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Kentucky Derby 2027
The 153rd Kentucky Derby is set for Saturday, May 1, 2027, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Follow the Road to the Kentucky Derby, early contenders, and the latest Kentucky Derby odds as the Run for the Roses takes shape.
The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the Triple Crown, a 1 1/4 mile race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds. Explore the Kentucky Derby odds, track the Kentucky Derby prep races, read the Kentucky Derby betting guide, or keep reading for the date, venue, odds, how to bet, Derby traditions, and the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
When Is the Kentucky Derby 2027?
The Kentucky Derby is traditionally run on the first Saturday in May. The 153rd running is scheduled for Saturday, May 1, 2027, with the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, April 30, 2027.
| Event | 2027 Details |
|---|---|
| Race | 153rd Kentucky Derby (Grade 1) |
| Date | Saturday, May 1, 2027 |
| Track | Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky |
| Distance | 1 1/4 miles on dirt |
| Age | Three-year-old Thoroughbreds |
| Purse | $5 million ($3.1 million to the winner) |
| Field size | Up to 20 horses |
| Kentucky Oaks | Friday, April 30, 2027 (1 1/8 miles, $1.5 million) |
The Kentucky Derby has been run at Churchill Downs every year since 1875 and in recent history has been moved from early May only twice: in 1945, when it was run in June, and in 2020, when it was run in September.
Where Is the Kentucky Derby Held?
The Kentucky Derby is held at Churchill Downs, located at 700 Central Avenue in Louisville, Kentucky. Churchill Downs is a National Historic Landmark, famous for the twin spires above its grandstand. Official venue information is available at churchilldowns.com.
You can also see live racing at Churchill Downs outside Derby week. The track runs a spring meet, a September meet, and a fall meet, so you can enjoy Derby traditions such as the Mint Julep without the Derby crowds.
Kentucky Derby 2027 Odds and Contenders
There aren't official 2027 Kentucky Derby odds yet. The race is still months away and most contenders haven't run. Follow the early contenders below until official futures are posted.
Early Kentucky Derby 2027 Contenders
| Horse | Sire | Trainer | Last Start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hughes | Into Mischief | Bob Baffert | 1st, American Pharoah (G1) |
| Twinkle Town | Take Charge Indy | Kenneth G. McPeek | 1st, Saratoga Special (G2) |
| American History | Constitution | Todd A. Pletcher | 1st, Breeders' Futurity (G1) |
| Coach Pope | Tapit | Kenneth G. McPeek | 2nd, Breeders' Futurity (G1) |
| Inshallah | Flightline | John W. Sadler | 1st, Del Mar maiden special weight |
| Powerline | Flightline | Steven M. Asmussen | 4th, Saratoga maiden special weight |
| Zedan | Flightline | Bob Baffert | No start listed |
| Zero Fear | Justify | Bob Baffert | No start listed |
| Salahudin | Uncle Mo | Bob Baffert | 1st, Iroquois (G3) |
| U.S.S. Valor | War of Will | Claude R. McGaughey III | 1st, Champagne (G1) |
Early contender list as of October 10, 2026. Horses change as the prep season develops.
Odds move quickly once the major prep races are run. When official futures are available, you will find them on the Kentucky Derby odds page.
How Kentucky Derby Odds Work
Kentucky Derby odds are often quoted in fractional form, such as 8/1 or 5/2, and can also appear as American odds, such as +800 or +250. They show your potential profit relative to your stake.
- 8/1 (+800) means you win $8 for every $1 wagered.
- 5/2 (+250) means you win $5 for every $2 wagered.
The field can include up to 20 horses, so prices can range from short-priced favorites to longshots well above 30/1. Future prices are fixed when you place the bet, while race-day odds move with the betting action until the gates open and can be affected by late scratches.
How to Bet on the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is one of the most heavily wagered races in the world. At BUSR, you can follow the markets and place your bets from one account. For a full walkthrough, read the Kentucky Derby betting guide.
Open your BUSR account and fund your balance.
Open the racebook and select the Churchill Downs race card.
Select the horse and the wager type you want to play.
Enter your stake and submit the bet before post time.
| Bet | What You Need |
|---|---|
| Win | Your horse must finish first. |
| Place | Your horse must finish first or second. |
| Show | Your horse must finish in the top three. |
| Exacta | Pick the first two finishers in order. |
| Trifecta | Pick the first three finishers in order. |
| Superfecta | Pick the first four finishers in order. |
With up to 20 horses in the gate, the Kentucky Derby is hard to handicap, and exotic bets can pay big. Smart Derby bettors look at pace scenarios, prep race performances, improving three-year-olds, and the track condition. Longshots have produced major upsets in the past, so the favorite is rarely the whole story.
