As the Road to the Kentucky Derby intensifies, January 4, 2025, offers pivotal stakes races where emerging 3-year-olds can earn essential qualifying points. Here’s a breakdown of the key races to watch:

🏆 Jerome Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack – January 4, 2025

• Track: Aqueduct Racetrack

• Purse: $150,000

• Distance: 1 mile (Dirt)

• Age/Sex: 3-Year-Olds

• Kentucky Derby Points: 10-5-3-2-1 to the top five finishers

• Post Time: 3:39 p.m. ET

The Jerome Stakes at Aqueduct is a major early stepping stone on the road to Churchill Downs. With a solid purse and Derby points on the line, it draws top 3-year-olds looking to make a name for themselves.

🔗 Source: Twinspires

🐴 Smarty Jones Stakes at Oaklawn Park – January 4, 2025

• Track: Oaklawn Park

• Purse: $250,000

• Distance: 1 1/16 miles (Dirt)

• Age/Sex: 3-Year-Olds

• Kentucky Derby Points: 10-5-3-2-1 to the top five finishers

• Post Time: 5:22 p.m. ET

Oaklawn Park kicks off its Derby prep series with the Smarty Jones Stakes. Known for producing future Derby stars, this race features some of the strongest early-season 3-year-olds. Trainer Brad Cox’s entrant, Hot Property, is a strong contender after recent impressive performances.

🔗 Source: US Racing

🌿 Ginger Brew Stakes at Gulfstream Park (Turf) – January 4, 2025

• Track: Gulfstream Park

• Purse: $150,000

• Distance: 1 mile (Turf)

• Age/Sex: 3-Year-Old Fillies

• Post Time: 4:30 p.m. ET

The Ginger Brew Stakes highlights talented 3-year-old fillies on turf. This one-mile contest promises an exciting finish as turf specialists battle for supremacy.

🏅 Mucho Macho Man Stakes at Gulfstream Park – January 4, 2025

• Track: Gulfstream Park

• Purse: $150,000

• Distance: 1 mile (Dirt)

• Age/Sex: 3-Year-Olds & Up

• Post Time: 5:00 p.m. ET

Named after the legendary Mucho Macho Man, this stakes race showcases versatile runners aiming to kick off their year with a win on Gulfstream’s dirt track.

🐦 San Vicente Stakes (Grade 2) at Santa Anita Park – January 4, 2025

• Track: Santa Anita Park

• Purse: $200,000

• Distance: 7 furlongs (Dirt)

• Age/Sex: 3-Year-Olds

• Kentucky Derby Points: N/A

• Post Time: 6:45 p.m. ET

Although not a Derby points race, the San Vicente Stakes remains an important sprint test for young runners. Expect fireworks as top prospects showcase their early speed.

🏇 Turfway Prevue Stakes at Turfway Park – January 4, 2025

• Track: Turfway Park

• Purse: $125,000

• Distance: 6 1/2 furlongs (Synthetic)

• Age/Sex: 3-Year-Olds

• Post Time: 7:00 p.m. ET

The Turfway Prevue Stakes provides a unique test on Turfway’s synthetic track. With a competitive field of 3-year-olds, this race is known for producing future stars in synthetic and dirt routes.

These stakes races not only offer a glimpse into potential Derby contenders but also serve as a thrilling day of racing for fans. As the road to Churchill Downs continues, expect exciting performances and emerging stars.