Kentucky Derby Prep Races: “Gate to Wire” Huge Debut

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Kentucky Derby Prep Races Odds and News

“Gate to Wire” Shines in Swale Stakes, “Vixen”, and “Charlie’s to Blame” Impress at Gulfstream

The early-season Kentucky Derby Prep Races continue to highlight emerging three-year-olds, but Gulfstream Park’s Feb. 1 card also showcased rising stars in other divisions. 

“Gate to Wire” made a strong statement in his dirt debut, rallying to a decisive victory in the Grade 3 Swale Stakes. Meanwhile, “Vixen” rebounded with a commanding performance in the Sweetest Chant Stakes, and “Charlie’s to Blame” delivered a wire-to-wire win in the Kitten’s Joy Stakes. 

As Kentucky Derby betting intensifies, performances like these offer insight into future contenders, even beyond the main Derby trail. While Kentucky Derby odds fluctuate with each prep race, these results reinforce the depth of talent in multiple divisions.

“Gate to Wire” Impresses in Swale Stakes Debut

Despite his name, “Gate to Wire” did not lead from start to finish, but he was in front when it mattered. Sitting in fourth early, he tracked a hot pace set by Macho Music, Gunmetal, and Grayscale, who battled through demanding fractions of 21.93 and 43.92 seconds. 

Jockey Dylan Davis positioned him four-wide on the turn, and the Munnings colt responded with a powerful closing kick, drawing away to win by five lengths.

The final time for the seven-furlong Swale was 1:22.51 on a fast track. Sent off at 13-1, “Gate to Wire” paid $29.20 for the win.

Trained by Todd Pletcher for Donegal Racing, “Gate to Wire” notched his second win in five career starts. Previously, he had been second in the Grade 3 Futurity Stakes and 10th in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint. Purchased for $95,000 at the 2023 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, he now adds a stakes victory to his resume and could be a factor in future sprint stakes.

“Vixen” Returns to Form in Sweetest Chant Stakes

“Vixen” bounced back in a big way after a disappointing sixth-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. Sitting just off pacesetter La Gioconda, she moved down the backstretch and found another gear in the stretch, surging to a 2 ¼-length victory.

Her final time of 1:40.32 for the 1 1/16-mile turf event showcased her talent, and bettors who backed the 8-5 favorite were rewarded with a $3.60 payout. Trained by Mark Casse and ridden by John Velazquez, “Vixen” became second-crop sire Vekoma’s fourth stakes winner of 2025.

Ramsey Pond and Correto completed the trifecta but were no match for the winner, who had previously come within a neck of victory in the Grade 1 Natalma Stakes. Owned by D.J. Stable and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, she was purchased for $200,000 at the 2024 Ocala Breeders’ Sales Spring Sale. This win re-establishes her as a top turf filly to watch.

“Charlie’s to Blame” Holds Off Late Charge in Kitten’s Joy Stakes

“Charlie’s to Blame” went straight to the lead in the Kitten’s Joy Stakes and never looked back. The son of Blame controlled the pace through fractions of 23.26, 47.61, and 1:11.27 before repelling a strong late bid from Maui Strong to win by a head.

The final time for the 1 1/16-mile race was 1:40.48, and he paid $8.20 to win. This victory marked back-to-back wins for the Peter Eurton trainee, who previously broke his maiden at Del Mar by 3 ½ lengths.

Ridden by Luis Saez, “Charlie’s to Blame” races for an extensive partnership with BG Stables, Roadrunner Racing, and SAF Racing. Initially a $95,000 yearling purchase, he sold for $400,000 at the 2024 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Sale.