On Saturday afternoon, Tampa Bay Downs would be the star of the street to the 2026 Kentucky Derby Introduced by Woodford Reserve, together with 46 groupsth execution of Esmark Tampa Bay Derby. The $400,000 Grade 3 Stakes will award a complete of 105 factors to qualify for the Kentucky Derby on Could 2 at Churchill Downs, distributed among the many high 5 finishes in a 50-25-15-10-5 order.
Solely two horses have raced within the 1 1/16-mile Tampa Bay Derby and gained the Kentucky Derby: Avenue Sense, who gained each races in 2007, and Tremendous Saber, who completed third within the Tampa Bay Derby and upset the 2010 Kentucky Derby. Nonetheless, the race has influenced current Triple Crown winners, and notable winners of the Tampa Bay Derby embrace: Destin (2nd within the 2015 Belmont Stakes), Taplit (2017 Belmont Stakes winner), Tacitus (third within the Kentucky Derby in 2019, 2nd within the Belmont Stakes) and Owen Almighty (4th within the Kentucky Derby final yr) all proved their price on an even bigger stage.
This yr’s Tampa Bay Derby was extremely rated by many Kentucky Derby predictors and was an attention-grabbing area, led by the 3-year-old debuting stallion Far Far Add. The Tampa Bay Derby might be broadcast reside on FS2’s “America’s Day on the Races” program, in addition to on FanDuel TV, with posting time scheduled for five:35 p.m. ET.
Learn under for info on every starter within the Tampa Bay Derby and perception on handicapping.
1. Redlands Rebels
Jockey: Junior Alvarado
coach: Patrick Biancone
Proprietor: Calypso Horse Racing Stables 2022
Work historical past: 3 begins – 1 win – 1 second – 0 three innings
Profession earnings: $87,000
Prime numbers for equal base pace: 88
Kentucky Derby factors: 0
Pedigree: Uncle Chuck – Kombat Cat, by D’wildcat
coloration: darkish bay or brown
Operating type: pacesetter/push the tempo
evaluation: The Florida gelding was transported from Gulfstream Park in South Florida and can try and switch his spectacular turf form to filth for the Tampa Bay Derby. He began his profession on the Gulfstream filth monitor final summer time, ending a distant fourth within the six-furlong dash. He then switched to grass at Gulfstream in August, the place he gained by six and three-quarters of a size within the first mile race. Redland Rebels returned to motion within the 1 1/16-mile Kitten’s Pleasure Stakes on the turf at Gulfstream on January 13, the place he competed for tempo however didn’t race till January 13, when he completed in second place. He might be a longshot within the Tampa Bay Derby, however he ought to no less than influence the end result of the race from a tempo standpoint. Search for Junior Alvarado, who rides Redland Rebels in Kitten’s Pleasure, to hustle out of the gate from an inside put up place to safe an early lead.
2. Tokin
Jockey: Joel Rosario
coach: danny gargan
Proprietor: Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, Pine Racing Stables, Legend Thoroughbreds, Belmar Racing and Breeding, RA Hill Stables
Work historical past: 3 begins – 1 win – 1 second – 0 three innings
Profession earnings: $156,250
Prime numbers for equal base pace: 88
Kentucky Derby factors: 5
Pedigree: Good Magic – by Rote, Tiznow
coloration: bay
Operating type: stalker
evaluation: Talkin missed final week’s Coolmore Fountain of Youth Stakes and can as a substitute goal for the Tampa Bay Derby in his debut as a 3-year-old horse. He’ll be a mid-priced prospect, however he’ll must get again to the shape he confirmed in late summer time and early fall final yr to tug off an upset. The stallion Good Magic gained his debut seven-furlong opener at Saratoga on Aug. 30 at Larique, and in October he completed second within the one-turn, one-mile Champagne Stakes at Aqueduct, an early qualifying race for the Kentucky Derby, by six and a half lengths to Napoleon Solo (Napoleon Solo completed fifth at Fountain of Youth final week). Talkin then tried a two-turn race for the primary time in his ultimate begin of 2025, however was upset within the 1 1/8-mile Remsen Stakes at Aqueduct on December 6, ending ninth out of 11 horses. He has been bred to deal with two turns simply, so will probably be attention-grabbing to see if he has developed throughout his three months away from competitors. A career-best effort ought to no less than assist him attain a trifecta or superfecta, and he might do even higher in opposition to a Tampa Bay Derby that lacks star energy other than Father Addo.
