As the 2025 Kentucky Derby approaches, the excitement in the horse racing world intensifies. The road to the Derby is paved with a series of critical prep races that help determine which horses will secure a spot in the starting gate at Churchill Downs.
These pre-Derby races, held across various tracks, provide insight into the top contenders, their form, and their potential for success on the first Saturday in May. This guide breaks down the key pre-Derby races, their significance, and the horses to watch in the lead-up to the biggest event in American horse racing.
The Importance of Pre-Derby Races
Pre-Derby races, often called “prep races,” serve multiple purposes. They allow young horses to gain valuable racing experience, earn qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby, and showcase their ability to handle different track conditions and distances.
The results of these races heavily influence betting odds and expert predictions, making them essential for fans and analysts alike.
Before reaching the Kentucky Derby, top contenders must prove their ability in a series of high-stakes prep races in the 2025 road to Kentucky Derby. These key events test a horse’s speed and endurance and serve as critical qualifiers, awarding points that determine Derby eligibility. Each race provides valuable insights into emerging stars and potential frontrunners for the Run for the Roses.
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (November 2024)
The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, run at 1 1/16 miles, is one of the first major indicators of Derby potential. The winner often becomes an early favourite for the following year’s Triple Crown races. This race provides a glimpse into the top two-year-olds, setting the stage for their three-year-old campaigns.
Sham Stakes (January 2025)
Held at Santa Anita Park, the Sham Stakes is a one-mile race that offers Derby hopefuls an early opportunity to showcase their talent. While not as prestigious as later prep races, it often features promising colts making their stakes debut.
Lecomte Stakes (January 2025)
The Lecomte Stakes, run at Fair Grounds Race Course in Louisiana, is another early-season Derby prep race. It provides insight into horses that may excel in longer-distance races, making it a key stepping stone on the road to Churchill Downs.
Holy Bull Stakes (February 2025)
Taking place at Gulfstream Park, the Holy Bull Stakes is a Grade III race that serves as a strong indicator of Derby’s potential.
Winners often continue to compete in the Florida Derby, a more prestigious prep race held later in the season.
Robert B. Lewis Stakes (February 2025)
Run at Santa Anita Park, the Robert B. Lewis Stakes has produced several Derby contenders in past years. This race is known for attracting high-quality competition, making it a must-watch event for racing enthusiasts.
Risen Star Stakes (February 2025)
The Risen Star Stakes is pivotal in the Fair Grounds’ Derby prep series. An increased point allocation significantly impacts the leaderboard for Derby qualification. The race distance of 1 1/8 miles tests the stamina of young horses.
Fountain of Youth Stakes (March 2025)
As a premier prep race at Gulfstream Park, the Fountain of Youth Stakes attracts some of the best three-year-olds. Many Derby winners have competed in this race, making it one of the more prestigious stops on the road to Churchill Downs.
San Felipe Stakes (March 2025)
At Santa Anita Park, the San Felipe Stakes often features top West Coast contenders. Horses that perform well in this race typically advance to the Santa Anita Derby, another crucial prep race.
Tampa Bay Derby (March 2025)
Held at Tampa Bay Downs, this race allows under-the-radar horses to prove themselves. It has produced surprise Derby contenders and is an important regional prep event.
Rebel Stakes (March 2025)
One of the most competitive Derby preps, the Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park, is known for attracting elite talent. Its winners frequently go on to run in the Arkansas Derby, a major stepping stone to the Kentucky Derby.
Louisiana Derby (March 2025)
As the first prep race to be run at 1 3/16 miles, the Louisiana Derby is an excellent endurance test. Horses that perform well here are often seen as strong Derby contenders, given the similar distance to the Kentucky Derby.
Florida Derby (March 2025)
One of the most prestigious Derby preps, the Florida Derby has produced numerous Kentucky Derby winners. Held at Gulfstream Park, it is a key race for top East Coast contenders.
Wood Memorial Stakes (April 2025)
Run at Aqueduct Racetrack in New York, the Wood Memorial Stakes offers high stakes and significant Derby qualifying points.
This race has a rich history of producing competitive Derby runners.
Blue Grass Stakes (April 2025)
Held at Keeneland Racecourse, the Blue Grass Stakes is one of the final opportunities for horses to secure Derby qualification. It attracts top talent and is a strong final prep for many contenders.
Santa Anita Derby (April 2025)
One of the premier West Coast preps, the Santa Anita Derby is often a predictor of Derby success. Horses that perform well here tend to carry strong momentum into the Triple Crown season.
Arkansas Derby (April 2025)
The Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park is another major prep race that has produced numerous Kentucky Derby winners. With a high purse and significant qualifying points, it is a key event leading to the big day.
Final Words
The journey to the Kentucky Derby is thrilling, filled with competitive pre-Derby races that help shape the field for the Run for the Roses. Each race plays a crucial role in determining which horses will have the opportunity to compete on the grandest stage. As the 2025 season unfolds, these prep races will provide excitement, surprises, and plenty of insight into the top contenders for the Kentucky Derby.
