$1 Million Florida Derby Showdown For Top Kentucky Derby Contenders
The grade 1 Florida Derby features a $1 million purse and a showdown between three of the top contenders for Kentucky Derby 152. It will be run on March 28.
Holy Bull Stakes winner Nearly is our top pick in the $1 million Florida Derby on March 28 Lauren King Slated for March28, the grade 1 Florida Derby promises to be a major throwdown between top Kentucky Derby contenders. First run in 1952, this mile and an eight journey over the Gulfstream Park dirt has become one of the key stops on the road that leads to Churchill Downs. The 2026 edition features a lineup of contenders that might make Secretariat a bit concerned.
Well…. maybe not quite Secretariat…but you get the idea. Over the years, 15 Florida Derby champions have went on to win the Kentucky Derby.
Needles was the first back in 1956 and the latest to do so was Always Dreaming in 2017. This year’s loaded lineup should equate to some potential larger payouts as the money should be evenly spread. The late pick 5 will be made up of Stakes races culminating with the Florida Derby and is projected to have a pool in excess of $1 million.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the entrants that will be running for their share of $1 million and those oh so valuable Kentucky Derby qualifying points. The runners will be listed by post position with trainer, jockey, and morning line odds. The Florida Derby is carded as race 14 with an expected post time of 6:42 pm eastern.