Horse racing isn’t just a game—it’s a heart-pounding, adrenaline-soaked spectacle where champions are forged and longshots become legends.
If you’ve ever watched the Kentucky Derby and felt the ground shake when Mage stormed from the back at 15-1 odds in 2023, you already know anything can happen on the track.
Welcome to the world of Photo Finish™ LIVE, where the stakes are high, the thunder is real (sort of), and the competition? Fierce.
Whether you’re fresh out of the gates or a seasoned stable whisperer, understanding the PFL schedule is your first step toward racing greatness.
Good news: you don’t have to navigate the chaos alone. BrAIce is here to help you ride smart, race hard, and maybe even cash in along the way.
Want to listen to this blog in podcast form? In theme with this blog, we’ve tasked our AI agent friends with recording a 10-minute episode all about the information you’ll find below.
Click play to listen:
Juvenile Division: Where Young Guns Rise
Think of this as your horse’s origin story. At the juvenile level, maidens are your starting point—low-pressure, confidence-boosting, and the perfect prep. But once your horse finds their stride? It’s time to go big or go back to the paddock.
- Restricted Qualifiers: Your shot at the end-of-season Juvenile GR Finals—big bucks up for grabs:
- $1,250 (Open Field)
- $625 (S Grade)
- $470 (S- and below)
- Juvenile Kingmakers: Got a future legend? Test them here. These are your Derby preps for the young’uns, with a 60,000 Derby finale that could turn your foal into a phenom.
Struggling early? Don’t panic. Try your luck in Allowance Races, now with custom weight tweaks (2lb and 1.5lb options) for maximum strategy. After three races, your benchmark rating kicks in, helping match your horse with the right competition.
And let’s not sleep on Claimers—cheap entry, weaker foes, but beware: run too low, and someone might snatch your rising star. On the bright side? Top 40 claiming leaderboard horses earn $100 bonuses. Not bad for a few spins around the track!
Pro tip: Newbies, scour those morning line odds and bloodlines. There’s always a diamond in the rough.
Redemption Run Series: Comeback Kings Only
Got a good horse with bad luck? The Redemption Run Series, backed by House of Zedge and Blue Exotic Equestrian Club, gives your slow starters a second shot.
- 240 Derby Entry. All entry fees go towards the freeroll purse.
- 1k Freeroll Pot at Season’s End
- NW1 to NW3 Weekly conditions
This series is all about guts and glory—no excuses, just redemption.
3+ Division: Where Legacies Are Made
Once your horse hits age 3, you’re entering the Big Leagues. This is where dreams of major qualifiers, leaderboard glory, and six-figure purses come to life.
- Major Races
- $10k USD purses
- Premier Qualifiers are the golden ticket with $150 buy-ins and 40/20/10/5 points
- Normal qualifiers with $75 entry fee and 10/4/2/1 points
- Feeder Qualifiers with $40 entry fee and 4/2/1 points
Not ready for the majors? No sweat. The grade restricted stakes schedule is split into halves, meaning double the chances to make your move. Mix in regular qualifiers and feeder races, and there’s always a path forward.
- Grade Restricted Freeroll Finals:
- $1k+ (Open)
- $500+ (S Grade)
- $300+ (S- and below)
Wondering where to run your high end 4+ races in addition to the Grade Restricted series? 3+ Kingmakers are your spot. An $80k Derby purse dangles like a golden carrot. While 3-year-olds chase the majors, 4-year-olds can dominate here and the Grade Restricted Series.
Not able to hang at the top? We have plenty of options for the next tier of horses. Benchmark races, allowances with 2.0 and 1.5lb options, and lower buy-ins make it more competitive than ever, all competing for leaderboard prizes for most wins, as well as stacking Derby every race! Remember, the biggest underdog in Derby history, Donerail, shocked the world at 91-1 odds in 1913. You could be next.
Claimers and Phoenix Splash — Oh My!
- 3+ Claimers: Perfect for horses just outside the elite. Keep them racing, and stack leaderboard points for a piece of that sweet $16k+ prize pool.
- Phoenix Splash Freeroll: Got a 50-60 or 55-65 benchmark turf runner? These races qualify you for a $200 freeroll at season’s end—no excuses for letting your B-team sit idle.
Silver Stallions: The 6+ Veterans Aren’t Done Yet
Your older horses aren’t washed—they’re wise. Enter Allowance Races and fight your way into the Silver Stakes Finale. Whether it’s Claiming races, Allowances, or benchmarks, over $16k in leaderboard payouts keeps your vets galloping strong.
The Finish Line: Glory, Grit, and Game-Changers
This season, PFL isn’t just hot—it’s on fire. There’s never been a better time to saddle up with a 10% rake, more payouts per race, new race types, custom strategies, and a stacked schedule.
From long shots like Mystik Dan’s 18-1 Derby win in 2024 to the undiscovered beast in your stable right now, racing glory is just one run away.
Whether you’re chasing your first win or your next championship…
Race smart. Play bold. Live your legend.
Because with BrAIce by your side, the only direction is forward.
