2025 Kentucky Derby Prep Races Dates. For the 2025 kentucky derby, the series has been rebranded as the “euro/mideast road to the kentucky derby presented by woodford reserve” with the uae derby moved out. Davis stakes at tampa bay downs is a key kentucky derby prep race, producing contenders like bluegrass cat and tapwrit.

31 rows these prep races allow thoroughbreds to earn qualifying points that determine the 20 horses who will compete in the kentucky derby. The first is the kentucky derby prep season with 20 races.