The Road to the Kentucky Derby gained another contender on Feb. 1 as Captain Cook delivered a strong performance in the Grade 3 Withers Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack. The 1 1/8-mile contest, one of the key Kentucky Derby Prep Races, awarded 20 qualifying points to the winner, boosting Captain Cook’s standing on the Derby trail. While Kentucky Derby betting remains focused on early frontrunners, this victory puts Captain Cook firmly in the conversation. With Kentucky Derby odds constantly shifting, his next start in the Wood Memorial Stakes (G2) will determine his place in the Derby picture.

The Road to the Kentucky Derby took another significant turn on Feb. 1 as Citizen Bull reaffirmed his dominance with a commanding victory in the Grade 3 Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita. The one-mile contest, one of the key Kentucky Derby Prep Races, awarded qualifying points on a 20-10-6-4-2 scale. With this win, Citizen Bull increased his total to 60 points, securing his place at the top of the leaderboard. As Kentucky Derby betting intensifies, his performance further solidified him as a leading contender, with Kentucky Derby odds likely shortening after this decisive victory.

The Road to the Kentucky Derby continued on Feb. 1 at Gulfstream Park with the Grade 3 Holy Bull Stakes, where Burnham Square delivered an impressive come-from-behind victory. As one of the key Kentucky Derby Prep Races, the 1 1/16-mile contest awarded the winner 20 qualifying points, positioning Burnham Square firmly in the Derby conversation. While Kentucky Derby betting continues to take shape, this performance adds another contender. With Kentucky Derby odds fluctuating as prep races unfold, Burnham Square’s ability to overcome adversity in a competitive field makes him a horse to watch.

On Saturday, the Grade 2 Santa Monica Stakes at Santa Anita Park brings together a competitive four-horse field featuring Grade 1 winner Kopion against three Bob Baffert-trained challengers. While the Kentucky Derby Prep Races dominate early-season racing discussions, this seven-furlong sprint for fillies and mares provides an exciting betting opportunity. With Kentucky Derby betting gaining momentum, the Santa Monica serves as a key race to evaluate the form of top-tier female sprinters. Despite not being part of the Derby trail, the performance of horses like Kopion could influence Kentucky Derby odds indirectly by shaping future stakes races.

The Road to the Kentucky Oaks continues this Saturday at Gulfstream Park with the Grade 3 Forward Gal Stakes, a seven-furlong contest offering 20-10-6-4-2 qualifying points to the top five finishers. As one of the key Kentucky Derby Prep Races for fillies, this $165,000 race features a competitive field of 11, headlined by Rojo Rita's highly anticipated sophomore debut. With Kentucky Derby betting heating up and Kentucky Derby odds beginning to shift, this race will provide key insights into the development of some of the top three-year-old fillies.