The Kentucky Derby trail is a stakes battle in which three-year-old thoroughbreds compete for a spot in the most prestigious race in US horse racing. The Championship Series determines which horses earn a chance to enter the gate at Churchill Downs. With each race offering valuable qualification points, the weeks leading up to the Derby are packed with intense competition, setting the final field for the Run for the Roses on May 3.
Major Races in the Kentucky Derby Championship Series
The last set of Kentucky Derby prep races begins in mid-March, and each race offers a high number of qualifying points. Horses that perform well in these races earn their place in the Derby field, while others battle for late opportunities to gain entry.
Virginia Derby – March 15 (Colonial Downs)
The Virginia Derby is one of the earliest of the significant tests in the Championship Series. Run at 1 1/8 miles, the race carries 50 points to the winner, putting them firmly in contention for a Derby spot. Though not as high-profile as later races, it is frequently a proving ground for new contenders.
Jeff Ruby Steaks & Louisiana Derby – March 22
Two stakes, each worth 100 points to the winner, are contested on March 22. The Jeff Ruby Steaks at Turfway Park is contested at 1 3/16 miles on an all-weather surface, so it is a non-traditional prep race as opposed to the standard dirt preps. Some Derby hopefuls skip this race in preference for more conventional tracks.
The Louisiana Derby at the Fair Grounds is a tradition on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Contested at 1 3/16 miles, it has historically been a solid producer of Derby competitors. Winners here have routinely been among the highest-rated runners entering Churchill Downs.
Florida Derby & Arkansas Derby – March 29
March 29 is perhaps the busiest day of the Derby prep season. Two of the featured races are the Gulfstream Park's Florida Derby and the Oaklawn Park's Arkansas Derby.
The Florida Derby is a sound barometer of Derby success, and past winners such as Orb and Nyquist have followed through to fulfill their ambitions in Louisville. The 1 1/8 miles race distance is a logical step toward the Derby's 1 1/4 miles test.
The Arkansas Derby is equally significant. It often showcases late-blooming talent, which has produced some fine Derby performances over the past few years. It's now a must-see.
Blue Grass Stakes, Santa Anita Derby & Wood Memorial – April 5
April 5 is also a huge day on the schedule, with three big Derby preps.
The Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland is one of the most traditional races, although its influence on more recent Derbies has been spotty. It still carries 100 points to give to the winner and is a top target for those horses who require an eleventh-hour push in the standings.
The Santa Anita Derby has an excellent record of producing Kentucky Derby winners, and California-based runners like Justify and California Chrome use it as their final prep. The fast, active pace at Santa Anita simulates what horses will experience at Churchill Downs.
The Wood Memorial at Aqueduct lost a bit of its luster in recent years, yet it still awards 100 points to the winner. It is an objective for trainers looking to gain a late slot into the Derby.
Lexington Stakes – April 12 (Keeneland)
The last prep race in the series, the Lexington Stakes, carries fewer points than the other races. It does offer a last-chance opportunity to qualify for horses on the bubble, though. Though unlikely to yield a Derby winner, this race sometimes permits a contender to slip in for a final spot.
The Countdown to Derby Day
With the Championship Series in the rearview mirror, all eyes are on Churchill Downs. The 150th Kentucky Derby is set for May 3, with live coverage starting at 12 PM ET on USA Network and NBC. The event can also be streamed on Peacock.
For most, the thrill is not only in watching the race but also handicapping the field and assessing each entrant's prospects. Sportsbooks and racing experts follow the last preps, revising their odds based on the outcome of races such as the Florida Derby and Blue Grass Stakes. FanDuel, one of the most popular sportsbook websites for wagering, provides comprehensive horse racing coverage with handicapping of contenders, past performances, and race-day conditions.
As the race day nears, wagering on the 2025 FanDuel odds for the Kentucky Derby will be of prime focus to bettors looking to bet on a winner. With a solid field forming, early-line odds can fluctuate considerably based on workouts, track conditions, and the most recent trainer information.
The $3.1 Million Race to Greatness
The weeks prior to the Kentucky Derby are filled with high-level stakes racing as the top three-year-old thoroughbreds battle for a place in the Churchill Downs starting gate. From early examinations, such as the Virginia Derby, to important ones such as the Florida Derby and Santa Anita Derby, all the races play a significant role in determining the final field.
With each successive event, the Derby Day picture clears the way towards what is already looking like a showdown for the ages on May 3. As hopefuls put the finishing touches on their campaigns, racing fans can eagerly anticipate another thriller in America's best horse race.