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Fans endured the rain to still pack Churchill Downs for the 151st Kentucky Derby. May 3, 2025. (WDRB Photo)

 Sam Draut

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The road to the 152nd Kentucky Derby takes many horses across the United States. From New York to Florida to California and in between, trainers gear up their horses in prep races to build up points and qualify for a trip to Churchill Downs.

Officially, that journey starts in September with the Iroquois Stakes at Churchill Downs and runs all the way to the Lexington Stakes at Keeneland in mid-April.

Below is a list of the most prominent Derby prep races with results and full replay videos. And to see the real-time Derby points standings, click here.

Smarty Jones Stakes: Jan. 3 at Oaklawn Park

  • Win: Strategic Risk (Mark Casse)
  • Place: Silent Tactic
  • Show: Baytown Dreamer

Holy Bull Stakes: Jan. 31 at Gulfstream Park

  • Win: Nearly (Todd Pletcher)
  • Place: Bravaro
  • Show: Project Ace

Robert B. Lewis Stakes: Feb. 7 at Santa Anita Park

  • Win: Plutarch (Bob Baffert)
  • Place: Intrepido
  • Show: Secured Freedom

Sam F. Davis Stakes: Feb. 7 at Tampa Bay Downs

  • Win: Renegade (Todd Pletcher)
  • Place: Wayne's Law
  • Show: The Puma

Fasig-Tipton Risen Star Stakes: Feb. 14 at Fair Grounds Race Course

  • Win: Paladin (Chad Brown)
  • Place: Chip Honcho
  • Show: Golden Tempo

John Battaglia Memorial Stakes: Feb. 21 at Turfway Park

  • Win: Great White (John Ennis)
  • Place: Fulleffort
  • Show: Maximus Prime

Fountain of Youth Stakes: Feb. 28 at Gulfstream Park

  • Win: Commandment (Brad Cox)
  • Place: Chief Wallabee
  • Show: Solitude Dude

Gotham Stakes: Feb. 28 at Aqueduct

  • Win: Iron Honor (Chad Brown)
  • Place: Crown the Buckeye
  • Show: Right to Party

Rebel Stakes: March 1 at Oaklawn Park

  • Win: Class President (Todd Pletcher)
  • Place: Silent Tactic
  • Show: Litmus Test

San Felipe Stakes: March 7 at Santa Anita Park

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Tampa Bay Derby: March 7 at Tampa Bay Downs

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Louisiana Derby: March 21 at Fair Grounds

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Jeff Ruby Steaks: March 21 at Turfway Park

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Arkansas Derby: March 28 at Oaklawn Park

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Florida Derby: March 28 at Gulstream Park

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UAE Derby: March 28 at Meydan Racecourse

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Santa Anita Derby: April 4 at Santa Anita Park

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Wood Memorial: April 4 at Aqueduct

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Blue Grass Stakes: April 4 at Keeneland

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Lexington Stakes: April 11 at Keeneland

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