The highly anticipated Florida Derby is set to take place on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Gulfstream Park. Amongst America’s most significant horse racing event, it attracts elite horses, jockeys, and trainers, offering a gateway to the coveted Triple Crown series, which includes the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes. The event, also known as ‘Taste at the Track,’ allows attendees to indulge in wine and tapas, making it a premier destination for racing and culinary enthusiasts. Historically, the Florida Derby has produced 60 Triple Crown race winners, including 25 Kentucky Derby champions, reinforcing its importance on the road to the first Saturday in May. Spectators can expect an electrifying atmosphere filled with industry professionals, celebrities, and passionate racegoers engaging in meaningful discussions about the sport.
This year’s 14-race card headlined by the Curlin Florida Derby, presented by Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms, boasting a lucrative $1,000,000 purse. Ten promising 3-year-old colts and geldings are set to compete, representing renowned owners and skilled trainers. Among them is NEOEQUOS, ridden by Edgard Zayas and trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., under the ownership of C2 Racing Stable LLC, Ian Parsard, Shining Stables LLC, and Stefania Farms LLC. COOL INTENTIONS, with Javier Castellano in the saddle, is trained by Jorge Delgado and owned by AMO Racing USA. Other key contenders include SMOKEN BOY, trained by Cheryl Winebaugh, DISRUPTOR, conditioned by Todd Pletcher, and MADAKET ROAD, representing Bob Baffert’s formidable training stable. The competitive lineup ensures a thrilling showdown as these talented contenders strive for Florida Derby glory and a potential berth in the Kentucky Derby.
Beyond the main event, Gulfstream Park features an exciting undercard, including the Grade III Pan American Stakes presented by Rood & Riddle, with a $215,000 purse. This race showcases top turf runners, such as CORRUPTION(S), trained by Mark Casse, and FAR BRIDGE, conditioned by Christophe Clement. The Fasig-Tipton Gulfstream Park Oaks (Grade II), a key race for three-year-old fillies, offers a $250,000 purse and serves as a stepping stone to the Kentucky Oaks. Meanwhile, The Ghostzapper Stakes (Grade III) highlights older horses over 1 1/16 miles, adding another layer of competition to the day’s thrilling action.
Gulfstream Park’s rich racing program also features The Sanibel Island Stakes, The Sand Springs Stakes, and The Appleton Stakes, each contributing to a day of high-quality competition. With deep fields, accomplished jockeys, and trainers aiming for success, the event promises to be a landmark moment on the racing calendar. Last year, FIERCENESS dominated the Florida Derby under Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez, further solidifying Todd Pletcher’s record as the most successful trainer in the race’s history. This year’s edition aims to uphold that tradition of excellence, setting the stage for another memorable winner.
