The Kentucky Derby 2025 is on the horizon, and the final points prep of the calendar year is set to unfold this Saturday. Six stakes races in New Orleans and South Florida will take center stage, offering a glimpse into the potential of the upcoming season. Among them, the $100,000 Gun Runner Stakes for 2-year-olds stands out, with Admiral Dennis leading the field. All finishers earn qualifying points towards the May 3 Derby.

Stakes Races and Their Contenders

Gun Runner Stakes

Admiral Dennis made a strong comeback with a 3 1/2-length victory in his one-turn mile debut at Churchill Downs. Magnitude, a Not This Time colt, has shown consistency with maiden and allowance wins. Chris’s Revenge, trained by Brittany T. Russell, is also in the mix.

Untapable Stakes

Golden Gamble returned from a third-place debut to win by nine lengths. Stable Currency, Prima Bella, and Her Laugh are other notable fillies in this race. California Sunset and Amarth add to the competition.

Tenacious Stakes

Track Phantom, a winner of the Gun Runner and Lecomte (G3), is back in action. Kinetic, a Street Sense colt, has won his last three starts. Warrior Johny, Confidence Game, and other horses bring their skills to the track.

Fort Lauderdale Stakes

Grand Sonata, a Todd Pletcher-trained turf millionaire, has a rich racing history. Win for the Money, Lorenz, and other horses will battle it out on the turf.

Harlan’s Holiday Stakes

Steal Sunshine has an affinity for Gulfstream and won a one-mile allowance race. Tumbarumba, Tuscan Sky, and other horses are vying for the top spot.

Suwannee River Stakes

Ocean Club, a three-time stakes winner, is a strong contender. Be Your Best, Saffron Moon, and other fillies and mares will showcase their talents.These stakes races offer a diverse range of horses and trainers, each with their own strategies and hopes. It's an exciting time for horse racing fans as they await the results of these races and the future of the Kentucky Derby. The competition is fierce, and every horse is fighting for a chance to make history.