The Road to the Kentucky Derby heats up with the Grade 2, $500,000 Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds Race Course on February 15. This pivotal 1 1/8-mile contest serves as the first 105-point qualifying race of the season, offering Kentucky Derby Prep Races points on a 50-25-15-10-5 scale to the top five finishers.

Here’s a detailed preview of the Sunland Park Derby (G3), a key stop on the Kentucky Derby prep races, where promising 3-year-olds will compete for valuable qualifying points toward the first Saturday in May.

The 2025 racing season heats up at Santa Anita Park with the Grade 3, $100,000 San Marcos Stakes, featuring a competitive field of eight older turf runners. The 1 1/4-mile event on the downhill turf course highlights some of the top route specialists in California, headlined by “Truly Quality”, who looks to extend his winning streak after a successful

The $250,000 Bayakoa Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn Park on February 8 features a competitive field of six fillies and mares set to battle over 1 1/16 miles. The race could have implications for Kentucky Derby betting as the top older female runners continue establishing themselves early in the season.

The road to the 2025 Kentucky Derby continues this weekend at Tampa Bay Downs with the Grade 3, $250,000 Sam F. Davis Stakes. As one of the key Kentucky Derby Prep Races, the event offers 20-10-6-4-2 qualifying points to the top five finishers, making it a crucial stepping stone toward Churchill Downs.