2025 Kentucky Derby Prep Races to Watch This Weekend

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Key 2025 Kentucky Derby Prep Races and Stakes to Watch This Weekend

The road to the Kentucky Derby picks up pace this weekend with several high-profile races serving as pivotal Kentucky Derby prep races. 

The Grade 3 Robert B. Lewis Stakes, Holy Bull Stakes, and Withers Stakes offer valuable points toward Kentucky Derby qualification. At the same time, other significant stakes across Gulfstream Park, Santa Anita, and Aqueduct provide key insights for bettors sharpening their Kentucky Derby betting strategies. 

With Kentucky Derby odds beginning to take shape, this weekend’s contests promise to highlight rising stars and refine the narrative on the road to Churchill Downs.

Let’s look at what’s at stake in these critical races.

Robert B. Lewis Stakes: Baffert’s Stronghold

The Grade 3 Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita has a long history of producing Kentucky Derby winners, including Ferdinand, Charismatic, and I’ll Have Another. Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert has dominated this race in recent years, and he looks poised to extend his streak with three of the five entries coming from his barn.

Leading the charge is Citizen Bull, the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner and morning-line favorite. Citizen Bull has proven class and championship credentials and enters the Robert B. Lewis as the horse to beat. Joining him are Rodríguez, who comes off a dominant maiden win at Santa Anita, and Madaket Road, another Baffert trainee who broke his maiden on opening day at the same track. 

Clock Tower, a Wesley Ward-trained colt with strong turf form, will switch to dirt while longshot Valentines Candy rounds out the field.

Although Citizen Bull is expected to shine, Rodríguez’s raw speed and Madaket Road’s improving form could make for an intriguing battle. The race offers 20-10-6-4-2 Kentucky Derby qualifying points, adding significant stakes to this showdown.

Holy Bull Stakes: Burnham Square and Tappan Street Face Off

The Grade 3 Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park has a rich history of producing Kentucky Derby winners like Go for Gin, Funny Cide, and Barbaro. This year’s field features an intriguing mix of established talent and up-and-comers, making it a must-watch for Kentucky Derby enthusiasts.

Burnham Square, who broke his maiden with a nine-length romp at Gulfstream, headlines the race as a serious contender. Brad Cox’s Tappan Street, an impressive debut winner at seven furlongs, will make his stakes debut here, while Guns Loaded brings solid experience after winning the Mucho Macho Man Stakes. Ferocious, a veteran of Grade 1 company, will look to break his recent streak of near-misses, while Kinetic Control and Burning Glory bring Churchill Downs maiden victories to the table.

The Holy Bull’s 1 1/16-mile distance and 20-10-6-4-2 points structure make it a critical test for these three-year-olds as they eye the Kentucky Derby trail. With several horses capable of a breakout performance, the race offers both drama and value for bettors.

Withers Stakes: Captain Cook’s Stakes Debut

The Withers Stakes, held at Aqueduct, has quietly become an essential stop on the road to the Kentucky Derby since its move to winter in 2012. This year’s edition features a competitive field of up-and-coming three-year-olds.

Captain Cook, a $410,000 purchase, enters off a blowout maiden victory at Aqueduct, where he dominated by more than nine lengths. He faces stricter competition here, including Mo Quality, the Smarty Jones runner-up, and Omaha Omaha, who finished second in the Jerome Stakes. 

Brad Cox’s Uncle Jim also joins the fray, hoping to build off his promising maiden win. With 20-10-6-4-2 points up for grabs, this race will play a crucial role in shaping their odds.

Other Stakes to Watch

Beyond the Derby preps, several key races across the country offer compelling storylines this weekend:

Santa Monica Stakes (G2)

Kopion and Splendora will renew their rivalry at Santa Anita after finishing first and second in the La Brea Stakes last December. Bob Baffert’s Richi and Hope Road add depth to a competitive field of fillies and mares.

Thunder Road Stakes (G3)

Seal Team leads the charge in this turf contest at Santa Anita. After finishing a strong third in the San Gabriel Stakes, he’ll look to break through against a field that includes Santa Anita specialist El Potente.

Forward Gal Stakes (G3)

At Gulfstream Park, Stunner headlines this Kentucky Oaks prep after a runner-up finish in the Florida Sire My Dear Girl Stakes. The race also features Rojo Rita, a dazzling debut winner, and My Denysse, who upset Stunner in their last meeting.

Tampa Bay Stakes (G3)

Paros, riding a five-race win streak, makes his graded stakes debut in this turf event. Northern Invader and Eldest Son will provide stiff competition as they look to prove themselves at this level.

Megahertz Stakes (G3)

Big Hug steps up to the graded competition at Santa Anita after a gutsy third-place finish in the La Cañada Stakes. She’ll face a strong field of fillies and mares on the turf, including Liguria and Sareeha.