Coast to Coast Action: Kentucky Derby Prep Races

The year has kicked off with excitement for horse racing enthusiasts, as all eyes turn to the newly minted 3-year-olds preparing for the Kentucky Derby. Across the nation, a series of top-class races are laying the groundwork for what promises to be a thrilling lead-up to the first Saturday in May. 

These early contests are crucial for establishing the contenders, as horses earn qualifying points through a series of preparatory races known as the Road to the Kentucky Derby. With anticipation building, fans are eager to witness which horses will rise to the occasion and secure their spots in this prestigious event.

With the Road to the Kentucky Derby heating up and an equally action-packed scene for the fillies on the Road to the Oaks, there’s no shortage of racing drama to keep fans and punters engaged.

If that isn’t enough, global competition adds another layer of intrigue. From standout events like the L’Ormarins King’s Plate in South Africa to promising meets emerging domestically, the 2025 season is already making its mark.

The Road to the Roses

Qualifying for the Kentucky Derby is indeed a challenging endeavor, and this weekend features two official “Road to the Derby” races, with winners earning 10 points each. The Jerome Stakes at Aqueduct Race Track presents a mile-long challenge, while Oaklawn Park hosts the Smarty Jones Stakes, which is run over 1 1/16 miles.

The Smarty Jones has attracted eight 3-year-old hopefuls, including standout contenders like Hot Property, trained by Brad Cox, who impressed with a stunning 3 ¾ length victory in his debut at Fair Grounds. Another notable entry is Kale’s Angel, a Peter Miller trainee, who recently transitioned from turf to dirt with a strong winning performance in the Advent Stakes at Oaklawn, finishing with a commanding 5 ¾ length margin. 

This weekend promises to showcase a classic clash of promising talent as these horses vie for crucial qualifying points on their journey to the Derby.

The Jerome at Aqueduct features eight entries as well, with Studlydoright making his eighth career start after a fourth-place finish in December’s Grade II Remsen. Other notable runners include the Clarendon Stakes winner Mansetti, and a geographically diverse field with entries like Omaha Omaha, Cyclone State, and Georgia Magic.

For those exploring races beyond the official Derby-prep schedule, there’s plenty of excitement ahead. At Santa Anita, the Grade II San Vicente will feature Barnes, Bob Baffert’s $3.2 million yearling, taking on his talented stablemate Romanesque.

Over at Gulfstream Park, the Mucho Macho Man Stakes promises thrilling competition with Chad Brown entering Treaty of Rome and Septarian.

These races are prime opportunities for savvy bettors looking to make the best FanDuel horse racing picks while scouting potential Derby stars.

The Road to the Oaks

The Road to the Kentucky Oaks is equally competitive this weekend. Sunday’s $100,000 Fasig-Tipton Santa Ynez Stakes at Santa Anita highlights top fillies, while Oaklawn opens on Saturday with the $150,000 Mockingbird at 6 furlongs. 

Additional races, including Wednesday’s Cash Run at Gulfstream and Gowell at Turfway Park, will be pivotal in shaping the Oaks field.

A standout filly already making headlines is Hollywood Beauty, who dominated Monday’s $75,000 Parx Future Stars with an impressive 8 ¼ length victory. The Honor A.P. filly showcased her talent on a sloppy track, clocking in at 1:27.18 for 7 furlongs. With two wins at Parx under her belt, she’s certainly a name to remember as the Oaks approaches.

Around the World, Around the Clock

South Africa

Global horse racing fans will turn their attention to Kenilworth in Cape Town this Saturday for two Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” events. Winners of the $160,000 Group 1 L’Ormarins King’s Plate and the $53,000 Group 1 Cartier Paddock Stakes will secure guaranteed spots in the $2 million FanDuel Mile and Maker’s Mark Filly & Mare Turf, respectively.

The L’Ormarins King’s Plate is a prestigious race that attracts top-class horses and is part of the Breeders’ Cup qualifying series, while the Cartier Paddock Stakes serves as a significant event for fillies and mares. Both races will play a crucial role in determining contenders for high-stakes international events later in the year.

It’s worth noting that South African racing is poised for a resurgence, thanks to relaxed equine export protocols that allow more fluid international competition.

Local horses have been performing well on the global stage, a trend worth watching—especially as British champion jockey Oisin Murphy returns to ride in both feature races.

This development underscores the growing competitiveness of South African racing, making it an essential piece of the global racing landscape.

Early Highlights and Storylines to Watch

The 2025 prep races already boast thrilling outcomes. At the Parx Future Stars Stakes, Global Steve captured a decisive win, improving to 2-for-2 with a brilliant display of speed and determination. 

Such performances give fans an early look at potential breakout stars capable of impacting the national racing scene.

Domestically, the stakes are high, and with heated competition across various circuits and global stars emerging from places like South Africa, this year’s run-up to the Triple Crown is shaping up to be one for the ages.