Three Key Races Set for Kentucky Derby Points This Weekend

AQUEDUCT, N.Y. — The final three races offering 100 qualifying points to the winner for the Kentucky Derby are set for April 5 and April 8, drawing some of the most promising 3-year-olds in horse racing. The $750,000 Wood Memorial (G2) will take place at 6:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 5, followed by the $500,000 Santa Anita Derby (G1) at 7:30 p.m. ET. The rescheduled $1.25 million Blue Grass Stakes (G1) will occur on Tuesday, April 8, providing competitors the chance to secure a coveted spot in the starting gate for the Triple Crown’s first jewel, scheduled for May 3 at Churchill Downs.

Each race has attracted numerous participants with prior experience on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. While many horses have achieved notable stakes victories, others will be making their stakes debut, seeking standout performances to enhance their Derby aspirations.

Among the horses to watch are three notable contenders:

1. Statesman
Trained by Hall of Famer Shug McGaughey, Statesman is a $200,000 purchase from the 2023 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale. The bay colt, by Constitution out of the Grade 1 winner Icon Project, has shown gradual improvement with two wins in 2025 after a slow start last year. His previous victories, both at one mile and 40 yards, were not impressive on speed figures, but he finished strong, particularly in a recent race that witnessed him overcoming difficulties. McGaughey, who previously won the Wood Memorial with Easy Goer in 1989 and Coronado’s Quest in 1998, believes Statesman could be a major upset candidate in a race favorable to closers.

2. Baeza
This $1.2 million colt, purchased at the 2023 Keeneland September Sale, is recognized for his strong pedigree. Baeza, by McKinzie and out of the stakes-winning mare Puca, is a half-brother to the 2023 Kentucky Derby winner Mage and 2024 Belmont Stakes winner Dornoch. Following an impressive first victory where he dominated with a time of 4 ¾ lengths, Baeza will make his stakes debut in the Santa Anita Derby for trainer John Shirreffs, who has trained Hall of Famer Zenyatta. Baeza will face stiff competition from strong rivals, including defending champion and San Felipe Stakes winner.

3. Grande
Purchased for $300,000 by prominent owner Mike Repole at the 2023 Keeneland September Sale, Grande is gearing up for his stakes debut in the Wood Memorial after two solid wins. He debuted successfully on Jan. 11 and followed up with another victory on Feb. 27, both at a mile distance. His strong pedigree, including a lineage featuring Journey Home by War Front, and promising speed figures—87 Beyer Speed Figure and 89 Equibase Speed Figure—indicate his readiness for this challenge. Additionally, Grande’s Tomlinson rating of 410 suggests he can handle an off track if rain impacts the race.