The million-dollar Run For The Roses popularly known as the Kentucky Derby is not going anywhere this time. On September 5, 2020, the Derby was back on track after getting rescheduled, which was supposed to happen last May 4. The Churchill Downs is now ready and the horses, jockeys, trainers, and most importantly, the bettors.
The Kentucky Derby is one of America's legendary horse racing events. Before a horse can participate in this competition, they should undergo Derby trails and prep races. It allows them to earn qualifying points, which will help them earn a sure berth in the Roses Run. Depending on the popularity and significance, prep races can vary.
This month, the Kentucky Derby prep races at TVG are all completed. In fact, the Derby full leaderboard and odds ranking is set naming the big favorites and the dogs. But, before you go ahead and find the deserving colt to bet in the upcoming Kentucky Derby, let's know the most significant Derby-prep races that let the horse earn the highest points.
Belmont Stakes (150-60-30-15)
The Belmont Stakes is part of the U.S. Triple Crown together with the Derby. Due to this year's schedule changes brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Belmont Stakes took the first segment. The titleholder will earn 150 Points; the runners-up will get 60, 30, and 15 points, respectively, depending on their placement.
Louisiana Derby (100-40-20-10)
The Louisiana Derby is a Grade 2 Stakes horse racing competition that takes place at FairGrounds annually. The horses will compete in a 1 3/16 mile running-distance with a million-dollar prize at stake. The winner will earn 100-Derby points while the runners-up are getting 40, 20, and 10 points.
Florida Derby (100-40-20-10)
Another major Derby-prep race that lets every colt earn a significant point is the Florida Derby. It happens annually at Gulfstream Park, where horses are racing in one ⅛ mile distance. This Grade 1 horse racing competition will award 100-Derby points for the winner, 40 points for the runner up, etc.
Arkansas Derby (100-40-20-10)
Giving around a million-dollar purse prize, Arkansas Derby is also one of the significant Derby-prep races in the trail. It is a Grade 1 stakes racing tournament that gives winners 100, 40, 20, and 10 points accordingly. The horses compete in a one ⅛ mile running-distance, which happens on a dirt track.
Santa Anita Derby (100-40-20-10)
The same point system, which is 100, 40, 20, and 10, the Santa Anita Derby is another competition that every Kentucky Derby hopeful must participate in. With at least $400, 000 purse prize, the Santa Anita Park every year features this Grade 1 horse racing competition that allows the colts to finish a one ⅛ mile running-distance.
Blue Grass Stakes (100-40-20-10)
The Derby hopeful will earn 100, 40, 20, and 10 points based on placement during the Blue Grass Stakes, part of the Derby trail. It happens in the Keeneland racecourse, which allows three-year-old racehorses to compete in a one ⅛ mile running dirt track. The horses will not only earn Derby-points, but a million-dollar prize also awaits.
Haskell Invitational (100-40-20-10)
There's a lot of hustling to do for all Derby hopefuls to earn the needed Derby-points, and Haskell Invitational is one of them. It is also a Grade 1 stakes race that happens at Monmouth Park annually. Holding around $1, 010, 000 prize at stake, only the invited three-year-old colts are allowed to participate, which will earn 100, 40, 20, and 10 points respectively.
Travers Stakes (100-40-20-10)
The Saratoga racecourse hosts the Travers Stakes annually as one of the Derby-prep races. It features a one ¼ mile running-distance, and horses will earn 100 points for the winner and 40, 20, 10 points for the runners-up. Every year, the Travers Stakes highlights a glaring purse prize of $1, 250, 000.
Ellis Park Derby (50-20-10-5)
The Ellis Park Derby is held every year at Ellis Park in Henderson, Kentucky. It is one of the significant Derby trails where horses earn a 50, 20, 10, and 5-qualifying points, respectively. The purse prize changes every year, depending on the sponsorship. This year, the Ellis Park Derby featured a $200, 000 prize at stake.
Peter Pan Stakes (50-20-10-5)
The Peter Pan Stakes is a Grade 2 stakes racing event that highlights three-year-old colts. The Derby hopeful will earn 50, 20, 10, and 5 points when they place significantly. Also, the racetrack measures one ⅛ mile running distance that every colt must accomplish. The winners will take home a total prize of $300, 000.
Takeaway
Every year, the Derby hopefuls need to earn qualifying points before the Kentucky Derby organization can consider them for entry to the Run For The Roses. These events not only allow them to earn points, but it will also test their ability in the first track and boost their racing form. Lastly, if you are a seasoned horse racing bettor, you can also earn when betting these Derby-prep races while waiting for the big event.
