The Road to the Kentucky Derby added another surprise twist Saturday at Oaklawn Park, as Speed King scored a 14-1 upset in the Grade 3, $1 million Southwest Stakes. This Kentucky Derby Prep Race offered crucial qualifying points for the Derby, and Speed King capitalized on a trouble-filled trip for many of his rivals to lead wire-to-wire in the 1 1/16-mile contest.For Kentucky Derby betting enthusiasts, Speed King’s victory further emphasizes the unpredictable nature of the trail, where emerging contenders can disrupt the established Kentucky Derby odds.

The 2024 racing season witnessed the rise of a remarkable filly, Thorpedo Anna, who dominated her division and earned the title of Horse of the Year. 

The Pegasus World Cup Invitational at Gulfstream Park showcased a dominant performance by White Abarrio, who stormed to a record-breaking, 6 1/4-length victory in the $3 million Grade 1 race.

he east-southeast division of the Kentucky Derby Prep Races continues to heat up, adding 12 promising contenders to its scouting report for the 2025 Kentucky Derby. Highlighted by recent victories in the Jerome and Lecomte Stakes, this region covers races across New York, Florida, Virginia, and Louisiana at iconic tracks like Aqueduct, Gulfstream Park, and Fair Grounds. For those tracking Kentucky Derby odds or exploring Kentucky Derby betting, these horses represent the next wave of Derby hopefuls.

The ninth running of the Pegasus World Cup Invitational, set for Saturday, brings together a field of 12 horses vying for a share of the $3 million purse. The Grade 1 race, run over 1 1/8 miles, is a highlight of the racing calendar and a precursor to key Kentucky Derby prep races.