Kentucky Derby Expert Picks, Odds and News

Take Charge Milady takes on 12 talented 3-year-old fillies in the $500,000 Honeybee Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn Park on February 23. Initially scheduled for February 22, the race was moved due to winter weather. The Honeybee is a critical stop on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks, offering 50-25-15-10-5 qualifying points to the top five finishers.As the Kentucky Derby Prep Races continue shaping the season, bettors are closely analyzing performances to gauge Kentucky Oaks odds and identify strong contenders. With several promising fillies, this race could have significant implications for Kentucky Derby betting.

A stacked field of 14 older horses is set to compete in the $500,000 Razorback Handicap (G3) at Oaklawn Park on Feb. 23. Originally scheduled for Feb. 22, the race was postponed due to winter weather, but the anticipation remains high as some of the top older dirt horses return to action.

The $20 million Saudi Cup (G1), the world's richest race, will take place on Feb. 22 at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh. This year's edition features an international lineup of stars from Japan, Hong Kong, and Dubai. Meanwhile, American contenders are notably absent, opting to stay stateside for alternative campaigns.With the Saudi Cup 2025 serving as a primary international race, its outcome could ripple effect on Kentucky Derby Prep Races. The presence of top-tier contenders adds intrigue for bettors looking to analyze form lines ahead of major spring races. 

The road to the Kentucky Derby continues this weekend at Oaklawn Park with the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes, a key prep race that could have significant implications for the Derby leaderboard. 

Despite having two top prospects in college basketball, Rutgers has a 12-12 record and is out of the Top 25. This has been an up-and-down year for the Scarlet Knights, who were expected to be one of the NCAA's breakout teams thanks to the arrival of Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, two of the nation's most promising players.Both are averaging 19 points per game and are considered potential top-five picks in the upcoming NBA draft, yet the team has not been able to consolidate as expected.