Horse Racing betting previews of the Florida Derby and the Arkansas Derby with Best Bets by Frank Taddeo, a respected Las Vegas Horse Handicapper who has hit 7 of the last 10 Kentucky Derby winners.
On Saturday, racing fans will be treated to two important Kentucky Prep races – the Florida Derby and the Arkansas Derby.
Earlier on Saturday, racing fans will get to watch the $1,000,000 Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream Park.
The race features Bill Mott’s No. 10 Sovereignty (8/5) who heads in fresh off a win in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream which earned him a 98 Equibase rating for his effort. However, drawing the outside post in 1 1/8 Mile contest is not something I am willing to back on top at short-odds.
Up second will be the $1,500,000 Arkansas Derby (G1) from Oaklawn Park. I will preface this breakdown by stating that I will be fading Bob Baffert’s No. 9 Cornucopian (1-1) at short-odds as he takes a massive step up in class and distance. The son of Into Mischief caught the eyes of many horse bettors when he won a maiden special weight sprint at Oaklawn back on February 23 with an Equibase speed rating of 108.
Coal Battle looks to stay undefeated on the Road to the #KyDerby in tomorrows G1 Arkansas Derby at @OaklawnRacing pic.twitter.com/1CS84m3de7
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) March 28, 2025
Instead I will be focusing on my top Derby prospect No. 8 Coal Battle (5/1) at solid plus-odds on top. The son Coal Front, who is 5-for-7 in his career, is in peak form winning four consecutive races with Juan Vargas in the saddles. In 2025, he has already won the Smarty Jones and the Rebel Stakes improving in every win. In the Rebel, he posted a career-best 104 Equibase speed figure.
Who will cross the finish line first? Let’s take a look at the odds and dive deeper into these races.
Florida Derby (G1)
- Racetrack: Gulfstream Park
- Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025
- Purse: $1,500,000
- Distance: 1 1/8 Mile, Dirt
- Race: 14
Post Time: 6:42 p.m. EST / 3:42 PST
Who is your pick in this afternoon’s Arkansas Derby? 🤔
Post time 7:48pm ET pic.twitter.com/ZdGkioNdrr
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) March 29, 2025
Florida Derby Betting Breakdown
My top play is No. 1 Neoequos (10/1) who drew the rail and is likely the speed of the race. I am willing to bet that Saffie Joseph will have Edgard Zayas send him to the lead and try to take them gate-to-wire.
- TOP Exacta Part-Wheel: 1 /4,7,8,9,10 $1 wager: $5
- Protective Exacta BOX: 1-4-10-9-8 $1 wager: $20
- TOP Trifecta Part-Wheel: 1 with 4,9,10 with 4,7,8,9,10 $1 wager: $12
- Trifecta BOX: 1-4-10-9 ¢.50 wager: $12
All wagers display ticket cost. All bettors should adjust wager amounts based upon bankroll
***
Arkansas Derby (GI)
- Racetrack: Oaklawn Park
- Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025
- Purse: $1,500,000
- Distance: 1 1/8 mile, Dirt
- Race: 13
Post Time: 7:48 p.m. EST / 4:48 PST
Who is your pick in this afternoon’s Arkansas Derby? 🤔
Post time 7:48pm ET pic.twitter.com/ZdGkioNdrr
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) March 29, 2025
Arkansas Derby Betting Breakdown
I have been on No. 8 Coal Battle (5/1) all winter and I will be backing my top Derby prospect once again in the Arkansas Derby at solid 5-1 odds
- TOP Exacta Part-Wheel: 8 / 3,6,9 $1 wager: $3
- TOP Trifecta Part-Wheel: 8 / 3,6,9 / 2,3,4,6,9, $1 wager: $9
- WIN BET: No.8 One Unit
All wagers display ticket cost. All bettors should adjust wager amounts based upon bankroll.
