Inside the Kentucky Derby: Previewing the Arkansas Derby and Florida Derby

Mar 26, 2025 Darren Rogers and Kevin Kerstein

Sandman wins at Oaklawn Park. (Photo by Coady Media)

The Championship Series on the Road to the Kentucky Derby continues this weekend with the Arkansas Derby and the Florida Derby. These races have historically been major feeders for contenders aiming to compete in the Run for the Roses. For example, there have been 25 instances where a horse competed in the Florida Derby and went on to compete in the Kentucky Derby, with 15 of those horses winning both races. Similarly, the Arkansas Derby has produced eight Kentucky Derby participants, most recently Mystik Dan, who went on to win the 150th Kentucky Derby.

Darren and KK analyze the full race cards, previewing the horses that could impact the standings. Additionally, they recap the upset performances from the Jeff Ruby Steaks and the Louisiana Derby, and discuss the Fukuryu on the Japan Road.

Inside the Kentucky Derby is your home for exciting news, stories and insights from the people inside of historic Churchill Downs Racetrack. Hosts Darren Rogers and Kevin Kerstein provide in-depth analysis of the horses in the field, betting favorites, and the storylines on the upcoming stakes races on the Road to the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve.

Subscribe to the podcast by looking for the 'Inside the Kentucky Derby' on your favorite podcast app. Inside the Kentucky Derby will be streaming twice a week during the Road to Derby and covering all the news surrounding the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May.

Also, make sure you subscribe to the Kentucky Derby YouTube channel to see our Road to the Kentucky Derby video series, classic races, and more great Derby video content!