The two-year-old racing season is over, so happy belated birthday to all the 2026 Derby Contenders.

The Road to the 2026 Kentucky Derby is open for business and traffic will be getting heavier as the Prep Races begin in earnest.  

Here is a basic primer/review about how horses qualify for the Run for the Roses.

WHO: THREE-YEAR-OLD THOROUGHBREDS: When you hear that Winning the Kentucky Derby is a once-in-a-lifetime event, that’s a literal statement.  Only 3-year-old Thoroughbreds are eligible to run in the big race, so the competition is fierce and a second chance at glory isn’t coming next year.

WHAT: PREP RACES: To get to the Kentucky Derby, a horse needs to run successfully in Prep Races.  These are competitions specifically designated by the Kentucky Derby to help make horses eligible for the first Saturday in May, and each Prep Race has become a huge draw as a result.

WHY: GLORY, BUT ALSO MONEY: When a horse Wins big races like these Kentucky Derby preps, two things happen: They go down in the history books – ask any racing nerd who Won the biggest prep race at their favorite track 20 years ago and they’ll likely have an answer for you.

And let’s not forget the cash.  Most Kentucky Derby qualifying races carry substantial purse money, and if the horse that Wins is able to be bred, a Victory in a major Derby Prep Race very much adds to his stud value.

HOW: GET THE POINTS: Horses gain entry to the Kentucky Derby by earning points.  Prep Races have designated points that go to the Winner, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th place finishers.  The early prep races have the fewest points, while the races in late March and early April offer higher point totals.

And make no mistake: These points matter. Since this system began in 2013, horses with 100 qualifying points or more have Won the Kentucky Derby all but twice:

In 2019 when COUNTRY HOUSE had earned only 50 points. (However, had MAXIMUM SECURITY not been disqualified he would have continued the trend with his 100 qualifying points.)

And who can forget 2022 when RICH STRIKE pulled off his stunning upset having earned all of 21 points

So when May finally rolls around and you’re looking at Derby contenders, tossing horses with less than 100 points is usually a good way to narrow the field, at least somewhat.