Kentucky Derby Prep Race Season Is Here; Wager Key Stakes Leading up to May 7 “Run for the Roses” 

The best time of the year for horseplayers has arrived!

The heart of Derby prep race season — when 3-year-old horses compete in major stakes most every weekend at tracks around the country — is in full swing. The action and drama all lead up to the annual “Run for the Roses” Saturday May 7 at Churchill Downs. The Triple Crown continues with the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico two weeks later on May 21 and the Belmont Stakes three weeks post-Preakness on June 11.

The $400,000 Risen Star Stakes (Gr. 2) kicks off the Derby prep calendar on Saturday February 19 from Fair Grounds in New Orleans. A great under card includes the $300,000 Rachel Alexandra Stakes (Gr. 2) along with a pair of Grade 3’s — the $250,000 Mineshaft Handicap and $150,000 Fair Grounds Stakes.

Though they aren’t preps, Laurel hosts one of its biggest cards of the year the same day featuring a pair of Grade 2’s with $250,000 purses — the General George and Barbara Fritchie Stakes — plus another four on the under card.

On February 26, fans can bet the world’s richest horse race — the $20 million Saudi Cup — which takes place early in the afternoon around 12:30 PM.

Later the same day, the $1 Million Rebel Stakes goes to post at Oaklawn which serves as major prep for their Arkansas Derby in April. The Grade 3 Honeybee and Royal Delta Stakes complement the Rebel.

Saturday March 5 is “Must See TV” because four Derby prep races are on the docket! Aqueduct hosts the Grade 3 Gotham, Gulfstream presents the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth, Santa Anita has the Grade 2 San Felipe and Turfway Park offers up the John Battaglia Stakes. Will the Derby winner come from this four-pack? We’ll find out soon enough.

Key undercard stakes from March 5 action include a trio of Grade 1’s out west — the Santa Anita Handicap. Frank Kilroe Mile and Beholder Mile — along with a pair of other Grade 2 events. Gulfstream has a very similar slate. Grade 2’s that day include the Mac Diarmida, Davona Dale and Gulfstream Park Mile. Grade 3’s include the Honey Fox, Canadian Turf and The Very One.

On the following Saturday, March 12, the Tampa Bay Derby (Gr. 2) shines by itself. Also on the card is the Grade 2 Hillsborough, Grade 3 Florida Oaks and Grade 3 Challenger Stakes.

The stellar Louisiana Derby card at Fair Grounds March 26 features eight stakes including that $1 Million, Grade 2 Derby prep. A trio of Grade 2 stakes will precede the Derby itself — the Fair Grounds Oaks, New Orleans Classic and Muniz Memorial Classic. Earlier in the afternoon, fans can watch and wager the $12 million Dubai World Cup, second richest horse race in the world. A total of 25 U.S. horses have been nominated including Virginia-bred Chess Chief.

The biggest of the Derby preps are traditionally reserved for the first two Saturdays in April and the same holds true in 2022. The $1 Million Florida Derby and $1,250,000 Arkansas Derby — both Grade 1’s — take place April 2 along with the $600,000 Jeff Ruby Steaks Stakes. The $1 Million Toyota Blue Grass Stakes and $750,000 Santa Anita Derby — both Grade 1’s — and $750,000, Grade 2 Wood Memorial are a week later on April 9. A full slate of undercard stakes at all six venues make both days can’t miss events!

Bet all the seasonal action at Colonial Downs-Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums in New Kent, Richmond, Hampton, Vinton and Dumfries, at the Rosie’s Game Room in Collinsville, and at VA-Horseplay OTBs at Breakers Sports Grille in Henrico and Buckets Bar & Grill in Chesapeake. Betting is available online.

Want to make Derby prep days more fun and potentially profitable? Colonial Downs is introducing a free handicapping contest called the “Pick ‘Em Classic” at all Rosie’s and VA-Horseplay OTBs on select days in February, March and April. A total of $12,000 in prizes will be given away over the course of six contest Saturdays. Details are at  Pick ‘Em Classic – Colonial Downs and Rosie’s Gaming Emporium (rosiesgaming.com).