Kentucky Derby Traditions
The Kentucky Derby is one of the biggest social events in American sport, and the traditions are part of the fun. Fans dress up, sip a Mint Julep, and celebrate the Run for the Roses.
What to Wear to the Kentucky Derby
The Derby is as much a fashion event as it is a horse race. Traditional looks include seersucker suits, bold bow ties, bright spring dresses, and wide-brimmed statement hats. On Kentucky Oaks Day, pink is the dominant color.
The Mint Julep
The Mint Julep is the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby, traditionally made with Kentucky bourbon, fresh mint, sugar, and crushed ice.
Road to the Kentucky Derby 2027
The Road to the Kentucky Derby starts months before Derby Day. Three-year-olds earn points by finishing in the top five of designated prep races, and those points decide who reaches the 20-horse Kentucky Derby field. Most spots go to the leading point earners on the main Road to the Kentucky Derby, and the European-Middle East Road and the Japan Road offer invitations to their leading point earners. Follow the full calendar on the Kentucky Derby prep races page.
Kentucky Derby Qualifying Points
Kentucky Derby Qualifying Points
| Level | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prep Season | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
| Iroquois Stakes, Champagne Stakes, Remsen Stakes, Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes | ||||||
| Select Preps | 20 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 2 | |
| Lecomte, Southwest, Withers, Holy Bull, Robert B. Lewis, Sam F. Davis, John Battaglia Memorial, Lexington Stakes | ||||||
| Breeders’ Cup Juvenile | 30 | 15 | 9 | 6 | 3 | |
| Breeders’ Cup Juvenile | ||||||
| Championship Series | 50 | 25 | 15 | 10 | 5 | |
| Risen Star, Gotham, San Felipe, Fountain of Youth, Tampa Bay Derby, Rebel, Virginia Derby | ||||||
| Major Preps | 100 | 50 | 25 | 15 | 10 | |
| Louisiana Derby, Jeff Ruby Steaks, Florida Derby, Blue Grass Stakes, Santa Anita Derby, Wood Memorial, Arkansas Derby | ||||||
Road to the Kentucky Derby 2027 Races by Racetrack
Every race on the main Road to the Kentucky Derby, grouped by racetrack, with the points awarded to the top five finishers.
America's Road to the Kentucky Derby
| Race | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Churchill DownsLouisville, KY | |||||||
| Iroquois StakesSep 12, 2026 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||
| Street Sense StakesOct 25, 2026 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||
| Kentucky Jockey Club StakesNov 28, 2026 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||
| KeenelandLexington, KY | |||||||
| Claiborne Breeders' FuturityOct 3, 2026 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||
| Breeders' Cup JuvenileOct 30, 2026 | 30 | 15 | 9 | 6 | 3 | ||
| Blue Grass StakesApr 3, 2027 | 100 | 50 | 25 | 15 | 10 | ||
| Lexington StakesApr 11, 2027 | 20 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 2 | ||
| Santa Anita ParkArcadia, CA | |||||||
| American Pharoah StakesOct 3, 2026 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||
| Robert B. Lewis StakesJan 30, 2027 | 20 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 2 | ||
| San Felipe StakesFeb 27, 2027 | 50 | 25 | 15 | 10 | 5 | ||
| Santa Anita DerbyApr 3, 2027 | 100 | 50 | 25 | 15 | 10 | ||
| Belmont ParkElmont, NY | |||||||
| Champagne StakesOct 3, 2026 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||
| Remsen StakesDec 5, 2026 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||
| Withers StakesJan 16, 2027 | 20 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 2 | ||
| Gotham StakesFeb 20, 2027 | 50 | 25 | 15 | 10 | 5 | ||
| Wood MemorialApr 3, 2027 | 100 | 50 | 25 | 15 | 10 | ||
| Los AlamitosLos Alamitos, CA | |||||||
| Los Alamitos FuturityDec 12, 2026 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||
| Fair GroundsNew Orleans, LA | |||||||
| Gun Runner StakesDec 19, 2026 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||
| Lecomte StakesJan 16, 2027 | 20 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 2 | ||
| Risen Star StakesFeb 13, 2027 | 50 | 25 | 15 | 10 | 5 | ||
| Louisiana DerbyMar 20, 2027 | 100 | 50 | 25 | 15 | 10 | ||
| Remington ParkOklahoma City, OK | |||||||
| Remington Springboard MileDec 19, 2026 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||
| Oaklawn ParkHot Springs, AR | |||||||
| Smarty Jones StakesJan 2, 2027 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||
| Southwest StakesFeb 6, 2027 | 20 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 2 | ||
| Rebel StakesMar 13, 2027 | 50 | 25 | 15 | 10 | 5 | ||
| Arkansas DerbyApr 10, 2027 | 100 | 50 | 25 | 15 | 10 | ||
| Gulfstream ParkHallandale Beach, FL | |||||||
| Holy Bull StakesJan 23, 2027 | 20 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 2 | ||
| Fountain of Youth StakesFeb 27, 2027 | 50 | 25 | 15 | 10 | 5 | ||
| Florida DerbyMar 27, 2027 | 100 | 50 | 25 | 15 | 10 | ||
| Tampa Bay DownsOldsmar, FL | |||||||
| Sam F. Davis StakesFeb 6, 2027 | 20 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 2 | ||
| Tampa Bay DerbyMar 6, 2027 | 50 | 25 | 15 | 10 | 5 | ||
| Sunland ParkSunland Park, NM | |||||||
| Sunland DerbyFeb 14, 2027 | 20 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 2 | ||
| Turfway ParkFlorence, KY | |||||||
| Leonatus StakesJan 16, 2027 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||
| John Battaglia MemorialFeb 27, 2027 | 20 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 2 | ||
| Jeff Ruby SteaksMar 20, 2027 | 100 | 50 | 25 | 15 | 10 | ||
| Colonial DownsNew Kent, VA | |||||||
| Virginia DerbyMar 13, 2027 | 50 | 25 | 15 | 10 | 5 | ||
Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby 2027
The Japan Road is a separate series that offers an invitation to the Kentucky Derby for its leading point earner.
Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby
| Race | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo RacecourseTokyo, Japan | |||||||
| Cattleya StakesNov 29, 2026 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||
| Hyacinth StakesFeb 21, 2027 | 30 | 15 | 9 | 6 | 3 | ||
| Kawasaki RacecourseKawasaki, Japan | |||||||
| Zen-Nippon Nisai YushunDec 16, 2026 | 20 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 2 | ||
| Nakayama RacecourseFunabashi, Japan | |||||||
| Fukuryu StakesMar 25, 2027 | 40 | 20 | 12 | 8 | 4 | ||
European-Middle East Road to the Kentucky Derby 2027
The European-Middle East Road finishes with the UAE Derby at Meydan and also offers an invitation to its leading point earner.
European-Middle East Road to the Kentucky Derby
| Race | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NewmarketNewmarket, England | |||||||
| Royal Lodge StakesSep 26, 2026 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||
| CurraghCounty Kildare, Ireland | |||||||
| Beresford StakesSep 26, 2026 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||
| ParisLongchampParis, France | |||||||
| Qatar Prix Jean-Luc LagardereOct 4, 2026 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||
| DoncasterDoncaster, England | |||||||
| William Hill Futurity Trophy StakesOct 24, 2026 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||
| Meydan RacecourseDubai, UAE | |||||||
| UAE 2000 GuineasJan 22, 2027 | 20 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 2 | ||
| Dubai Road to the Kentucky Derby StakesFeb 19, 2027 | 20 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 2 | ||
| UAE DerbyMar 27, 2027 | 100 | 60 | 30 | 15 | 10 | ||
| King Abdulaziz RacecourseRiyadh, Saudi Arabia | |||||||
| Saudi DerbyFeb 6, 2027 | 30 | 15 | 9 | 6 | 3 | ||
| KemptonKempton, England | |||||||
| Road to the Kentucky Derby Condition StakesFeb 24, 2027 | 20 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 2 | ||
| DundalkDundalk, Ireland | |||||||
| The Patton StakesFeb 26, 2027 | 20 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 2 | ||
Road to the Kentucky Oaks 2027 Races by Racetrack
Fillies chase their own points on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks, the Friday race that opens Derby weekend. A filly that earns points against colts in a Kentucky Derby prep can also count those points toward the Oaks.
