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Starting in 2013, Churchill Downs shook up the way sophomores qualified for the Kentucky Derby. The traditional qualifier –graded earnings – was tossed aside in favor of the “Road to the Kentucky Derby” points-based system.

Separated into two divisions, the series kicks off with the “Kentucky Derby Prep Season” that now includes 19 races, awarding points to the top four respective finishers on a 10-4-2-1 basis.

The second part, designated as the “Kentucky Derby Championship Series,” ups the ante in regards to points. The 16 races are divided into segments, with the first leg featuring eight races worth 50-20-10-5. The next seven races, considered the final round of major prep races, are valued at 100-50-20-10. And there is a wildcard race at the end offering 10-4-2-1.

Churchill officials are still tweaking the new system, adjusting the schedule each year, but the traditional feeder races are all included. They include the Florida Derby and Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream Park; Louisiana Derby and Risen Star at Fair Grounds; Wood Memorial and Gotham at Aqueduct; Santa Anita Derby and San Felipe at Santa Anita Park; Arkansas Derby and Rebel at Oaklawn Park; and Blue Grass at Keeneland.

Those races attract significant handle as bettors sort out Kentucky Derby contenders and the points system makes it easier for the casual fan to comprehend as opposed to old graded earnings system.

Kentucky Derby winners tend to excel in the “Championship Series.” Over the last decade, nine of 10 winners have finished either first or second in at least one of those races, the lone exception being 50-1 longshot Mine That Bird, who was able to qualify for the Kentucky Derby based largely upon graded earnings accrued earlier in his career.

The points system now places a greater emphasis upon the final rounds of prep races.