The most productive Kentucky Derby prep race in history looks for its follow-up to last year’s Derby-Belmont winner Sovereignty when the $1 million Florida Derby anchors Saturday’s card at Gulfstream. But recall that Sovereignty was upset in this 1-1/8 miles test last year by Tappan Street, so anything can happen in Hallandale Beach.
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Let’s meet the contenders for the Florida Derby (Race 14):
#1-ALBUS: Trainer Riley Mott looks to add a second 2026 Kentucky Derby qualifier to join his Virginia Derby winner Incredibolt. Albus broke his maiden Feb. 27 at Tampa Bay Downs in his third start and will be making his stkaes debut. Tyler Gaffalione found Florida Derby success in 2022 aboard White Abarrio.
#2-CHIEF WALLABEE: The 2-1 morning line favorite came up a neck shy in his stakes unveiling in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth and gets a rematch with the more experienced Commandment. Chief’s Wallabee’s debut win in January got some flattery when The Puma would later add a Tampa Bay Derby victory. Those 2 also renew acquaintances Saturday. Bill Mott and Junior Alvarado look to one-up the performance of last year’s Florida Derby runner-up Sovereignty and each notch their first win in this race. Son of 2014 Florida Derby winner Constitution.
#3-WAYNE’S LAW: Gulfstream’s Aventura Stakes winner has been well-traveled in recent starts, third in the Delta Downs’ Jean Laffite Stakes in November and then a front-running second in the Sam F. Davis at Tampa Bay Downs in February. His Davis conqueror Renegade runs back Saturday in the Arkansas Derby, while that runner’s third-place finisher and fellow Florida Derby entrant The Puma has since won the Tampa Bay Derby. Marcos Meneses is back aboard for Amador Sanchez. Sire Tiz The Law won the 2020 Florida Derby en route to a Belmont Stakes victory.
#4-COMMANDMENT: Mucho Macho Man and Grade 2 Fountain of Youth winner looks to capture three-quarters of the Florida Derby series. Trainer Brad Cox has won 4 stakes on the 2026 Derby trail: the Mucho Macho Man, Jerome, Fountain of Youth and Jeff Ruby. Outgamed Chief Wallabee by a neck in the FoY as the 2-1 favorite and will vie for the public’s choice once again. Regular rider Irad Ortiz Jr. opted to ride Saturday aboard Renegade in the Arkansas Derby, leaving the mount to fellow champion jockey Flavien Prat.
#5-REDLAND REBELS: Tampa Bay Derby fourth-place finisher reportedly will scratch and contest Oaklawn’s Arkansas Derby.
#6-NEARLY (pictured): The Holy Bull winner looks to follow a similar path as last year’s Florida Derby winner Tappan Street, bypassing the Fountain of Youth by plan to be fresher for Saturday’s main event. Nearly is 3-for-3 at Gulfstream after a troubled fall debut at Aqueduct. Trainer Todd Pletcher (8 to date) and jockey John Velazquez (6) look to pad their Florida Derby career wins records. They teamed to win 4 of those, most recently with Fierceness in 2024.
#7-TIMELESS VICTORY: 3-time local winner from 6 starts will make his stakes debut for trainer Eddie Plesa. Regular rider Jose Morelos will be at the controls following a 1-1/8 miles allowance score at the Florida Derby’s trip. No-match third vs. Nearly in a Jan. 7 allowance sprint. Damsire Nyquist won the 2016 Florida Derby a decade ago.
#8-THE PUMA: Jan. 10 debut runner-up to Chief Wallabee has battled in stakes since, running third in the Sam F. Davis before winning the Tampa Bay Derby at 7-1 odds. The Puma returns on 3 weeks’ rest of the longest test of his career. Trainer Gustavo Delgado found Kentucky Derby roses with Mage in 2023 after a second-place finish in this race behind Forte. Javier Castellano won the 2014 Florida Derby aboard Constitution.
#9-GREGARIOUS: Longshot maiden has a debut runner-up at 1-1/8 miles on his resume and takes a big leap in class. Jose Castro’s colt by Mo Town didn’t get the result you’d hope for when his Feb. 21 conqueror Autobahn finished last of 9 in last week’s Louisiana Derby after battling for the lead. Rajiv Maragh replaces Javier Castellano, who hops to ride The Puma.
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