Kentucky Derby Odds: 2025 Apple Blossom Handicap

HORSE RACINGNEWS

April 9, 2025

Kentucky Derby Odds

2025 Apple Blossom Handicap Preview: Elite Fillies Clash for $1.25 Million Purse

As the 2025 horse racing season intensifies and fans gear up for the final rounds of the Kentucky Derby Prep Races, Oaklawn Park plays host to one of the premier events for older fillies and mares: the $1.25 million Apple Blossom Handicap (G1).

Although the race doesn’t impact Kentucky Derby odds directly, bettors closely watching Kentucky derby betting markets often turn to big spring matchups like this to assess form and future breeding stock value.

Set for Saturday, April 12, the 1 1/16-mile Apple Blossom highlights a 12-race card. The feature’s post time is expected at 6:48 p.m. EDT. A deep field of seven entered the gate, led by the reigning Horse of the Year, Thorpedo Anna.

Thorpedo Anna Returns to Dominance

Making her second start of the year, Thorpedo Anna enters off a commanding 3 1/2-length front-running win in the Azeri Stakes (G2) on March 8 at Oaklawn. That performance raised her career record to an impressive 9-for-11, boosting earnings to over $4 million. Trained by Kenny McPeek and owned in partnership by Brookdale Racing, Mark Edwards, breeder Judy Hicks, and Magdalena Racing, she will carry 124 pounds as the highweight. Regular rider Brian Hernandez Jr. retains the mount as she starts from post 6.

Free Like a Girl Eyes Revenge

Free Like a Girl, second in the Azeri, returns looking to turn the tables on Thorpedo Anna. Last year’s Apple Blossom third-place finisher is the richest Louisiana-bred of all time, with $2,253,438 in career earnings. Trained and co-owned by Chasey Deville Pomier, the daughter of El Deal will be guided by Julien Leparoux as she looks to turn the tables on the favorite.

Where’s My Ring Enters in Winning Form

Val Brinkerhoff’s Where’s My Ring comes in hot after an allowance victory on March 15 at Oaklawn. The Twirling Candy mare is partnered with jockey Francisco Arrieta and owns a solid 6.62 rating heading into her first Grade 1 try.

Wild Bout Hilary and Noble Miss Add Depth

Also entered is Wild Bout Hilary, who scored in the Grade 3 Bayakoa Stakes earlier this year. The Midnight Lute mare, trained by Tanner Tracy and ridden by Ramon Vazquez, drew post 7 and has proven herself at this level. Noble Miss, trained by Danny Hernandez and ridden by Isaac Castillo, finished third in her last start at Sunland Park and will try graded company for the first time.

Neom Beach and Sweet Alyssa Round Out Field

Neom Beach, trained by Steve Asmussen, exits an eighth-place finish in the Trivista Overnight Stakes. Erik Asmussen will ride the Omaha Beach filly. Meanwhile, Sweet Alyssa, a Union Rags filly for trainer Gary Husak, returns from a ninth-place effort at Fair Grounds and will team up with Ricardo Santana Jr.

For up-to-date odds, entries, and expert picks, be sure to check out our racebook and make your wagers confidently.

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