park 50-25-15-10-5
March 8, 2025 Tampa Bay Derby (GII) Tampa Bay Downs 50-25-15-10-5
March 15, 2025 Virginia Derby Colonial Downs 50-25-15-10-5
March 22, 2025 Fukuryu Nakayama 40-20-12-8-4
March 22, 2025 Louisiana Derby (GII) Fair Grounds Race Course 100-50-25-15-10
March 22, 2025 Jeff Ruby Steaks (GIII) Turfway Park 100-50-25-15-10
March 29, 2025 Arkansas Derby (GI) Oaklawn Park 100-50-25-15-10
March 29, 2025 Florida Derby (GI) Gulfstream Park 100-50-25-15-10
April 5, 2025 UAE Derby (GII) Meydan Racecourse 100-50-25-15-10
April 5, 2025 Santa Anita Derby (GI) Santa Anita Park 100-50-25-15-10
April 5, 2025 Blue Grass (GI) Keeneland Racecourse 100-50-25-15-10
April 5, 2025 Wood Memorial (GII) Aqueduct Racetrack 100-50-25-15-10
April 12, 2025 Lexington (GIII) Keeneland Racecourse 20-10-6-4-2

Bet on the Prep Races


What is the history of the Road to the Kentucky Derby?

The "Road to the Kentucky Derby" concept was introduced in 2013, replacing a previous earnings-based system. The new points-based system aimed to simplify and clarify how horses qualify for the Kentucky Derby.

Before this change, qualification was determined by graded stakes earnings, which often left room for confusion and unpredictability.

With the points system, every prep race has a set value, and only the horses that consistently perform well in key events can qualify for the Derby.

The introduction of this system has not only made it easier for bettors to track contenders but has also heightened interest in online horse betting, as each race leading to the Derby becomes more exciting and strategic.

How do horses earn points for the Kentucky Derby?

Horses earn points for the Kentucky Derby by placing in specific races that are part of the "Road to the Kentucky Derby" series.

These prep races are divided into two segments: the "Kentucky Derby Prep Season" and the "Kentucky Derby Championship Series." During the Prep Season, horses earn fewer points, but as the Championship Series approaches, races offer significantly more points, with some major races like the Florida Derby, Santa Anita Derby, and Arkansas Derby awarding up to 100 points to the winner.

The points are distributed to the top four finishers in each race, and the horses with the most accumulated points by the end of the series will qualify for the Kentucky Derby.

For bettors, following these races is a vital part of their online horse betting strategy, as they can assess which horses are in form and likely to perform well in the Derby.

Which are the most important prep races for the Kentucky Derby?

The most important prep races for the Kentucky Derby are part of the Championship Series and typically offer the highest number of points.

Some of the key races include the Florida Derby, Santa Anita Derby, Arkansas Derby, and the Blue Grass Stakes. Winning one of these races almost guarantees a spot in the Kentucky Derby starting gate.

Each of these races attracts top-tier horses, making them highly competitive and exciting for both spectators and those engaged in online horse betting. The results of these races provide valuable insight into the form of the horses, allowing bettors to make more informed decisions as the Kentucky Derby approaches.

How can I place bets on the Kentucky Derby Prep Races?

One of the most convenient ways to place bets is through online horse betting with BUSR.

With BUSR, you can easily create an account, make deposits, and place wagers on races happening at any race track from anywhere in the world. Whether you're betting on the Triple Crown or other daily races at the track, BUSR offers competitive odds, a user-friendly interface, and expert tips to enhance your betting experience.

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Churchill Downs, Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks, the "twin spires design," "Road to the Roses" and Churchill Downs Incorporated-related trademarks are registered trademarks of Churchill Downs Incorporated or its affiliates (collectively CDI). CDI does not sponsor or endorse, and is not associated or affiliated with US Racing or its products, services or promotions. US Racing provides free information, odds, facts and commentary about the Kentucky Derby and horse racing and betting, in general. Third party marks may be referenced in a transformative, editorial, informational, nominative, critical, analytical or comparative context. US Racing may reference marks belonging to third parties pursuant to our right to engage in fair use, fair comment, statutory fair use or trade mark fair use doctrine. As such, US Racing does not contribute to any dilution of any trade or service marks. US Racing provides this information in an effort to educate and grow the sport of thoroughbred racing in North America with an emphasis on attracting new fans of the sport.

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