The Road to the Kentucky Derby heated up at Oaklawn Park on Saturday when the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes, a critical stop on the Kentucky Derby prep race circuit, was run.As Kentucky Derby betting gains momentum and Kentucky Derby odds become sharper focus, the Southwest Stakes offered a compelling clash of rising stars and seasoned contenders.

The 2025 Pegasus Turf Invitational at Gulfstream Park featured high stakes, unexpected outcomes, and thrilling moments, rewarding sharp bettors while surprising fans. While the race had been framed as an opportunity to exploit vulnerabilities in favorites, the final results highlighted the unpredictable nature of thoroughbred racing.

The Road to the Kentucky Derby added another surprise twist Saturday at Oaklawn Park, as Speed King scored a 14-1 upset in the Grade 3, $1 million Southwest Stakes. This Kentucky Derby Prep Race offered crucial qualifying points for the Derby, and Speed King capitalized on a trouble-filled trip for many of his rivals to lead wire-to-wire in the 1 1/16-mile contest.For Kentucky Derby betting enthusiasts, Speed King’s victory further emphasizes the unpredictable nature of the trail, where emerging contenders can disrupt the established Kentucky Derby odds.

The 2024 racing season witnessed the rise of a remarkable filly, Thorpedo Anna, who dominated her division and earned the title of Horse of the Year. 

The Pegasus World Cup Invitational at Gulfstream Park showcased a dominant performance by White Abarrio, who stormed to a record-breaking, 6 1/4-length victory in the $3 million Grade 1 race.