The road to the
2021 Kentucky Derby, which returned to its typical schedule, included 35 qualifying races that were run between Sept. 5, 2020. and April 10, 2021.
During the points era, the Derby results have become remarkably consistent. The favorite has been a significant factor in the finish of the race, with the winner usually racing as part of the early pace. Every horse to cross the finish line first has had a victory in one of the 100-point qualifying races and, except for last year’s extended Derby trail, was unbeaten during his 3-year-old campaign. Occasionally, a long shot has broken into the exacta, trifecta or superfecta.