Blue Grass Stakes (G1)
Race Overview
The Blue Grass Stakes is a Grade 1 Kentucky Derby prep race for three-year-olds held each April at Keeneland Race Course.
It is one of the final and most important prep races on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, awarding 100 Derby qualifying points to the winner.
Key Race Details
Location: Keeneland Race Course – Lexington, Kentucky
Date: April 4th
Surface: Dirt
Distance: 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs)
Age Restriction: 3-year-olds
Inaugurated: 1911
Grade: Grade 1
Purse: $1,000,000
Derby Points: 100–50–25–15–10 (top five finishers)
Distance & Track Profile
The Blue Grass is run at 1 1/8 miles around two turns at Keeneland.
Keeneland’s main track is known for:
Fair racing conditions
Tactical speed being advantageous
A relatively short stretch compared to Churchill Downs
Because it is run just weeks before the Derby, horses are typically near peak fitness.
Historical Significance
The Blue Grass Stakes has produced numerous Kentucky Derby winners and champions.
Notable past winners include:
Sir Barton
Whirlaway
Northern Dancer
Spectacular Bid
Strike the Gold
Thunder Gulch
Street Sense
Monomoy Girl
Essential Quality
It remains one of the most historically productive Derby prep races in North America.
Stakes Records
Fastest Time (1 1/8 miles):
1:47.52 — Skip AwayLargest Margin of Victory:
13 1/2 lengths — Monarchos
Why the Blue Grass Matters
Final major prep before Churchill Downs
100 Derby points guarantees entry with a win
Often features top contenders from Florida, Arkansas, and California preps
Serves as a major indicator of Derby readiness
Historically, winners show:
Tactical speed
Ability to handle two turns
Proven graded stakes form
