Bet on the Florida Derby
The Florida Derby has a lengthy history of preparing the best thoroughbreds to compete in the Kentucky Derby and other Triple Crown races. Held at the gorgeous Gulfstream Park Racetrack and Casino in Hallandale Beach, this competition is for three-year-old thoroughbreds on the dirt track. Since its inauguration in 1952, the Florida Derby has been run at a distance of 1 1/8 miles, eventually earning distinction as a Grade 1 competition in 1973. A long list of top horses, jockeys, trainers and stables have graced the Florida Derby for more than half a century.
Florida Derby Racebooks
Racebooks are a portal into the excitement of wagering on the biggest horse races in the world. Many online racebooks offer great odds, easy-to-use betting interfaces and a variety of betting bonuses, rebates and promotions that help wagering enthusiasts make the most of their dollar.
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* REMINDER! - you must be of legal age in your state or province to legally wager on thoroughbred or harness horse racing. Please bet responsibly!
Florida Derby Betting Odds
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2016 Florida Derby Contenders
East coast versus west coast. Gray versus bay. Undefeated versus undefeated. In the most anticipated matchup on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, the $1 million Grade 1 Florida Derby April 2 at Gulfstream Park, has storylines to spare. Mohaymen, unbeaten in five starts after winning the Grade 2 Holy Bull and Grade 2 Fountain of Youth in his last two outings, will have the home track advantage while the west coast-based Nyquist will try to run his record to a perfect 7 for 7. If either – or both - colts should stub their toe, eight rivals will be waiting in the wings, eager to play the role of the spoiler while stamping a ticket to run in the Kentucky Derby.
Nyquist, trained by 2012 Kentucky Derby winning conditioner Doug O’Neill, has three grade 1 victories to his credit and proved his ability to ship and win against the best while claiming the 2015 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Keeneland. Mohaymen, a Kiaran McLaughlin disciple, has made quick work of his competition this year, gearing down in the stretch in both wins. With the stakes at their highest, the 2016 Florida Derby has the makings of becoming one of the most memorable Kentucky Derby preps in recent memory.
Entries and ML Odds
1-Sawyers Mickey 30/1
2-Fellowship 15/1
3-Majesto 20/1
4-Nyquist 6/5
5-Copingaway 50/1
6-Chovanes 30/1
7-Takeittotheedge 20/1
8-Fashionalbe Freddy 30/1
9-Mohaymen 1/1
10-Isofass 30/1
Did you know?
The Florida Derby is part of the second and most rewarding leg of the Kentucky Derby Championship Series. The winner of this race earns 100 points, place earns 40 points, show gathers 20 points and fourth place takes home 10 points. Winning the Florida Derby guarantees a top ten finish in the standings while establishing a horse as a threat to win the Kentucky Derby. In addition to the hefty $1,000,000 purse, winners qualify for a variety of bonuses worth up to $5,500,000 when winning the Preakness Stakes along with the Florida Derby.
In 1957, Gen. Duke set a thoroughbred world record for 1 1/8 mile by posting a time of 1:46.80, establishing a trend of excellence for horses in this race. Nineteen win, place and show finishers of the Florida Derby race have proceeded to win the Kentucky Derby, with Orb accomplishing the feat most recently in 2013. Empire Maker scored the most lopsided win, finishing 9 3/4 lengths ahead of the field in 2003. After a disqualification moved Williamston Kid to first place in 1966, the horse became the biggest longshot to win at 90-1 odds.