Derby prep guide: 2 most important preps are this week

Two of the most important Kentucky Derby preps are Saturday, the Florida Derby and Arkansas Derby. Eleven Kentucky Derby winners have come out of those two races since 2006. Sovereignty prepped in the Florida Derby last year before his Horse of the Year performances at Churchill Downs and Saratoga. In 2024, Mystik Dan finished third in the Arkansas Derby en route to his upset win on the first Saturday in May.

This year, the Grade 1, 1 1/8-mile Florida Derby drew nine entries vying for the 100-50-25-15-10 Kentucky Derby qualifying points to the top five finishers. Six will go: Redland Rebels has been rerouted to the Arkansas Derby and long shots Albus and Gregarious were also scratched. Here are horse-by-horse bios for every entrant.

The Grade 1 Arkansas Derby also drew nine runners for the 1 1/8-mile trip on dirt with 100-50-25-15-10 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby. Eight will go, as Napoleon Solo was rerouted to the Wood Memorial (G2) next Saturday. HRN's Ed DeRosa thinks a Rebel disappointment can rebound in this race.

Coverage of the Florida Derby will be on NBCSN and streamed on Peacock beginning at 6 p.m. EDT. The Arkansas Derby will be on "America's Day at the Races" on FS1 beginning at 7 p.m. EDT. They will both also be on FanDuel TV as part of the regular racing broadcast.

Free past performances for this weekend's stakes are courtesy of Brisnet.

Here are the top lifetime speed figures for the Florida Derby entrants.

Here are the top lifetime speed figures for the Arkansas Derby entrants.

*TimeformUS speed figures are provided courtesy of Daily Racing Form.

HRN Handicappers

Ron Flatter Racing Pod has The Puma's assistant trainer, plus handicapping with Eddie Olczyk and David Levitch. Listen here.

The Puma will be overlooked again here, says HRN's Ed DeRosa. See why.

Super Screener sees opportunity in the stakes races at Oaklawn. Give it a look.

Florida Derby and Arkansas Derby takes and plays with Horse Center. Watch here.

Head-to-Head handicappers agree on the top finishers but not exactly the order of finish. Find out who they like.

The Kentucky Derby is less than 6 weeks away. Get the preps & reserve your copy of the Kentucky Derby Super Screener (plus the whole Triple Crown) now!