3. Roger That Dana
Jockey: renzo rojas
coach: Luis Ramirez
Proprietor: smith ranch stables
Work historical past: 3 begins – 1 win – 1 second – 1 third
Profession earnings: $103,200
Prime numbers for equal base pace: 82
Kentucky Derby factors: 0
Pedigree: Superior Slew – Take Me to Zuber, by Toccet
coloration: bay
Operating type: stalker/speed up the tempo
evaluation: This Florida-bred Ridgeling is one other Tampa Bay Derby participant shipped north from Gulfstream Park. He scored a formidable first-come-first victory in October, successful the state-bred six-furlong dash by three lengths. Roger That Dana then completed a cushty third in his stakes and two-turn debut within the 1 1/16-mile FTBOA Florida Sire in Actuality Stakes on November 29, beating overwhelming winner Strategic Danger by 10 1/4 lengths. In his 3-year-old debut, he competed in opposition to open firm for the primary time and completed second to Commandment within the one-mile, one-turn Mucho Macho Man Stakes at Gulfstream on January 3. Strategic Danger gained the Smarty Jones Stakes at Oaklawn Park however upset within the following two Kentucky Derby preludes, whereas Commandment had simply returned with a formidable and quick win within the Coolmore Fountain of Youth Stakes. Roger That Dana has confronted stiff competitors throughout his younger profession. The issue is he wasn’t a lot of a risk in these races. It is extremely probably that we’ll see the identical consequence on Saturday.
4. Hulkamania
Jockey: Jareth Loveberry
coach: whit beckman
Proprietor: Hoolie Racing Secure, Blue Mist Racing, Icon Racing Secure
Work historical past: 1 begin – 1 win – 0 second – 0 third
Profession earnings: $18,560
Prime numbers for equal base pace: 76
Kentucky Derby factors: 0
Pedigree: McKinzie – Amour of Paris, by Frosted
coloration: bay
Operating type: stalker
evaluation: Hulkamania is certainly one of three Tampa Bay Derby runners, together with Powershift and Canaletto, coming into this race with only one profession begin. In his seven-furlong debut race held at this monitor on February 8, he got here again from a place the place he was in scorching pursuit to energy clear and win by 4 lengths. Equibase pace numbers have been modest on this race, however he can undoubtedly enhance in his second profession begin, even when it is a stretch to make the 20-25 level soar he in all probability must win Saturday’s G3 Stakes. Hulkamania has a pedigree that means he thrives on long-distance racing, which is a plus. However, he could run at even decrease odds because of the presence of jockey Jareth Loveberry, who simply returned from harm and will appeal to followers, and his identify (not too long ago departed Terry Bollea, aka Hulk Hogan, hails from close to Clearwater). horse to think about to be used in trifecta and superfecta I will wager.
Is that this your first time horse racing? Let me clarify…
Triple or superfecta filler: If you’re enjoying a trifecta (select your first 3-place horse) or a superfecta (your first 4-place horse) and are utilizing this horse within the third and/or 4th slot and should not successful, chances are you’ll need to add that horse to your wager.
5. Energy shift
Jockey: John Velazquez
coach: tod plecher
Proprietor: Lepore Stables
Work historical past: 1 begin – 0 wins – 1 second – 0 third
Profession earnings: $6,400
Prime numbers for equal base pace: 78
Kentucky Derby factors: 0
Pedigree: Structure – Free Flying Soul by Quiet American
coloration: darkish bay or brown
Operating type: stalker/speed up the tempo
evaluation: Corridor of Fame coach Todd Pletcher has six wins, probably the most in Tampa Bay Derby historical past, most not too long ago with Tapit Trice in 2023. This well-bred Structure colt can have an opportunity on the surface for his seventh win, however he might want to enhance considerably from a strong profession debut at this monitor. Energy Shift was chosen because the 11-10 favourite in his first race of 1 mile and 40 yards on February seventh, and there have been a number of different sturdy contenders, however he fought gamely from begin to end, having some conflicts with fellow debutant Rising Market, and settled for second place by three-quarters of a size. Rising Market, educated by Canaletto conditioner Chad Brown, will goal for the Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby on the Fairgrounds, whereas the precocious 3-year-old will keep in Tampa to interrupt into the massive leagues on Saturday. He would want to enhance his debut Equibase pace determine by about 20 factors to place an upset inside attain…however have in mind, Todd Pletcher and Corridor of Fame jockey John Velasquez simply gained the Stage S with Class President in one other Derby prep final week, teaming up with one other under-the-radar contender. Reside lengthy shot.
6. Additional Preface
Jockey: Airado Ortiz Jr.
coach: brad cox
Proprietor: Spendthrift Farm
Work historical past: 4 begins – 2 wins – 0 seconds – 1 third
Profession earnings: $320,703
Prime numbers for equal base pace: 105
Kentucky Derby factors: 10
Pedigree: Gun Runner – Sky Dreamer, written by Sky Mesa
coloration: chestnut
Operating type: stalker
evaluation: Moreover, Addo has been among the many high Kentucky Derby contenders since final fall, thrilling the Keeneland crowd and live-stream viewers with a 20-length romp in his 1 1/16-mile opener (his third begin), adopted by a 3/4-length victory in his stakes debut within the Kentucky Jockey Membership Stakes at Churchill Downs on Nov. 29. This win was much less visually surprising than his first rating, and his Equibase Velocity Determine was decrease, nevertheless it was nonetheless spectacular. Coach Brad Cox patiently nursed the well-bred offspring of high stallion Gun Runner by way of the winter and after a collection of strong coaching periods at Payson Park Coaching Middle in Florida, he introduced him again to face a Tampa Bay Derby area with some attention-grabbing candidates however no stakes winners. he deserves it morning line If he’s a favourite and might take a brand new step after a three-month break, he might be very troublesome to take care of. One factor to notice: The 2 horses that adopted him within the Kentucky Jockey Membership Stakes, Universe and Soldier N Diplomat, gained solely minor prizes (at greatest) of their subsequent Kentucky Derby preparations and returned as three-year-olds.
