Traditionally, December has been a quiet month for horse racing nationwide. Following the Clark Stakes at Churchill Downs during Thanksgiving weekend, attention shifts to Long Island and the Cigar Mile for the final major event of the season.
However, the introduction of a structured Kentucky Derby qualifying trail has transformed this pattern. Between the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and year’s end, there are now seven Derby prep races. While some might not heavily impact the outcome of the Triple Crown, they still add excitement and complexity to the road leading to the Derby.
This year, we’re covering these Derby prep races happening across the country, beginning with Louisiana’s pathway. The Gun Runner Stakes, a two-turn, 1 1/16 mile dirt race, is a recent addition to the Derby Trail, particularly gaining importance after Churchill Downs took ownership of the fairgrounds.
Gun Runner Stakes in December honors Gun Runner, who debuted strongly in 2021. That year’s winner, Epicenter, went on to a strong 3-year-old campaign, winning key Louisiana races before narrowly missing victory in both the Derby and Preakness. He later claimed wins at Saratoga in prestigious summer races before retiring to stud.
The previous year’s race saw Bild dominate early, with other notable Derby Trail horses like Magnitude, who won both the G2 Risen Star and G2 Clark, and Render Judgment, who raced in the Derby despite not being a front-runner.
The G3 Lecomte Stakes in January, a race for 3-year-olds established in 1943, has become a stepping stone for promising young horses. Since 2000, winners like Noble Ruler, Oxbow, and Preakness victor War of Will have all passed through the Lecomte. Many contenders from the Gun Runner Stakes are expected to return to Fair Grounds in January.
In February, the Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes serves as a semi-final Derby prep race and awards half the points of the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby. Since 2000, a dozen participants have raced in the Kentucky Derby, including eventual Derby winners Mandaloun, Country House, and War Admiral. This solidifies the Risen Star as a key predictor of Derby success.
The Grade 2 Louisiana Derby in March is the longest prep race and the fastest path to earning 100 Derby qualifying points. Similar to the Risen Star, 12 horses since 2000 have gone on to the Derby from this race, three of whom won it: Mandaloun, Country House, and Funny Cide. The timing also allows runners a six-week break before the Derby, which is advantageous compared to the typical four weeks for most preparatory horses.
For bettors, the Louisiana Derby trail is familiar territory featuring North America’s largest annual race fields and a strong record of top finishers. The Gun Runner races this year are expected to produce several Derby hopefuls for 2026.
In wagering news, a late Pick 5 bet highlights changes in the field due to the scratch of the favorite Just a Touch, which impacts Tenacious’s odds and the overall competition, promising exciting bets.
Fan Take: This evolving Kentucky Derby qualifying system, highlighted by races like those in Louisiana, revitalizes winter racing by offering fresh narratives and emerging talents to watch. For horse racing enthusiasts, it means more thrilling action and new storylines leading into the sport’s most iconic race.
