By Fred York and Sean Miller

With just 45 days remaining until the Kentucky Derby, the racing action heats up this weekend with a thrilling lineup at Gulfstream Park and two major Derby prep races: the Jeff Ruby Steaks at Turfway Park on Tapeta and the Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds on dirt. Let’s dive into the late Pick 5 sequence at Gulfstream before shifting focus to these pivotal Derby qualifiers.

Let ‘Em Run Preview: Gulfstream Park Late Pick 5 & Derby Prep Races

Race 7 – 3:50 PM EST – The Texas Glitter Stakes – 115K – 5 Furlongs (Turf)

• #7 Gabaldon (7-5) – Excellent post position for Jaramillo to dictate the race. A two-back 82 BSF speaks volumes, and he broke his maiden in a stakes race at Gulfstream first out.
• #1 Turbulent Force (4-1) – Shooting for a third straight win; Dylan Davis takes over the reins from Tyler Gaffalione, who is in New Orleans.
• #6 No Evidence (2-1) – Paco Lopez stays aboard this resilient colt, who came back to win his last race impressively. His last effort was a key race, giving him a strong case here.
• Bet: $5 Exacta Key: 7 over 1,6,2 ($15 total)

Race 8 – 4:20 PM EST – Claiming 10K – 5 Furlongs (Synthetic)

• #2 Founder’s Day (3-1) – Tough to close at this distance, but Edgar Zayas knows how to do it. This horse is 4-for-11 on Tapeta but 0-for-3 at this distance.
• #4 Happy Ride (5-2) – Class drop, turn back to 5F, and Paco Lopez in the saddle all point to a strong effort. His last two Tapeta runs at Gulfstream suggest he fits well.

Race 9 – 4:50 PM EST – OC 25K/N1X – 1 1/16 Mile (Turf)

• #7 Without Cause (10-1) – Speed of the speed in the Mark Casse barn, Dylan Davis retains the mount. Should control the pace.
• #5 North End Lady (6-1) – Class dropper with closing ability, broke maiden impressively at Saratoga, working well, and gets a sharp trainer change to David Fawkes (30% off layoffs).
• #6 Vino Rogue (3-1) – Blinkers on, dropping in class, and top BSF in the field. Trainer Anthony Dutrow has her primed for a big effort.
• Bet: $20 W/P on #7

Race 10 – 5:20 PM EST – Claiming 35KB – 5 Furlongs (Synthetic)

• #5 Running Rocket (9-5) – Loves Tapeta and Gulfstream, best races on synthetic, and Junior Alvarado takes the mount. “Look Out”
• #7 Masked Man (8-1) – 28% synthetic trainer Kent Sweezey sends out a horse 2-for-2 on Tapeta.
• #3 Jolly Boss (10-1) – Saffie Joseph enters this speedster with a 7lb apprentice. Wild card.
• Bet: Single #5 in any horizontal wagers (P3, P4, P5)

Race 11 – 5:52 PM EST – MSW 94K – 1 1/16 Mile (Turf)

• #7 Buzz Rocket (6-1) – Big post improvement from last time (post 12). He showed tremendous fight in his last start.
• #6 Golden Channel (3-1) – Strong turf pedigree, had a rough trip last out, and Jersey Joe Bravo stays aboard.
• Bet: $2 Exacta Box: 1,6,7,12

LOUISIANA DERBY/JEFF RUBY PREP RACES

Turfway Park – Race 12 – 6:25 PM EST – Jeff Ruby Steaks – 1 1/8 Mile (All Weather)

This prep race features an overflow field of 13 runners on the Tapeta surface. The morning line favorite, #9 Poster (3-1)with John Velazquez, will likely attract heavy betting. However, I’m taking a shot with #4 Final Gambit (10-1), trained by Brad Cox. He’s a closer who should benefit from a lively pace, and underrated jockey Luan Machado rides him well.

Fair Grounds – Race 12 – 6:42 PM EST – The Louisiana Derby – 1 3/16 Mile (Dirt – G2 – $1M Purse)

This field features familiar names like #1 John Hancock (7-2) and #6 Built (4-1), both expected to be strong contenders. However, I’m siding with #2 Chunk of Gold, a $2,500 purchase who ran a phenomenal race last out despite a rough trip. He finished second behind Built and has the ability to improve.

Final Thoughts

Be sure to tune in on Saturday, 3/22/25, as Sean “The Genius” Miller and Fred York will break down these races further after scratches on our podcast. Thanks for your support, and best of luck at the races!