Road to the Kentucky Oaks
| Race | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Churchill DownsLouisville, KY | ||||||
| Pocahontas Stakes | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
| Rags to Riches Stakes | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
| Golden Rod Stakes | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
| KeenelandLexington, KY | ||||||
| Alcibiades Stakes | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
| Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies | 30 | 15 | 9 | 6 | 3 | |
| Ashland Stakes | 100 | 50 | 25 | 15 | 10 | |
| Santa Anita ParkArcadia, CA | ||||||
| Oak Leaf Stakes | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
| Santa Ynez Stakes | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
| Las Virgenes Stakes | 20 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 2 | |
| Santa Ysabel Stakes | 50 | 25 | 15 | 10 | 5 | |
| Santa Anita Oaks | 100 | 50 | 25 | 15 | 10 | |
| Belmont ParkElmont, NY | ||||||
| Frizette Stakes | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
| Demoiselle Stakes | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
| Busanda Stakes | 20 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 2 | |
| Busher Stakes | 50 | 25 | 15 | 10 | 5 | |
| Gazelle Stakes | 100 | 50 | 25 | 15 | 10 | |
| Los AlamitosLos Alamitos, CA | ||||||
| Starlet Stakes | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
| Fair GroundsNew Orleans, LA | ||||||
| Untapable Stakes | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
| Silverbulletday Stakes | 20 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 2 | |
| Rachel Alexandra Stakes | 50 | 25 | 15 | 10 | 5 | |
| Fair Grounds Oaks | 100 | 50 | 25 | 15 | 10 | |
| Oaklawn ParkHot Springs, AR | ||||||
| Martha Washington Stakes | 20 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 2 | |
| Honeybee Stakes | 50 | 25 | 15 | 10 | 5 | |
| Fantasy Stakes | 100 | 50 | 25 | 15 | 10 | |
| Gulfstream ParkHallandale Beach, FL | ||||||
| Forward Gal Stakes | 20 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 2 | |
| Davona Dale Stakes | 50 | 25 | 15 | 10 | 5 | |
| Gulfstream Park Oaks | 100 | 50 | 25 | 15 | 10 | |
| Tampa Bay DownsOldsmar, FL | ||||||
| Suncoast Stakes | 20 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 2 | |
| Sunland ParkSunland Park, NM | ||||||
| Sunland Park Oaks | 20 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 2 | |
| Turfway ParkFlorence, KY | ||||||
| Cincinnati Trophy Stakes | 20 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 2 | |
| Bourbonette Oaks | 50 | 25 | 15 | 10 | 5 | |
| Colonial DownsNew Kent, VA | ||||||
| Virginia Oaks | 50 | 25 | 15 | 10 | 5 | |
| Meydan RacecourseDubai, UAE | ||||||
| UAE Oaks | 50 | 25 | 15 | 10 | 5 | |
Kentucky Derby Week Events
The Derby experience goes well beyond race day. The Kentucky Derby Festival, founded in 1956, is a multi-week celebration with dozens of events, including Thunder Over Louisville, the Great Steamboat Race and the Pegasus Parade.
The Kentucky Oaks, run on the Friday before the Derby, is one of the most prestigious races for three-year-old fillies. It is known for its Lilies for the Fillies garland and for a sea of pink in the stands.
The Kentucky Derby is also the first leg of the Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. The winner of the Run for the Roses is draped in a garland of red roses, one of the most recognizable images in American sport.
Kentucky Derby Betting Resources
Follow the early contenders and the latest Kentucky Derby odds as the prep season develops.
View Kentucky Derby OddsLearn how to bet Win, Place, Show, Exacta, Trifecta, and Superfecta on Derby Day.
Kentucky Derby Betting GuideSee the full 2026-27 Road to the Kentucky Derby schedule with dates, tracks, and points.
View the Prep RacesGet the details on the Friday fillies race that opens Derby weekend.
Go to the Kentucky OaksLearn about the home of the Kentucky Derby and its racing calendar.
Go to Churchill DownsSee today’s horse racing markets, available tracks and wagering options.
Go to the BUSR Racebook
Kentucky Derby FAQ
When is the 2027 Kentucky Derby?
The 153rd Kentucky Derby is scheduled for Saturday, May 1, 2027, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The Kentucky Oaks is run the day before, on Friday, April 30, 2027.
Where is the Kentucky Derby run?
The Kentucky Derby is run at Churchill Downs, located at 700 Central Avenue in Louisville, Kentucky.
How long is the Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby is run over 1 1/4 miles on the dirt and is open to three-year-old Thoroughbreds.
How many horses run in the Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby field is limited to 20 starters. Horses earn their place by collecting points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
How does a horse qualify for the Kentucky Derby?
Horses earn points for finishing in the top five of designated prep races. The top point earners on the main Road to the Kentucky Derby fill most of the field, and the European-Middle East and Japan Roads each offer an invitation to their leading point earner.
How much is the Kentucky Derby purse?
The Kentucky Derby carries a $5 million purse, with $3.1 million going to the winner.
Are there official 2027 Kentucky Derby odds yet?
Not yet. The prep season is still under way, and most contenders have not run, so official Kentucky Derby odds are not available. You can follow the early contenders on this page and check the Kentucky Derby odds page at BUSR as markets develop.
How do I bet on the Kentucky Derby at BUSR?
Open and fund your BUSR account, go to the racebook, choose the Churchill Downs race card on Derby Day, then pick your horse, wager type, and stake before post time. You can bet Win, Place, Show, Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, and other available wagers.
How can I watch the Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby is broadcast on NBC and streams on Peacock. Post time falls in the early evening Eastern Time and is confirmed closer to Derby Day.
What is the Kentucky Oaks?
The Kentucky Oaks is the Grade 1 race for three-year-old fillies run at Churchill Downs on the Friday before the Kentucky Derby. It is run over 1 1/8 miles and carries a $1.5 million purse.
Related Pages and Articles:
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