Looking for the latest Kentucky Derby 146 qualifiers? The Kentucky Derby is one of the most exciting sporting events of the entire year. Did you know that the Derby has well over a dozen qualifying races that happens all over the country? Starting just a few weeks before the Breeder’s Cup Futurity, Churchill Downs hosts the Grade 2 Iroquois Stakes. This is the first race of the Kentucky Derby season that offers Kentucky Derby qualifying points. Let’s take a closer look at races to watch this spring so you can begin handicapping the eventual Kentucky Derby winner.
The Lecomte Stakes
Last year, War of Will won the Grade 3 Lecomte Stakes hosted at Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans and many racing experts suggest that he could have had a legit shot at winning the Kentucky Derby if Maximum Security hadn’t ducked out in front of him. War of Will went on to redeem himself by winning the Preakness. Could this year’s Lecomte winner have success at the Kentucky Derby?
Best Kentucky Derby 146 Qualifiers Races
The Rebel Stakes
Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas is gaining a tremendous amount of popularity and many owners, jockeys and trainers are beginning to circle their calendars while keying in on the Kentucky Derby prep races held at this course each year. With so much money at stake, Oaklawn divided it’s Rebel Stakes into 2 divisions last year. Would-be Kentucky Derby favorite Omaha Beach won the 1st division of the 2019 Rebel Stakes while Long Range Toddy won the 2nd division by a nose. Omaha Beach was widely regarded as the horse to beat in last year’s Kentucky Derby before a throat issue caused him to scratch just days before the big race.
The Florida Derby
The Grade 1 Florida Derby has produced several winners of the Kentucky Derby including Always Dreaming, Nyquist and Orb. Disqualified Kentucky Derby 146 qualifiers winner Maximum Security also won the Florida Derby. With so many good horses running at Gulfstream Park, the Florida Derby will be a must-see event for those wanting to pick the winner on the first Saturday in May.