Kentucky Derby Prep Races: Virginia Derby

Share News

Kentucky Derby Prep Races Odds

“Getaway Car” Headlines Competitive Virginia Derby Field

The $500,000 Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs marks a new addition to the Kentucky Derby Prep Races, offering 50-25-15-10-5 qualifying points to the top five finishers. This 1 1/8-mile one-turn event is a pivotal stop for 3-year-olds looking to secure their place in the Kentucky Derby 2025 field. Seven entrants have already gained experience on the Derby trail, accumulating 72 qualifying points.

With Kentucky Derby odds shifting as prep races unfold, bettors will watch closely to see how this field performs. Many contenders have competed in key prep races, and their performances here could impact Kentucky Derby betting strategies moving forward.

“Getaway Car” Set as the Heavy Favorite

The 7-5 morning-line favorite, “Getaway Car”, trained by Bob Baffert, enters the Virginia Derby as the top contender. Notably, he is the leading money earner in the field with $585,800 in career earnings, Moreover, he has already made an impact on the Derby trail with a win in the Sunland Derby (G3), runner-up finishes in both the American Pharoah (G1) and Los Alamitos Futurity (G2), and a fourth-place effort in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1).

The son of Curlin has only raced in California and New Mexico, making this his first start on the East Coast. Irad Ortiz Jr. will be aboard as “Getaway Car” looks to solidify his standing in the 2025 Kentucky Derby picture.

Rapture Could be the Upset Play

While “Getaway Car” is the one to beat, Rapture is a strong 5-2 second choice for trainer Brad Cox. With only two career starts, Rapture significantly improved in his second outing, breaking his maiden by six lengths at Oaklawn while racing with Lasix for the first time. 

In hindsight, his runner-up debut effort also looks stronger, as the horse who beat him finished fourth in the Risen Star (G2). With Flavien Prat staying in the irons, Rapture is expected to sit just off the pace, which could set him up well if “Getaway Car” tires late.

Live Long Shots and Contenders to Consider

“Omaha Omaha” (10-1) could be a sleeper pick among the longer-priced options. The Virginia-bred started his career on the Mid-Atlantic circuit, securing wins at Delaware Park and Laurel Park before hitting the Derby trail in New York. He finished second in the Jerome Stakes and third in the Withers (G3), earning 11 Derby points. “Omaha Omaha”‘s late-running style could be effective if the race starts quickly.

“Authentic Gallop” (8-1) has steadily improved for Tom Amoss and comes off a hard-fought allowance win at Oaklawn. The son of Authentic has been tested at two turns but will need to show he can handle this class jump.

Among the double-digit long shots, Render Judgment (12-1) and American Promise (10-1) have tried the Derby trail but have yet to make a profound impact. Georgia Magic (20-1) will leave Aqueduct for the first time and would need significant improvement to factor here.

Betting Outlook

With John Hancock scratched in favor of the Louisiana Derby, “Getaway Car” becomes the front-runner. However, his early speed could make him vulnerable in the final stretch, which sets up well for a horse like Rapture. If the pace collapses, “Omaha Omaha” could be the best long-shot play.

For the latest odds and expert picks, visit our racebook and stay ahead.