This weekend, the spotlight shines on a series of exciting races as key Kentucky Derby prep events take center stage. Though they aren’t “win-and-you’re-in” races, these events hold valuable points that can shape the path to the prestigious Kentucky Derby. With a rich history of producing some of the best horses, these races are crucial for young 3-year-old contenders looking to make their mark on the road to the Derby. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at three prominent prep races—the Robert B. Lewis, the Holy Bull, and the Withers—as well as other important stakes races across the country. These events are a must-watch for any horse racing fan and provide a glimpse of what’s to come in the 2025 Derby season.
Robert B. Lewis (G3) at Santa Anita
The Robert B. Lewis has a long-standing reputation for producing Kentucky Derby winners, including Ferdinand, Charismatic, and I’ll Have Another. This year, trainer Bob Baffert enters three horses: Citizen Bull, Madaket Road, and Rodríguez. Baffert has won this race an incredible 12 times, and he looks to continue that dominance. Citizen Bull, the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile champion, is one to watch, along with his stablemates who are all entering with strong credentials. The Robert B. Lewis remains a pivotal test for 3-year-olds heading to the Derby.
Holy Bull (G3) at Gulfstream Park
Another key prep race is the Holy Bull at Gulfstream Park, which has produced Derby winners like Go for Gin, Funny Cide, and Barbaro. In addition to Derby winners, the race has also helped launch the careers of top stakes horses, including Tiz the Law and Mo Donegal, both of whom were top contenders in recent Derbies. The Holy Bull has a reputation for showcasing speed and talent, and 2025 promises to continue that trend with a solid group of young contenders.
Withers (G3) at Aqueduct
The Withers, which became a Derby prep race in 2012, has seen horses like Max Player and Hit Show perform well before running in the Kentucky Derby. This year, the field is set to feature some strong competitors, including Captain Cook, who recently broke his maiden in impressive fashion. The Withers has become a key stepping stone for horses hoping to qualify for the Derby, and this year’s race is shaping up to be another important event on the path to Churchill Downs.
Other Notable Races
Beyond these three Derby preps, a number of other stakes races are taking place this weekend. At Gulfstream Park, Santa Anita, Aqueduct, and Tampa Bay Downs, top horses will face off in crucial races that could determine their futures in 2025. The Santa Monica (G2), Thunder Road (G3), Megahertz (G3), and Tampa Bay (G3) races are all notable for their competitive fields, showcasing some of the best horses in training.
The races taking place this weekend are important not just for the contenders but for fans of the sport as well. The Robert B. Lewis, Holy Bull, and Withers will all provide valuable points for horses aiming for the Kentucky Derby, but they are also events where emerging stars make their name. With trainers like Bob Baffert leading the charge, fans can expect thrilling races that will help shape the 2025 Derby field. Whether you’re watching to see the next Derby winner or just following the action, these races promise to deliver excitement and drama.
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