Kentucky Derby Prep Races: A Victorious Duo Ahead

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Kentucky Derby Prep Races Odds and News

”Running Bee” Sets Track Record, “Saffron Moon” Shines in Tampa Bay Stakes Double

While early-season racing focuses on the Kentucky Derby Prep Races, older horses took center stage at Tampa Bay Downs on Feb. 1 as trainer Chad Brown and jockey Flavien Prat dominated the card. The duo secured victories in both graded stakes races, with “Running Bee” setting a track record in the Grade 3 Tampa Bay Stakes and “Saffron Moon” impressing in the Grade 3 Endeavour Stakes.

As Kentucky Derby betting heats up, performances like these highlight elite talent beyond the three-year-old division. While Kentucky Derby odds shift with each prep race, these victories cement Brown and Prat as a formidable team across all divisions.

“Running Bee” Breaks Track Record in Tampa Bay Stakes

Returning to Tampa Bay Downs after a runner-up finish in this race last year, “Running Bee” left no doubt about his ability to handle the course. The six-year-old son of English Channel tracked a blistering pace set by Northern Invader, who covered the opening quarter in 22.67 seconds and the half-mile in 45.76. 

“Running Bee” settled along the rail before making a decisive move in the stretch, surging past Northern Invader and Irish Aces to win by three-quarters of a length.

His final time of 1:38.85 for the 1 1/16-mile race broke Emmanuel’s previous track record of 1:39.25 set in 2023. The victory, his eighth in 16 career starts, pushed his earnings to $757,443. Brown credited the decision to run at Tampa Bay, noting “Running Bee”’s proven success over the course.

Northern Invader, trained by Cherie DeVaux, ran admirably in his first start in nearly seven months, holding on for second by a nose over Irish Aces. Lorenz finished fourth, 6 ½ lengths behind the top three.

“Saffron Moon” Dominates Endeavour Stakes

Earlier in the day, “Saffron Moon” delivered a standout performance in the Endeavour Stakes, securing her first graded stakes win. Despite making her second start in 14 months, she entered as the 8-5 favorite and justified that confidence with an explosive late rally.

After settling well off a fast pace set by Ocean Club, “Saffron Moon” made her move, turning for home, surging past the field to win in a new stakes record time of 1:39.92. She crossed the wire 2 ¼ lengths ahead of See You Around, who edged out stablemate Venencia for second in a photo finish.

This victory marked Brown’s fifth win in the Endeavour Stakes, adding to his growing list of turf accomplishments. Prat’s well-timed ride played a key role, as he traveled from the West Coast specifically to partner with Brown for these races.

Future Plans for the Winners

“Running Bee”’s track record suggests he is ready for a step up in class, with Brown hinting at a potential Grade 1 target later in the year. His tactical speed and finishing kick make him a formidable turf contender moving forward.

For “Saffron Moon,” this win established her as a serious player in the older filly and mare division. With her first stakes win now secured, she is poised for bigger races in the months ahead.