Kentucky Derby Prep Races: 2025 Florida Oaks

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Kentucky Derby Prep Races Odds and News

Florida Oaks 2025 Odds & Predictions: Can Nitrogen Stay on Top?

A field of 12 talented 3-year-old fillies is set to compete in the Grade 3, $200,000 Florida Oaks at Tampa Bay Downs on March 8. The 1 1/16-mile turf race is an important early-season test, attracting promising fillies who may be targeting more significant stakes later in the year. 

Among the entrants are Chad Brown’s Opulent Restraint, Graham Motion’s Pretty Lavish, and Mark Casse’s Nitrogen, who headlines the event after a substantial stakes win at Gulfstream Park.

As significant races like the Kentucky Derby Prep Races continue to shape the 2025 Triple Crown trail, horseplayers closely watch these turf stakes for rising stars. The Florida Oaks is one of several Tampa Bay Downs card races that will provide betting opportunities. 

With many bettors focusing on Kentucky Derby odds, races like the Florida Oaks offer insights into promising young talent. This race also presents an exciting chance for Kentucky Derby betting fans to analyze turf fillies who could later transition to dirt.

Nitrogen Brings Strong Stakes Form

Trained by Mark Casse, Nitrogen will enter the Florida Oaks as one of the key contenders following her victory in the Ginger Brew Stakes at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 4. Owned by D.J. Stable, the daughter of Medaglia d’Oro made a strong impression in her previous races, including a third-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1T) last fall.

Jose Ortiz, who piloted Nitrogen in her last two outings, retains the mount. This will be her first attempt beyond a mile, and her ability to handle the extra distance will be a key factor in her performance.

Chad Brown Sends Out Opulent Restraint

Trainer Chad Brown, known for his dominance in turf racing, will send Opulent Restraint, who captured the Chelsey Flower Stakes at Aqueduct last October. Frankel’s daughter showed versatility and determination in her prior races, and she will be tested against a deeper field this time.

Brown also enters Brillante, a French-bred filly training well in Florida. Brown’s history of success with European imports suggests Brillante could be a significant threat.

Pretty Lavish Looks to Stay Undefeated

Graham Motion’s Pretty Lavish, an Irish-bred filly, has yet to lose in her two career starts. She made an impressive U.S. debut with a one-mile allowance win at Tampa Bay Downs on Feb. 8. Motion, a multiple Breeders’ Cup-winning trainer, has a strong track record with turf fillies, making Pretty Lavish a legitimate contender.

Motion also saddles Smart Union, another promising filly with room to improve.

Other Notable Contenders

Among the other fillies entered, Miss Rummikub and Love You Anyway bring solid form and could be live longshots. Smudge, trained by Mark Casse, has been consistent and could be in the mix late.

The Florida Oaks will be Race 10 on Saturday’s Tampa Bay Downs card, with a post time of 5:03 p.m. (local). Fans looking for betting opportunities can find competitive odds across the board.

Check out our racebook for more racing insights, odds, and expert picks.