The Kentucky Derby is on May 7, 2022, and the contenders earn points in selected prep races across the country. Since the Derby field is limited to 20 entrants, there has to be a method for determining which of the many horses who want to enter can get in the race. In the past, graded stakes earnings were used to determine who will get in the field when entries are taken, but many people disliked this system since one good race as a 2-year-old could get a sub-par horse in over a more talented late bloomer. Since 2013, a new points system called the "Road to the Kentucky Derby" where a specific series of 37 prep races each worth a specific amount of points has decided which horses get in the Derby. A similar system is also in place for the Kentucky Oaks run on May 6, but fillies who want in the Derby will have to compete in with the colts for Derby points. While Derby points earned by fillies will also count toward the Oaks, Oaks points will not count towards the Derby.
Below is a list of horses in order of points earned for both the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks as of May 1, 2022. Also included for comparison are their earnings in non-restricted stakes races which also serve as a tie-breaker. There are also a separate Japan Road to the Derby and European Road to the Derby which guarantee a spot to one horse from Japan and one horse from Europe, if they opt to come for the Kentucky Derby.
Results and schedule for the Road to the Derby races. Horses trained by Bob Baffert are not allowed to earn points as he has been banned from the Derby in 2022, however several horses were transferred to other trainers and began scoring points when racing under the new trainer's name, and can run in the Derby if they draw in with sufficient points.
Top Kentucky Derby Contenders - Check out all the top horses on the road to the Kentucky Derby. Each has a profile with a photo and lots of other info.
Kentucky Derby Winners and Auction Prices - Bigger may seem better, but in the case of Kentucky Derby horses who sold at auction, less is more. Here is a look at how (badly) high priced auction purchases have done in the Kentucky Derby and the auction prices for this year's top Derby horses.
2023 Road to the Kentucky Derby - All the point earning races on the Triple Crown Trail leading up to the Kentucky Derby with results and winners updated as they are run.
2023 Triple Crown Late Nominations - Sunland Derby (G3) winner Wild on Ice headlines the list of seven late Triple Crown nominations made eligible by a $6000 fee by the March 27 deadline.
Early Triple Crown Nominations - 312 horses where nominated by the early deadline of January 29 for the 2023 Triple Crown. Trainer Todd Pletcher nominated the most with 42 followed by Brad Cox with 26. Check out all the horses and free past performances from Equibase.
2023 Kentucky Derby And Oaks Security - New enhanced stricter rules with no onsite parking were enforced in 2018, and are in effect again this year. Be sure to read the rules if you are attending. There will still be magnetic wand searches of all patrons and many things are no longer allowed. Check here to make sure you don't bring anything they will confiscate.
Kentucky Derby Future Wager - This year there are 6 pools starting in November of 2022 plus a single pool for the Oaks.
Kentucky Derby Prep Races - What races should a horse prep in to win the Kentucky Derby? Some races may seem obvious, but have not produced a Derby winner in many years. Find out which races are the best preps here.
Kentucky Derby Winners and Auction Prices - Bigger may seem better, but in the case of Kentucky Derby horses who sold at auction, less is more. Here is a look at how (badly) high priced auction purchases have done in the Kentucky Derby and the auction prices for this year's top Derby contenders.
Kentucky Derby Traditions - Find out all about the big Derby Traditions: the rose garland, the trophy, the Twin Spires, mint juleps, singing "My Old Kentucy Home", fancy hats, celebrities and the annual Derby glasses.
Fillies in the Kentucky Derby - a look at the 39 fillies who have contested the Run for the Roses and how they did. So far there have been 3 wins, 2 seconds, and 5 thirds.
DRF Kentucky Derby Special - Lots of good info like past winners preps, contenders, past performances, and latest news.
Review: Kentucky Derby Greatest Moments - Commemorative DVD from Churchill Downs with video from 27 different runnings along with interviews, photos, and historical info. Definitely recommended for any racing fan!
Review: Churchill Downs - America's Most Historic Racetrack by Kimberly Gatto. An entertaining and informative account of the history of the track and it's most famous race, the Kentucky Derby, with lots of photos. Definitely recommended.
The Kentucky Derby is on May 7, 2022, and the contenders earn points in selected prep races across the country. Since the Derby field is limited to 20 entrants, there has to be a method for determining which of the many horses who want to enter can get in the race. In the past, graded stakes earnings were used to determine who will get in the field when entries are taken, but many people disliked this system since one good race as a 2-year-old could get a sub-par horse in over a more talented late bloomer. Since 2013, a new points system called the "Road to the Kentucky Derby" where a specific series of 37 prep races each worth a specific amount of points has decided which horses get in the Derby. A similar system is also in place for the Kentucky Oaks run on May 6, but fillies who want in the Derby will have to compete in with the colts for Derby points. While Derby points earned by fillies will also count toward the Oaks, Oaks points will not count towards the Derby.
