The Kentucky Derby, known as the “Greatest Two Minutes in Sports,” is the first jewel in horse racing’s prestigious Triple Crown. This annual event, held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, is a highly coveted prize for three-year-old thoroughbreds and their connections. Getting a place at the starting gate is a challenging endeavor, as horses must go through a set of preliminary races referred to as the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
The Road to the Kentucky Derby is a points-based qualifying system that begins in the fall of a horse’s two-year-old season. Horses accumulate points by finishing in the top positions in designated races, and the 20 horses that accumulate the highest point totals secure their place in the Kentucky Derby field. The distribution of points varies according to the grade level of the race, with higher-graded races offering more points to the top finishers.
Since 1975, the Kentucky Derby has been limited to a maximum of 20 starters, making the qualifying process highly competitive. In recent years, at least 20 horses have participated in the 1 1/4-mile classic in 23 of the last 25 renewals, highlighting the depth of talent and fierce competition to earn a place in the starting gate.
Road to the Kentucky Derby: A Long Way
The 2025 journey to the Kentucky Derby started on September 14, 2024, with the G3 Iroquois Stakes at Churchill Downs, where Jonatan’s Way (Vekoma) claimed victory. From there, it was an exciting journey filled with anticipation and excitement as top three-year-old prospects battled in key prep races across the country.
The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile in November provided an early look at potential Derby contenders, with horses like Burnham Square (Liam’s Map) and Sandman (Tapit) staking their claims. As the calendar turned to 2025, the stakes increased, with Holy Bull Stakes, Risen Star, and Fountain of Youth serving as crucial preps on the Road to Louisville.
March was a crucial month, with the Rebel Stakes, Louisiana Derby, and Florida Derby offering valuable qualifying points. Tiztastic (Tiz the Law) solidified his status with a win in the Louisiana Derby. Tappan Street and Sovereignty (both by Into Mischief) finished 1-2 in the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park.
April brought the home stretch of prep races, including the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland and the Arkansas Derby. Here, some horses like Final Gambit, Coal Battle, and Publisher made their mark, securing their spots at the starting gate for Run for the Roses.
The conclusion of the Road to the Kentucky Derby was signified by the Lexington Stakes on April 12, where the last points were allocated, and the field of 20 competitors was established. Following an arduous journey spanning almost nine months, everything was in place for the 151st edition of the Kentucky Derby on the initial Saturday of May at Churchill Downs.
Kentucky Derby: classificações da tabela de classificação
Burnham Square (130 points)
Sandman (129 points)
Journalism (122.5 points)
Rodriguez (122.5 points)
Tiztastic (119 points)
Tappan Street (110 points)
Sovereignty (110 points)
Final Gambit (100 points)
Coal Battle (95 points)
Chunk of Gold (75 points)
Citizen Bull (71.25 points)
Owen Almighty (65 points)
East Avenue (60 points)
Publisher (60 points)
Catalytic (55 points)
American Promise (50 points)
Flying Mohawk (50 points)
Grande (50 points)
Madaket Road (46 points)
Built (45 points)
Neoequos (40 points)
This diverse group of talented three-year-old colts has proven its worth on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, setting the stage for an unforgettable edition of the prestigious event.
Qualificatórias do Kentucky Derby: resumo das últimas corridas
Burnham Square and Sandman, the top two-point earners on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, made their first gallops at Churchill Downs on Saturday, April 12, as they began their final preparations for the big race.
Journalism, the remarkable winner of the Santa Anita Derby (G1), has been consistently trotting at Santa Anita Park. The royal-bred colt is expected to have one more scheduled workout before being shipped to Louisville.
Tiztastic, runner-up in the Louisiana Derby (G1), had his first workout over the Churchill Downs surface on Saturday, breezing 5 furlongs in 1:00.80. The Todd Pletcher trainee is coming into Derby form.
Tappan Street and Sovereignty, both Florida Derby (G1) finalists, worked in company Friday at Payson Park, covering a half-mile in 48.40, which was third best of 24 works at the distance that morning.
Eduardo Perez é redator da equipe de apostas esportivas da Gambyl. Ele mora na América do Sul e é um especialista em tudo que é futebol, especialmente quando se trata do futebol equatoriano e brasileiro.
EN 
ES 
PT 
PT_BR