Last updated Apr 30, 4:55am ET

One of the most famous sporting events on the international calendar is set for this Saturday, as the 151st Kentucky Derby will be staged at Churchill Downs. If you haven’t already made your selection for the big race, you can find our runner-by-runner guide helpful. Below, we will give our picks for the Kentucky Derby Day Undercard races.

Kentucky Derby Information

StatInformation
WhenSaturday, May 3, 2025
WhereChurchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky
How to WatchNBC/USA Network/Peacock

Kentucky Derby Day Undercard Races

Race & TimeName
1- 11:00 AM ETMaiden Special Weight
2- 11:32 AM ETAllowance Optional Claimer
3- 12:05 PM ETAllowance Optional Claimer
4- 12:38 PM ETKnicks Go Overnight Stakes
5- 1:12 PM ETG2 Churchill Distaff Turf Mile Stakes
6- 1:53 PM ETG2 Pat Day Mile Stakes
7- 2:38 PM ETG2 Turf Sprint Stakes
8- 3:23 PM ETG1 Churchill Downs Stakes
9- 4:06 PM ETG1 American Turf Stakes
10- 4:50 PM ETG1 Derby City Distaff Stakes
11- 5:39 PM ETG1 Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic Stakes
12- 6:57 PM ETG1 Kentucky Derby
13- 8:00 PM ETAllowance Optional Claimer
14- 8:33 PM ETMaiden Special Weight

Distaff Turf Mile Stakes Odds & Pick

HorseOdds
Special Wan+250
Sacred Wish+320
Movin On Up+475
Tax Implications+520
Poolside With Slim+800
Other Selections+1000 & Bigger

The first of the undercard races that we will look at is the Distaff Turf Mile Stakes, which is run by fillies aged four and over. A total distance of a mile will be covered. Sacred Wish sets the standard, but the fact that she will be carrying more weight than the improving Special Wan should be taken into account.

The selection is the runner from the Brendan Walsh yard, and she has quickly hit her stride after impressing during her time with the Patrick Foley yard in Ireland.

She was visually very impressive when holding off In Our Time over a mile in the G3 Honey Fox, and a repeat of that effort should make her very difficult to beat.

Pick
Special Wan (+250)
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Churchill Downs Stakes Odds & Picks

HorseOdds
Nysos+150
Mindframe+400
Mullikin+550
Banishing+650
Bookem Danno+1000
Other Selections+1200 & Bigger

The G1 Churchill Downs Stakes is one of the most eye-catching contests on the Kentucky Derby Day Undercard this weekend. Plenty have live chances, including recent winners Bookem Danno, Banishing, and Mindframe.

However, the returning Nysos for Bob Baffert looked like a potential superstar throughout last season, and the four-year-old could get a big season off to a winning start before stepping up in trip.

Nysos ended last season with a dominant seven-length win over Wine Me Up over a mile in the G3 Robert B Lewis Stakes, and he could be one to note with the Breeders’ Cup in mind in 2025.

Pick
Nysos (+150)
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Turf Classic Stakes Odds & Picks

HorseOdds
Redistricting+380
Spirit Of St Louis+400
Integration+550
Taking Candy+650
Running Bee+650
Other Selections+1000 & Bigger

The final race before the Kentucky Derby comes on the turf, as the G1 Turf Classic will be run over a mile and a furlong. Plenty have live chances, but I am keen on the chances of Claude McGaughey III-trained Integration.

Frankie Dettori is an eye-catching booking for the five-year-old, who was last seen finishing second behind Carl Spackler in the G1 Maker’s Mark Mile.

Was narrowly touched off by Spirit of St Louis in the G1 Pegasus World Cup Turf at the start of the year, but his experience around Churchill Downs could see him reverse that form line on Saturday.

Pick
Integration (+550)
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Other Kentucky Derby Day Undercard Picks

RacePick
G2 Pat Day Mile StakesBuilt
G2 Turf Sprint StakesRun Carson
G1 American Turf StakesNew Century
G1 Derby City DistaffWays And Means
Alex Dudley
Alex Dudley

Sports Analyst and Betting Expert

Alex has over 15 years of experience in sports betting, specializing in soccer and horse racing. He uses his deep knowledge of markets and strategies to guide readers through disciplined and informed betting.

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