The Grade 3, $777,777 Jeff Ruby Steaks at Turfway Park is one of the most crucial Kentucky Derby Prep Races, offering 100-50-25-15-10 qualifying points to the top five eligible finishers. This 1 1/8-mile event on Turfway’s Tapeta track has attracted a competitive field of 13, including multiple runners already gaining experience on the 2025 Kentucky Derby trail. 

The Grade 2, $300,000 Muniz Memorial is set to take place at Fair Grounds on Louisiana Derby Day, featuring a competitive field of 12 older males racing 1 1/8 miles on the turf. The race plays a pivotal role in the day’s high-stakes action, including the Louisiana Derby and the Fair Grounds Oaks, both of which serve as early Kentucky Derby Prep Races. 

The Grade 3, $100,000 Santa Ana Stakes at Santa Anita Park is set to take place on Saturday, March 9, featuring a field of eight fillies and mares competing over 1 1/4 miles on turf. The race is an essential test for older turf runners and could set the stage for future graded stakes campaigns. "Mrs. Astor" and "Kathynmarissa" headline the field, bringing strong resumes into the event.

The $500,000 Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs marks a new addition to the Kentucky Derby Prep Races, offering 50-25-15-10-5 qualifying points to the top five finishers. This 1 1/8-mile one-turn event is a pivotal stop for 3-year-olds looking to secure their place in the Kentucky Derby 2025 field. Seven entrants have already gained experience on the Derby trail, accumulating 72 qualifying points.

A talented field of 10 fillies and mares will take to the turf in the $225,000 Hillsborough Stakes (G2T) at Tampa Bay Downs on March 8, 2025. The 1 1/8-mile race is a key early-season test for turf runners and features multiple stakes winners, including Saffron Moon, Gimme a Nother, and Sparkle Blue. Trainer Chad Brown sends out three strong contenders in the field, hoping to add another graded stakes win to his record.