Kentucky Derby Odds: 2025 Count Fleet Sprint Handicap

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Kentucky Derby Odds

Booth Leads High-Speed Field in 2025 Count Fleet Sprint Handicap

While most attention this weekend at Oaklawn is focused on the Apple Blossom Handicap, sprinters will take center stage earlier on the card in the Grade 3, $500,000 Count Fleet Sprint Handicap. 

Scheduled as Race 8 on Saturday, this six-furlong dash for older horses brings together a small but fast group that could play a key role in shaping sprinting form as the season heats up.

Although the Count Fleet Sprint is not part of the Kentucky Derby Prep Races, it shares the spotlight on a key weekend in the sport when Kentucky Derby odds and Kentucky derby betting start to shift as final preps occur. While the Kentucky Derby trail takes center stage for 3-year-olds, older sprinters like these prove that the speed division is just as deep and competitive.

Booth Set for Another Showcase

Booth returns to Oaklawn as the horse to beat, assigned the high weight of 123 pounds after registering back-to-back dominating wins this meet. The 4-year-old son of Mitole earned a 105 Beyer Speed Figure in the Commodore overnight stakes, then topped that with a 107 in his Grade 3 Whitmore Stakes victory. 

Both victories came under Eclipse Award-winning apprentice Erik Asmussen, who retains the mount for trainer Steve Asmussen. The Hall of Famer seeks his fourth straight Count Fleet title.

Rivals with Experience and Talent

Booth will face six others, including the consistent Tejano Twist, a $1.5 million earner who finished third in the Whitmore. Trained by Chris Hartman and ridden again by Brian Hernandez Jr., Tejano Twist is no stranger to Oaklawn’s sprint scene.

Anarchist, a Grade 2 winner, brings significant depth to the field. Trained by Doug O’Neill, the son of Distorted Humor was last seen finishing fifth in the Grade 3 San Simeon at Santa Anita. Kyle Frey will take the reins for Saturday’s test.

Ryvit, from the Asmussen barn like Booth, will try to bounce back after a fourth-place finish in an Oaklawn allowance in March—Keith Asmussen, who guided Ryvit to multiple stakes wins in 2023, returns to ride.

Devil’s Tower and Happy American, both making their second starts in 2025, look to improve after their recent fifth- and third-place finishes in allowance company. Devil’s Tower is trained by Armando Hernandez and ridden by Francisco Arrieta, while Cristian Torres will guide Happy American for David Jacobson.

Payne rounds out the field. The son of Paynter comes off a strong second-place effort in an Oaklawn starter allowance earlier this month. Trainer David Jacobson sends him out with jockey Nik Juarez in the irons.

Strong Weather and Competitive Action Expected

Clear skies and a high around 73 degrees are forecast for Saturday’s card, which features the Count Fleet Sprint and the Grade 1 Apple Blossom. The infield will be open, promising a lively atmosphere for fans at the track.

For up-to-date Kentucky Derby odds, expert picks, and complete wagering options, be sure to check out our racebook.