Risen Star Headlines Kentucky Derby Prep Races
Kentucky Derby Prep Races
There are plenty of excellent Kentucky Derby prep races in February, including the Risen Star and Rebel Stakes.
They both carry 50 points for the winner, all but securing an automatic spot in the feature race at Churchill Downs in May.
Horse racing odds for the 2024 Kentucky Derby are available now.
Risen Star: The Race to Win
It might not be one of the biggest Kentucky Derby prep races, but it’s the biggest in February.
The Risen Star Stakes has been won by some excellent thoroughbreds, and it’s one of the most important races on the horse racing schedule.
It was taken out by Angel of Empire last year, and before that by Epicenter, Mandalou, Girvin, Gun Runner, and Mucho Macho Man, just to name a few.
The Grade II $400,000 race has yet to produce a Kentucky Derby winner, but we think that will change soon.
Country House ran second in the Risen Star before crossing the line first in the 2019 Kentucky Derby, and War Emblem finished sixth before winning in 2022.
It’s run on February 17, so look out for the latest horse racing odds. The Risen Star is a must-see race for bettors.
Watch the Rebel Stakes
Run later in February, the $1 million Rebel Stakes is one of the key Kentucky Derby prep races.
Dominated by trainer Bob Baffert, it’s a great lead-in to the Derby, and it’s the second leg of Oaklawn’s Triple Crown, which culminates with the Arkansas Derby.
Baffert is an eight-time winner, with his first coming in 2010 and his most recent coming with Concert Tour in 2020. However, his most famous win came in 2015 with Triple Crown winner American Pharoah.
If it’s good enough for Baffert to use as a prep race for American Pharoah, then it’s good for any runner nominated in 2024.
Betting markets for the Rebel Stakes open around a week before the race. If you’re wondering how to understand horse racing odds to place a bet on the Rebel Stakes, check out our guide.
Another Mine That Bird?
The Sunland Derby is best known for producing 2009 Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird, who was a big upset winner.
Mine That Bird finished fourth in the Sunland Derby, which carries 20 points to the winner, proving you don’t have to win the Kentucky Derby prep races.
The recent winners haven’t been anything to write home about, including Wild on Ice, Slow Down Andy, and Cutting Humor. However, it’s a good option if a runner has already accumulated points.
Some trainers avoid big races where a lot of hustle and bustle can occur. The Sunland Derby has been won by the likes of Baffert, Todd Pletcher, and Steve Asmussen, so it’s a top trainers race.
Every year, entry into the Derby is becoming less orthodox, so don’t be surprised to see a Sunland Derby entrant line up in the first leg of the Triple Crown.
Betting on the Kentucky Derby
Odds for the 2024 Kentucky Derby are available.
The market is currently headlined by joint favorites Fierceness and Track Phantom. They are +1400 at the sportsbook, so look out for their names in the prep races.
There has also been money for Locked and Dornoch at +1600, with Mystik Dan (+1800) and Hades (+2000) not far away in betting markets.
Odds are always generous this far out from the race, and although there is a degree of risk of your runner not making the field, the odds are worth it.
Stay with us at Point Spreads for more horse racing news and horse racing standings for the win!
