Horse racing fans eagerly count down to the Kentucky Derby, the most exciting two minutes in sports every spring. But they must earn their way in before those elite three-year-olds charge down the stretch at Churchill Downs.
The road to the Derby isn’t just about talent—it’s about proving it in key prep races and racking up enough points to secure a spot. From early season tests to high-stakes showdowns, each race shapes the field. So, how do these young stars qualify?
The Kentucky Derby isn’t just a race. It’s the end of a long road where only the best three-year-old horses qualify. Instead of relying on earnings, the Derby uses a points system to determine the 20-horse field.
The Road to the Kentucky Derby is a series of races where horses earn points based on their finish. Early prep races offer fewer points, while later ones, like the Florida Derby or Arkansas Derby, carry much more weight.
Winning a significant prep race can almost guarantee a spot, but consistency matters, too. A horse finishing strong in multiple races can earn enough points without winning outright.
Once the prep season ends, the top 20 horses in the standings secure a place at Churchill Downs. But not every contender runs in the same races, making expert insights crucial for bettors. If you're looking for the best analysis before the big day, check the Churchill downs picks through the link, as it can help you spot potential winners.
The points system keeps the Derby field competitive and ensures only the most deserving horses make it. With months of racing leading up to that first Saturday in May, every point counts on the journey to the starting gate.
The Kentucky Derby is a premier event in horse racing, featuring the top 20 three-year-old thoroughbreds each year. To determine which horses earn a spot in this illustrious race, organizers employ a structured points system known as the "Road to the Kentucky Derby." This system awards points to horses based on their performances in designated prep races leading up to the Derby.
The Road to the Kentucky Derby has two phases: the Prep Season and the Championship Series.
1. Prep Season (September – February):
2. Championship Series (March – April):
Additionally, "Wild Card" events offer points on a 20-8-6-4-2 scale, providing last-minute opportunities for horses to qualify.
Several races across the U.S. and internationally serve as stepping stones to the Kentucky Derby. Here are some of the most significant ones:
Recognizing the global appeal and talent in thoroughbred racing, Churchill Downs introduced two international pathways: the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby and the European Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby
Established in 2017, the Japan Road offers Japanese horses a dedicated route to qualify for the Derby. This series comprises four races:
Points are awarded based on performance, and the horse with the highest total is invited to the Kentucky Derby.
Similarly, the European Road provides a series of races across England, Ireland, and France. Key races include:
Through these races, horses accumulate points, with the top scorer receiving a coveted Derby invitation. This initiative has fostered greater European interest and participation in the Kentucky Derby.
The Kentucky Derby isn’t just a race. It’s the grand prize after months of intense competition. Only the toughest, most battle-tested horses make it to Churchill Downs, earning their spot through relentless prep races in the U.S. or international qualifiers.
Every point counts, every challenge shapes the field, and when the gates finally fly open, only one will cross the finish line in glory. It’s a journey of grit, strategy, and heart. One that ends with a champion and a moment that racing fans won’t forget.
