2026 ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY

The Road to the Kentucky Derby is your first step toward the "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports." While the Kentucky Derby itself is a single, prestigious event held annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs, the Road to the Kentucky Derby is a series of qualifying prep races where the nation's top three-year-olds earn points to secure one of the coveted 20 spots in the starting gate. As a bettor, following the Road to the Kentucky Derby isn't just fun—it's essential! These prep races offer thrilling wager opportunities, while providing a chance to watch top contenders throughout the winter and spring as they gear up for the main event, giving you a serious edge when it comes to Kentucky Derby betting.

While the Kentucky Derby is a few months away, the Road to the Kentucky Derby series is in full swing. The Road to the Kentucky Derby consists of multiple qualifying races held from September through April, giving contenders the opportunity to accumulate enough Derby points to secure a spot as one of the coveted 20 entrants. Unlike the one-day drama of the Derby, the Road to the Kentucky Derby is a season-long journey packed with high-stakes racing action. For bettors, this means months of opportunities to analyze form, spot rising stars, and view the future Derby contenders.

The Road to the Kentucky Derby isn't just an American affair. It features two international series: the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby and the Euro/Mideast Road to the Kentucky Derby. The top point-earners from each series are guaranteed a spot in the Derby starting gate if they choose to compete. The UAE Derby, now part of the Euro/Mideast Road to the Kentucky Derby, is a key international race offering major points. If international contenders opt out, their spots open up to horses from the North American points leaderboard, adding an extra layer of excitement.

This year, some adjustments to prep races include:

• The Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs returns to the Championship Series for its second year, solidifying its place on the domestic trail after being added in 2025.
• In the event a Championship Series race on the Road to the Kentucky Derby is run with a five-horse field, only 75% of the points will be proportionally awarded. A Championship Series race field with four or fewer horses will be proportionally awarded 50% of the total points.
• The Euro/Mideast Road to the Kentucky Derby has expanded significantly. Building on the previous shift of the UAE Derby to this series, officials have added three new races for 2026: the UAE 2000 Guineas, the Saudi Derby, and the Dubai Road to the Kentucky Derby Stakes. This global path now awards qualifying points toward two invitations to the Kentucky Derby.

The Road to the Kentucky Derby is divided into four main groups:

1. Kentucky Derby Prep Season: Kicking off in September with races like the Iroquois Stakes, these early events offer 10-5-3-2-1 points, with exceptions like the Breeders' Cup Juvenile offering 30-15-9-6-3.
2. Kentucky Derby Championship Series: Starting mid-February, these races ramp up the stakes. Events like the Rebel Stakes offer 50-25-15-10-5 points, while final preps like the Santa Anita Derby offer 100-50-25-15-10.
3. Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby: Featuring four races, with the Fukuryu offering the highest points (40-20-12-8-4).
4. Euro/Mideast Road to the Kentucky Derby: Seven races across Europe and the Middle East, including the UAE Derby, which awards 100-50-25-15-10 points.

Tracking these races not only enhances your Derby Day betting but also offers an exhilarating journey through the racing season. Let the Road to the Kentucky Derby begin with FanDuel Racing!

The 2025 Kentucky Derby prep races delivered thrilling moments and standout performances, setting the stage for an electrifying 2026 prep season. The journey kicked off with First Resort’s victory in the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) and saw early excitement at Remington Park as Coal Battle captured the Springboard Mile, as contenders vied for a coveted spot in the Derby field.

American Promise emerged as a notable contender, making history by capturing the Virginia Derby in its inaugural year on the Derby trail, eventually parlaying that success into a starting gate berth alongside runner-up Render Judgment. International flair came from Japan’s Admire Daytona, who dominated the UAE Derby (G2) to secure his ticket to Louisville, marking Japan's fourth consecutive victory in the desert classic.

Sovereignty impressed on the Road to the Derby, proving his class against a deep field of challengers. His journey peaked with a stunning win in the 2025 Kentucky Derby—cementing his legacy in the history books before a fever unfortunately sidelined his bid for the Breeders' Cup Classic later in the year. His grit and adaptability shone through every challenge. He proved to be a force to be reckoned with on race day.

As we look ahead to the 2026 prep races, fresh changes promise more drama. The Saudi Derby and UAE 2000 Guineas join the Euro/Mideast Road, while the Virginia Derby returns for its sophomore season in the Championship Series. With the points system now rewarding the top five finishers and international pathways expanding, the Road to the Kentucky Derby is more competitive than ever. Let the countdown begin!