| Date | Race | Track | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 13, 2025 | Iroquois Stakes | Churchill Downs | 10-5-3-2-1 |
| Oct. 4, 2025 | Champagne Stakes (GI) | Aqueduct Racetrack | 10-5-3-2-1 |
| Oct. 4, 2025 | Breeders’ Futurity (GI) | Keeneland Racecourse | 10-5-3-2-1 |
| Oct. 4, 2025 | American Pharoah (GI) | Santa Anita Park | 10-5-3-2-1 |
| Oct. 26, 2025 | Street Sense Stakes (GIII) | Churchill Downs | 10-5-3-2-1 |
| Oct. 31, 2025 | Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (GI) | Del Mar | 30-15-9-6-3 |
| Nov. 29, 2025 | Kentucky Jockey Club (GII) | Churchill Downs | 10-5-3-2-1 |
| Dec. 6, 2025 | Remsen Stakes (GII) | Aqueduct Racetrack | 10-5-3-2-1 |
| *Dec. 13, 2025 | Los Alamitos Futurity (GII) | Los Alamitos Race Course | 10-5-3-2-1 |
| Dec. 20, 2025 | Gun Runner Stakes | Fair Grounds Race Course | 10-5-3-2-1 |
| Dec. 20, 2025 | Remington Springboard Mile | Remington Park | 10-5-3-2-1 |
| *Jan. 3, 2026 | Jerome Stakes | Aqueduct Racetrack | 10-5-3-2-1 |
| Jan. 3, 2026 | Smarty Jones Stakes | Oaklawn Park | 10-5-3-2-1 |
| Jan. 17, 2026 | Lecomte Stakes (GIII) | Fair Grounds Race Course | 20-10-6-4-2 |
| *Jan. 31, 2026 | Withers Stakes (GIII) | Aqueduct Racetrack | 20-10-6-4-2 |
| *Jan. 31, 2026 | Robert B. Lewis Stakes (GIII) | Santa Anita Park | 20-10-6-4-2 |
| *Jan. 31, 2026 | Holy Bull Stakes (GIII) | Gulfstream Park | 10-5-3-2-1 |
| Jan. 31, 2026 | Southwest Stakes (GIII) | Oaklawn Park | 20-10-6-4-2 |
| *Feb. 7, 2026 | Sam F. Davis (GIII) | Tampa Bay Downs | 20-10-6-4-2 |
| Feb. 14, 2026 | Risen Star Stakes (GII) | Fair Grounds Race Course | 50-25-15-10-5 |
| *Feb. 15, 2026 | Sunland Derby (GIII) | Sunland Park Racetrack | 20-10-6-4-2 |
| *Feb. 21, 2026 | John Battaglia Memorial | Turfway Park | 20-10-6-4-2 |
| *Feb. 28, 2026 | Gotham Stakes | Aqueduct Racetrack | 50-25-15-10-5 |
| *Feb. 28, 2026 | Fountain of Youth Stakes | Gulfstream Park | 50-25-15-10-5 |
| *Feb. 28, 2026 | San Felipe Stakes (GII) | Santa Anita Park | 50-25-15-10-5 |
| March 1, 2026 | Rebel Stakes (GII) | Oaklawn Park | 50-25-15-10-5 |
| *March 7, 2026 | Tampa Bay Derby (GII) | Tampa Bay Downs | 50-25-15-10-5 |
| *March 14, 2026 | Virginia Derby (GII) | Colonial Downs | 50-25-15-10-5 |
| *March 21, 2026 | Jeff Ruby Steaks (GIII) | Turfway Park | 100-50-25-15-10 |
| March 21, 2026 | Louisiana Derby (GII) | Fair Grounds Race Course | 100-50-25-15-10 |
| *March 28, 2026 | Florida Derby (GI) | Gulfstream Park | 100-50-25-15-10 |
| March 28, 2026 | Arkansas Derby (GI) | Oaklawn Park | 100-50-25-15-10 |
| *April 4, 2026 | Wood Memorial (GII) | Aqueduct Racetrack | 100-50-25-15-10 |
| *April 4, 2026 | Blue Grass (GI) | Keeneland Racecourse | 100-50-25-15-10 |
| *April 4, 2026 | Santa Anita Derby (GI) | Santa Anita Park | 100-50-25-15-10 |
| *April 11, 2026 | Lexington Stakes (GIII) | Keeneland Racecourse | 20-10-6-4-2 |
*Official race dates will be confirmed by each host track. The information provided here follows recent historical patterns and may be updated.
Last Updated on 09/09/2025
What are the Kentucky Derby Prep Races?
The Kentucky Derby Prep Races, also known as the "Road to the Kentucky Derby," are a series of races leading up to the Kentucky Derby, one of the most prestigious events in horse racing.
These prep races allow thoroughbreds to earn qualifying points that determine the 20 horses who will compete in the Kentucky Derby. The series includes races across the United States and other parts of the world, giving horses the opportunity to showcase their talent and secure a spot in the Derby.
Each race in the series awards points based on finishing position, with the higher-stakes races closer to the Derby awarding more points. This points system ensures that the best-performing horses earn their place at Churchill Downs, making these prep races critical for both horse owners and online horse betting enthusiasts.
When is the Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby is on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026
Where can I bet on the Kentucky Derby?
At BUSR: Odds are Live!
What channel is the Kentucky Derby on?
Watch the Kentucky Derby live on TV with NBC at 5:00 pm EST
Churchill Downs, Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks, the "twin spires design," "Road to the Roses" and Churchill Downs Incorporated-related trademarks are registered trademarks of Churchill Downs Incorporated or its affiliates (collectively CDI). CDI does not sponsor or endorse, and is not associated or affiliated with US Racing or its products, services or promotions. US Racing provides free information, odds, facts and commentary about the Kentucky Derby and horse racing and betting, in general. Third party marks may be referenced in a transformative, editorial, informational, nominative, critical, analytical or comparative context. US Racing may reference marks belonging to third parties pursuant to our right to engage in fair use, fair comment, statutory fair use or trade mark fair use doctrine. As such, US Racing does not contribute to any dilution of any trade or service marks. US Racing provides this information in an effort to educate and grow the sport of thoroughbred racing in North America with an emphasis on attracting new fans of the sport.
