the live racing season is highlighted by the sunland derby, run at 1⅛ miles for three-year-olds in late march of each year. the race was granted a grade 3 status for the 2010 running and now is an important preparatory race for the kentucky derby. the race is now included in the road to the kentucky derby; awarding 50 points to the winner, 20 to second, 10 to third, and 5 to forth. the 50 points awarded the winner effectively guarantees entrance into the kentucky derby.