The New York racing scene is set to ignite once again as the roads to the highly anticipated 2025 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks open on Saturday at Aqueduct. With the $250,000 Remsen Stakes (G2) and the $250,000 Demoiselle Stakes (G2) serving as crucial qualifying events, trainers and jockeys are gearing up for a thrilling showdown. These races not only offer a chance for young horses to showcase their potential but also provide valuable insights into their abilities to handle longer distances and two-turn tracks.

Unveiling the Path to the 2025 Kentucky Derby and Oaks

Remsen Stakes: A Test of Early Career Potential

The Remsen drew a field of seven, with Chad Brown's Keewaydin emerging as the 6-5 morning-line favorite. This 1¾-length maiden winner at 7 furlongs on Oct. 12 is set to take on a significant challenge as he ventures into a 1 1/8-mile race. Brown believes that while the distance may be a question mark at this early stage of Keewaydin's career, his training and galloping out have been promising. Under Dylan Davis from post 5, Keewaydin is ready to make his mark.Aviator Gui, another Brown-trained horse, enters the race at 6-1. With a record of 1-for-3, his lone win coming at a mile on dirt on Sept. 28, he is more of a steady sort. Brown expects Aviator Gui to appreciate the dirt better after his recent turf experiment.Studlydoright, at 9-2 and with six starts already, comes into the Remsen off a half-length victory in the Nashua at Aqueduct. This Nyquist colt has shown his mettle with three wins and two seconds in his previous races, including a win in the Tremont Stakes at Saratoga. Trainer Jerry Robb is looking forward to seeing how Studlydoright performs in the longer Remsen distance.Post time for the Remsen is 2:36 p.m. ET.

Demoiselle Stakes: A Showcase for Promising Fillies

Muhimma, the 4-5 favorite, gives Brad Cox another promising 2-year-old filly. With two sprint wins under her belt by a combined margin of 13 lengths, she is set to make her mark in the 1 1/8-mile Demoiselle. Florent Geroux will be aboard from post 1, and she is expected to continue her winning streak.Bless the Broken, at 12-1, rallied for second in a 1 1/16-mile race at Churchill Downs. Trainer Will Walden believes this race will be a good test for her.Beauty Reigns, coming off a debut win at Aqueduct and priced at 9-2, is also a contender. With Junior Alvarado in the saddle, she will be looking to add another victory to her name.Post time for the Demoiselle is 3:05 p.m.The picks for the Remsen are 1 Keewaydin 2 Studlydoright 3 Tux, and for the Demoiselle, they are 1 Beauty Reigns 2 Muhimma 3 Ballerina d’Oro. The fields for both races are filled with talented horses, and the competition is sure to be fierce. As the New York roads open once again, racing enthusiasts around the world will be watching closely to see which horses will emerge as the top contenders for the 2025 Kentucky Derby and Oaks.