Upcoming Key Prep Races on the 2025 Kentucky Derby Trail

The journey to the 2025 Kentucky Derby is heating up as top contenders battle for a spot in the starting gate on May 3. Key prep races nationwide will determine which three-year-old thoroughbreds have the speed, stamina, and heart to compete on the biggest stage at Churchill Downs.

These high-stakes races shape the Derby field and provide thrilling competition for racing fans. With crucial qualifying points on the line, every race brings excitement, surprises, and new frontrunners to the Kentucky Derby trail.

Let’s go through the five key prep races of the Kentucky Derby Trail this 2025 that you shouldn’t miss.

Rebel Stakes

The Rebel Stakes (G2), set for February 22, 2025, at Oaklawn Park, is one of the most crucial prep races on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. This 1 1/16-mile race offers 50 qualifying points to the winner, making it a pivotal opportunity for three-year-old colts aiming to secure a spot in the Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs.

Many top contenders have used the Rebel Stakes as a stepping stone to Derby success. Horses like American Pharoah (2015) and Smarty Jones (2004) proved their talent in this race before capturing Derby victories. With a competitive field and a purse of $1.25 million, the Rebel consistently attracts elite prospects.

For racing fans, this race provides valuable insights into Derby contenders. Those looking to make informed wagers should learn how to bet on Kentucky Derby, as performances in the Rebel Stakes often influence the odds.

With key horses like Speed King, Sandman, and Coal Battle expected to compete, the 2025 Rebel Stakes will be a must-watch event. The results will help shape the Derby field and determine which horses are true contenders for the first Saturday in May.

Fountain Of Youth

The Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) is a prestigious 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-old thoroughbreds held annually at Gulfstream Park in Florida. Scheduled for March 1, 2025, this $400,000 race is crucial on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, awarding qualifying points to top finishers.

Many notable champions have won this race, including Spectacular Bid (1979), who later captured the Kentucky Derby, and Forty Niner (1988), a successful sire. Recent winners like Forte (2023) and Union Rags (2012) have continued their legacy of producing elite contenders.

Top trainers like Todd Pletcher and D. Wayne Lukas have excelled in this event, while jockeys like John Velazquez and Luis Saez have recorded multiple victories. With its rich history and impact on the Triple Crown trail, the Fountain of Youth Stakes remains a must-watch race for racing fans and bettors.

Gotham

Competing in the Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct and later winning the Kentucky Derby (G1) is an achievement reserved for only the greatest racehorses. Secretariat (1973) remains the only Gotham participant to claim Derby glory, leading many to believe in a “Secretariat Curse.”

Despite producing nearly 50 Derby starters between 1980 and 2023, few Gotham contenders have succeeded at Churchill Downs.

While champions like Native Dancer, Jaipur, Dr. Fager, Easy Goer, and Lure have won the one-mile Gotham, their success hasn’t translated into Derby victories. Several finished second, including Native Dancer (1953) and Easy Goer (1989), but Derby wins have remained elusive.

However, the Gotham Stakes has become more significant in recent years, offering the winner 50 Kentucky Derby qualification points since 2013. With this incentive, the race may soon see a resurgence, producing future Derby champions again.

San Felipe

The San Felipe Stakes (G2), set for March 2, 2025, at Santa Anita Park, is one of the most important prep races on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Run over 1 1/16 miles, this race offers crucial qualifying points, with the winner earning 50 points, practically securing a Derby spot.

Many legendary horses have used the San Felipe as a springboard to success, including Authentic (2020), who won the Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup Classic, and California Chrome (2014), a future Triple Crown hopeful.

This year’s edition is expected to feature top Derby contenders aiming to prove their stamina and class. Racing fans and bettors closely follow the San Felipe Stakes, which often reveals future Kentucky Derby favorites. With fierce competition and high stakes, this race remains a defining moment in shaping the 2025 Derby field.

Tampa Bay Derby

The Tampa Bay Derby (G2), set for March 8, 2025, at Tampa Bay Downs, is another pivotal prep race on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Run over 1 1/16 miles, this race offers 50 qualifying points to the winner, making it a must-watch event for those following Derby hopefuls.

Over the years, the Tampa Bay Derby and the Kentucky Derby have produced several top contenders, including Street Sense (2007), who became the first horse to win this race. Recent winners like Tapit Trice (2023) have also used this race as a stepping stone to Churchill Downs.

This year’s edition will showcase emerging stars looking to secure their spot in the 2025 Kentucky Derby. With its competitive field and history of shaping Derby winners, the Tampa Bay Derby remains a crucial race for trainers, owners, and racing fans.

Conclusion

The 2025 Kentucky Derby Trail is packed with high-stakes prep races, each shaping the path to Churchill Downs. These key events reveal top contenders from the Rebel Stakes to the Tampa Bay Derby. With Derby dreams on the line, every race is a must-watch for fans and bettors alike.