This upcoming Saturday, February 1st, marks a significant milestone on the path to the prestigious 2025 Kentucky Derby. The 1/ST Racing Tour will feature crucial preparatory races that offer qualifying points for the renowned "Run for the Roses" in May. The day's coverage, starting at 4:00 PM ET on CNBC and Peacock, will showcase eight live races, with two Grade 3 stakes events—Robert B. Lewis Stakes and Holy Bull Stakes—taking center stage. Both races will distribute valuable Kentucky Derby points, setting the stage for an exciting competition among top-tier horses and trainers.

Excitement Unfolds Across Two Iconic Venues

In the golden light of early February, Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California, prepares to host the Robert B. Lewis Stakes. Legendary trainer Bob Baffert, who holds an impressive record of 12 victories in this race, including eight out of the last ten, enters three promising contenders this year. Owned by the formidable "Avengers" team, these horses—Madaket Road, Rodriguez, and Citizen Bull—are not only top picks on the morning line but also represent a combined investment of $1.81 million. Their performance could significantly impact the Kentucky Derby qualification race.

Meanwhile, across the country in Hallandale Beach, Florida, Gulfstream Park is gearing up for the Holy Bull Stakes. Among the notable entrants is Ferocious, a colt valued at $1.3 million, sharing the same trainer and jockey as the 2023 Kentucky Derby winner Mage. Despite a recent winless streak, Ferocious aims to reclaim his winning form. Joining him are other promising horses like Guns Loaded and Tappan Street, each looking to make their mark on this critical day.

From a journalist’s perspective, this weekend offers a fascinating glimpse into the competitive world of horse racing. The outcomes of these races will undoubtedly shape the landscape leading up to the Kentucky Derby. It highlights the strategic importance of each event, where every point earned can be pivotal. For fans and enthusiasts, it's an opportunity to witness emerging talent and seasoned champions vying for glory, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable journey to the roses.