The Road to the Kentucky Derby is getting shorter, so the qualifying races are hitting fast and furious for the next few weeks, beginning on Saturday with two 100 point contests.

The Winners of these races are pretty much assured a spot in the gate, should their connections decide to run.

THE ARKANSAS DERBY

The third and final leg of Oaklawn Park’s 3-year-old Kentucky Derby prep series is the Arkansas Derby, which is run at a distance of 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs).

The race has been contested annually since 1936 and has produced six Kentucky Derby Winners including undefeated Kentucky Derby and Preakness Winner SMARTY JONES in 2004.

The most recent Kentucky Derby Winner (2015) to run in the Arkansas Derby was Triple Crown Winner AMERICAN PHAROAH, who went on to be named Horse of the Year.

Trainer Todd Pletcher has a record 5 Victories in the Arkansas Derby.

THE FLORIDA DERBY

Gulfstream Park’s most important prep race for the Kentucky Derby is the Florida Derby, contested on the dirt main track at a distance of 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs).

The Florida Derby has historically been the most prolific springboard to Kentucky Derby success.

Twenty five horses that have competed in the race have gone on to glory in the first jewel of the Triple Crown.

Since 1990, Florida Derby Winners have found quite a bit of success in the Kentucky Derby. 

Recent Winners of the Florida Derby who went on to capture the Run for the Roses is an all-star lineup that includes: ORB (2013), BIG BROWN (2008), BARBARO (2006), MONARCHOS (2001), THUNDER GULCH(1995), and UNBRIDLED (1990).

MAGE, who ran 2nd in the 2023 Florida Derby, was the last horse to come out of this marquee race for 3-year-olds and go on to Win the Kentucky Derby.