The roads to the Kentucky Derby and the Oaks resume this weekend, with six races at four racetracks nationwide.

In the points system initiated by Churchill Downs in 2012, this weekend’s races represent the beginning of what Churchill calls the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks “Championship Series” of prep races, each race offering a total of 85 points to the top four finishers. Winners, who earn 50 points, are pretty much guaranteed a spot in their respective races, as are second place finishers, who earn 20 points.

The top 20 horses in points earn entry into the starting gates of the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks.  In 2013, horses needed only 10 points to get into the Derby; in 2014, they needed 20.

Continue reading at Forbes.com…

Featured image of Metaboss photo credit:  Shane Micheli/Vassar Photography