The 2017 Road to the Kentucky Derby is a series of races through which horses will qualify for the 2017 Kentucky Derby, to be held on May 6. The field for the Derby is limited to 20 horses, with four 'also eligibles' in case of a late withdrawal from the field. To determine eligibility, Churchill Downs developed the Road to the Kentucky Derby, which gives points to the top four finishers in specified races. The 2017 season consists of 35 races, 19 races for the Kentucky Derby Prep Season and 16 races for the Kentucky Derby Championship Season. Earnings in non-restricted stakes act as a tie breaker.
Contents
- Standings
- Prep season
- First leg of series
- Second leg of series
- Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby
- References
On September 12, 2016, Churchill Downs announced the introduction of a separate Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby, which will consist of two races: the Cattleya Sho on November 26, 2016 and the Hyacinth on February 19, 2017. The winner of this series will be offered one of the 20 positions available in the Kentucky Derby starting gate. The other 19 positions and any 'also eligibles' will be determined through the regular Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Standings
Updated February 26, 2017.
Prep season
Note: 1st=10 points; 2nd=4 points; 3rd=2 points; 4th=1 point (except the Breeders' Cup Juvenile: 1st=20 points; 2nd=8 points; 3rd=4 points; 4th=2 point)
First leg of series
Note: 1st=50 points; 2nd=20 points; 3rd=10 points; 4th=5 points
Second leg of series
These races are the major preps for the Kentucky Derby, and are thus weighted more heavily. Note: 1st=100 points; 2nd=40 points; 3rd=20 points; 4th=10 points
Note: 1st=10 points; 2nd=4 points; 3rd=2 points; 4th=1 point
Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby
Note: Cattleya Sho: 1st=40 points; 2nd=16 points; 3rd=8 points; 4th=4 points Note: Hyacinth: 1st=50 points; 2nd=20 points; 3rd=10 points; 4th=5 points