2016 Road to the Kentucky Derby
The field for the Kentucky Derby is limited each year to 20 horses, with two 'also eligibles' in case of a late withdrawal from the field. To determine eligibility, Churchill Downs developed the Road to the Kentucky Derby, which gives points to the top four finishers in specified races. The 2016 season consists of 34 races, 19 races for the Kentucky Derby Prep Season and 15 races for the Kentucky Derby Championship Season. Earnings in non-restricted stakes act as a tie breaker. Gun Runner finished first in the standings thanks to wins in  the Risen Star Stakes and Louisiana Derby, then finished third in the Kentucky Derby. Nyquist, who finished second in the qualification standings, won the Derby. Prep season. "Note: 1st=10 points; 2nd=4 points; 3rd=2 points; 4th=1 point (except the Breeders' Cup Juvenile: 1st=20 points; 2nd=8 points; 3rd=4 points; 4th=2 point)" Championship series. First leg of series. "Note: 1st=50 points; 2nd=20 points; 3rd=10 points; 4th=5 points" The Sunland Derby was not eligible in 2016 because of quarantine restrictions associated with an outbreak of equine herpesvirus. Second leg of series. These races are the major preps for the Kentucky Derby, and are thus  weighted more heavily. "Note: 1st=100 points; 2nd=40 points; 3rd=20 points; 4th=10 points" "Note: 1st=10 points; 2nd=4 points; 3rd=2 points; 4th=1 point"