Horse Racing Odds: 2025 UAE Derby Preview

HORSE RACINGNEWS

April 1, 2025

Horse Racing Odds and News

Flood Zone Headlines UAE Derby as Kentucky Derby Prep Nears the Finish Line

As the final stages of the Kentucky Derby Prep Races unfold, Saturday’s $1 million UAE Derby (G2) at Meydan Racecourse presents an international test with significant implications. While most eyes remain on horse racing odds for the 2025 Derby upcoming stateside qualifiers, this year’s UAE Derby could shake up the field for Kentucky Derby betting.

It marks the conclusion of the newly rebranded Euro/Mideast Road to the Kentucky Derby, offering two coveted invitations to Churchill Downs.

Run at about 1 3/16 miles, the UAE Derby awards points on a 100-50-25-15-10 scale to the top five finishers. These are the wealthiest points available through this alternate route. However, no runners currently on the Euro/Mideast leaderboard are entered in this race, meaning the two invitations will go to top finishers in Saturday’s contest who haven’t qualified through the main American series.

Flood Zone Ships In as the Lone U.S. Contender

Leading the field is Flood Zone, the only American-based runner in the nine-horse lineup. After breaking his maiden at Gulfstream Park, the Frosted colt was acquired privately by Wathnan Racing and turned over to trainer Brad Cox. He made a strong first impression for his new connections by winning the Gotham Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct, going gate to wire and drawing off by over three lengths.

Florent Geroux will ride Flood Zone, who breaks from post 5. While the UAE Derby represents a step up in both distance and class, Flood Zone’s tactical speed should allow him to sit close to the pace. He already has 50 points on the main Road to the Kentucky Derby leaderboard, meaning a Euro/Mideast invitation may not qualify him.

Japanese Contingent Returns in Force

Japan brings four runners to the UAE Derby, hoping to repeat last year’s success with Forever Young, who returns for the $12 million Dubai World Cup later on Saturday. Shin Forever, runner-up in the Saudi Derby (G3), and three others who competed on the Japan Road: Don in the Mood, Admire Daytona, and Dragon, lead the Japanese hopes.

Admire Daytona, in particular, may have an upside. Last November, he pushed Japan Road winner Luxor Cafe to a juvenile track record in a Tokyo maiden. All three colts finished behind Luxor Cafe in February’s Hyacinth Stakes but could boost his reputation with a strong performance in Dubai.

Carnival Runners Bring Meydan Experience

Several local horses with form during the Dubai Carnival also enter. Heart of Honor, trained by Jamie Osborne, was second in the UAE 2000 Guineas and the Al Bastakiya. He nearly ran down longshot Galactic Star last time and could improve with added blinkers. Osborne trained the 2014 UAE Derby winner Toast of New York, so he knows how to win this race.

Rafid, trained by Doug Watson, didn’t fire in his early Carnival efforts but showed new life at Jebel Ali. By Into Mischief and out of 2018 UAE Oaks winner Rayya, Rafid has the pedigree to contend at this level.

Queen Azteca, the lone filly in the race, adds another layer of intrigue. Niels Petersen trains her, is coming off two straight wins, including the UAE Oaks (G3), and owns 50 points toward the Kentucky Oaks (G1). She will try to become just the second filly ever to win the UAE Derby, following Khawlah in 2011.

For complete horse racing odds, expert picks, real-time wagering on the UAE Derby, and more, visit our racebook today.

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