First time racing? Let me clarify…
Morning line: In horse racing, every racetrack hires an oddsmaker to estimate what assist a horse will obtain from bettors in a pari-mutuel pool that collects bets from everybody betting on a selected race. These estimates are referred to as morning line odds and are often introduced one to 2 days earlier than the race is run. Morning line odds are the start line for when a race turns into obtainable for betting and can change as bettors start putting bets. Closing odds can differ considerably from every horse’s morning odds by the point the race begins.
7. Thunderback
Jockey: samuel marin
coach: brendan walsh
Proprietor: calumet farm
Work historical past: 3 starters – 1 win – 0 seconds – 0 third place
Profession earnings: $38,293
Prime numbers for equal base pace: 86
Kentucky Derby factors: 0
Pedigree: Gun Runner – Oxy Woman, by Oxbow
coloration: bay
Operating type: close by
evaluation: Thunderback will attempt to reset on the Kentucky Derby course after performing poorly in his first qualifying race, the Lecomte Stakes on the Fairgrounds on Jan. 17. When the monitor turned house on the 1 1/16-mile Lecomte Racecourse, he fell again from rivalry and was the final of 10 to fall, a puzzling consequence on condition that he had been making ready for the race, his first on the identical monitor and distance in late December. He’s at the moment being transported to Tampa to attempt once more for the Derby with new coach Brendan Walsh, however the 86 Equibase Velocity determine he earned in his first win exhibits his true expertise and may very well be an element on Saturday if he can enhance additional. The son of 2017 Horse of the Yr and premier sire Gun Runner is bred to deal with monitor distance with ease, and having the providers of Samuel Marin, a number one jockey at the moment on the free in Tampa Bay, is a plus. The wild card of the race.
8. Puma
Jockey: Javier Castellano
coach: Gustavo Delgado
Proprietor: OGMA Investments, JR Ranch, Excessive Step Racing
Work historical past: 2 begins – 0 firsts – 1 second – 1 third
Profession earnings: $34,280
Prime numbers for equal base pace: 90
Kentucky Derby factors: 6
Pedigree: Important high quality – On the eve of conflict, with the declaration of conflict
coloration: chestnut
Operating type: stalker
evaluation: He is nonetheless searching for his first profession win, however Puma has carried out very effectively in his two begins and has put in a strong effort, so he thinks he’ll be a favourite within the Tampa Bay Derby. The Gulfstream Park-based horse’s allure debuted Jan. 10 in a seven-furlong maiden race, maybe for the third time. The Puma, who was despatched off as a well-liked horse after the time, held on for probably the most half with the winner Chief Wallaby, who was additionally a debutant, and settled for second place, one and a half lengths behind the third-placed horse. The horse was then despatched to the monitor for native preparation for the Feb. 7 Sam F. Davis Stakes and Tampa Bay Derby at 1 1/16 miles, the place he ran a decent, if unthreatening, third place behind spectacular winner Renegade. Chief Wallaby got here again a distant second in final week’s Coolmore Fountain of Youth Stakes, however Renegade will probably be one of many favorites in subsequent month’s Arkansas Derby. Further provides apart, Puma has the perfect resume amongst this yr’s comparatively inexperienced Tampa Bay Derby area. We have to enhance to win, nevertheless it’s not unattainable. Corridor of Famer Javier Castellano, who rode Puma in his first race, will return to the saddle on Saturday.
9. Canaletto
Jockey: Flavien Prat
coach: chad brown
Proprietor: Susan Magnier, Michael Taber, Derrick Smith, Peter Brandt, Brooke Smith
Work historical past: 1 begin – 1 win – 0 second – 0 third
Profession earnings: $40,800
Prime numbers for equal base pace: 94
Kentucky Derby factors: 0
Pedigree: Into Mischief – Distorted Music, Distorted Humor
coloration: bay
Operating type: please choose up the tempo
evaluation: Canaletto enters the Tampa Bay Derby after only one begin, however his post-race odds are the second-lowest favourite behind Father Addo. A son of high sire Into Mischief and a half-brother to 2025 Arkansas Derby winner Sandman, the horse is being moved up in weight class by coach Chad Brown, and understandably so primarily based on his dominant eight-length debut win at Gulfstream Park on January twenty fifth. Within the one-mile, one-turn first race, Canaletto was a bit of off the tempo at the beginning, however on the request of jockey Flavien Prat, he took over the race at will and shortly overcame a area of seven rivals to settle the race. He has an Equibase Velocity Determine of 94, which is excellent for a novice, and he actually deserves to enhance on that quantity much more in his second begin. Pratt will head to Tampa to experience, however aside from Father Add, who might be operating for the primary time in additional than three months, there are few confirmed stakes horses on this yr’s Tampa Bay Derby. He is a robust risk to win, however I am positive his connections would have given him a greater put up place.
