The 2026–2027 Road to the Kentucky Derby and Oaks uses qualifying races and points to determine entries. The Derby admits 20 starters, while the Oaks admits 14 fillies. The 153rd Oaks is April 30, 2027, followed by the Derby May 1.
The road to two of Thoroughbred racing’s biggest events is underway!
The Road to the Kentucky Derby and Road to the Kentucky Oaks are a series of qualifying races held throughout the fall, winter, and spring. Horses earn points based on their finishes in designated prep races as they compete for a place in the starting gate at Churchill Downs.
The 153rd Kentucky Oaks will be held on Friday, April 30, 2027, followed by the 153rd Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 1, 2027.
What Are the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks?
The Kentucky Derby is a Grade 1 race for 3-year-old Thoroughbreds held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
The Kentucky Oaks is a Grade 1 race for 3-year-old fillies and is held the day before the Kentucky Derby. The Oaks is one of the premier races for fillies in the United States and is traditionally known for its “Lilies for the Fillies.”
How Do the Prep Races Work?
Throughout the season, Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks hopefuls compete in designated qualifying races.
Points are awarded to the top five finishers in each qualifying race. The number of points available varies by race, with many of the major races later in the season offering more qualifying points.
As the season progresses, horses move up or down the respective leaderboards based on the points they earn.
Road to the Kentucky Derby
The 2026–2027 Road to the Kentucky Derby began on Saturday, September 12, 2026, with the Iroquois Stakes at Churchill Downs.
The Kentucky Derby field is limited to 20 starters.
For the 2027 Kentucky Derby:
- The 18 highest-ranked eligible horses on the main Road to the Kentucky Derby can earn places in the starting gate.
- One potential invitation is available through the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby.
- One potential invitation is available through the European-Middle East Road to the Kentucky Derby.
The qualifying races increase in importance as Derby Day approaches, giving horses additional opportunities to earn the points needed to secure a spot in the field.
Road to the Kentucky Oaks
The 2026–2027 Road to the Kentucky Oaks also began on Saturday, September 12, 2026, with the Pocahontas Stakes at Churchill Downs.
The Road to the Kentucky Oaks is reserved for 3-year-old fillies competing for an opportunity to race in the Kentucky Oaks.
The 14 eligible fillies with the most qualifying points earn places in the Kentucky Oaks starting gate.
Like the Derby trail, Oaks prep races take place throughout the fall, winter, and spring, with qualifying points awarded to the top five finishers.
Follow the Prep Race Schedule
The Road to the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks includes qualifying races at racetracks across the country and around the world.
View the official Kentucky Derby & Kentucky Oaks Prep Race Schedule for upcoming races, qualifying points, results, and current standings.
The official prep race schedule provides information including:
- Upcoming Derby and Oaks prep races
- Race dates and host tracks
- Qualifying points available
- Race results
- Derby and Oaks contenders
- Current leaderboard standings
Race dates, schedules, and qualifying information are subject to change.
Watch and Wager on Prep Races
Many Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks prep races are available for wagering and live viewing through your wagering account.
To find an upcoming prep race:
- Log in to your wagering account.
- Click on the Bet Now tab..
- Find the racetrack hosting the Derby or Oaks prep race.
- Select the race you would like to wager on.
- Choose your wager type, selections, and wager amount, then review and submit your wager.
- To watch the race, open the available live video stream from the track or race page.
Race availability, wagering options, post times, and live video access may vary. Check the wagering menu on race day for the latest information.
Follow the Road to Churchill Downs
Each prep race helps shape the fields for Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby weekend.
Follow the standings throughout the season to see which fillies are moving toward the Kentucky Oaks and which Derby hopefuls are earning their way toward the first Saturday in May.
The 153rd Kentucky Oaks takes place Friday, April 30, followed by the 153rd Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 1, 2027.