In 2024, the following changes were introduced:[a] The following table shows the points earned in the eligible races for the main series.
If the connections of that horse decline the invitation, their place is offered to the second-place finisher and so on.
If neither of the top four accept, this place in the starting gate reverts to the horses on the main road to the Derby.
Notes: Owner Amr Zedan of Grade 1 Arkansas Derby winner Muth, on April 3, filed a temporary injunction that would require Churchill Downs to allow his horse into the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby (G1) field.
Muth is trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, who is suspended from entering and racing horses at tracks owned by Churchill Downs.