March Madness Expert Picks and News

The Kentucky Derby Prep Races continue to define the top contenders for the first Saturday in May, and trainer Ian Wilkes is carefully mapping out the next steps for "Burnham Square".After securing 20 Kentucky Derby qualifying points with his win in the Holy Bull Stakes, the talented gelding will likely target the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes on March 1 at Gulfstream Park. With Kentucky Derby betting intensifying, "Burnham Square"’s potential Derby path is becoming more precise, and his Kentucky Derby odds could continue to shorten with another strong performance.

The Kentucky Derby Prep Races continue to shape the path for top contenders, and Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas is making strategic moves for his leading three-year-olds. With February prep races offering valuable qualifying points, Lukas has outlined plans for "Innovator", "American Promise", and "Caldera" as they aim to secure their spots in the Kentucky Derby starting gate. While Kentucky Derby betting continues to fluctuate, Lukas’ horses are gaining attention, with Kentucky Derby odds likely to shift based on their upcoming performances.

The early-season Kentucky Derby Prep Races continue to highlight emerging three-year-olds, but Gulfstream Park's Feb. 1 card also showcased rising stars in other divisions. "Gate to Wire" made a strong statement in his dirt debut, rallying to a decisive victory in the Grade 3 Swale Stakes. Meanwhile, "Vixen" rebounded with a commanding performance in the Sweetest Chant Stakes, and "Charlie's to Blame" delivered a wire-to-wire win in the Kitten’s Joy Stakes. As Kentucky Derby betting intensifies, performances like these offer insight into future contenders, even beyond the main Derby trail. While Kentucky Derby odds fluctuate with each prep race, these results reinforce the depth of talent in multiple divisions.

While early-season racing focuses on the Kentucky Derby Prep Races, older horses took center stage at Tampa Bay Downs on Feb. 1 as trainer Chad Brown and jockey Flavien Prat dominated the card. The duo secured victories in both graded stakes races, with "Running Bee" setting a track record in the Grade 3 Tampa Bay Stakes and "Saffron Moon" impressing in the Grade 3 Endeavour Stakes.As Kentucky Derby betting heats up, performances like these highlight elite talent beyond the three-year-old division. While Kentucky Derby odds shift with each prep race, these victories cement Brown and Prat as a formidable team across all divisions.

The 2025 Kentucky Derby Prep Races continue this weekend with a crucial stop at Tampa Bay Downs, where the Grade 3 Sam F. Davis Stakes will serve as the final points race before the high-stakes qualifiers begin next week. With Kentucky Derby betting heating up, this race presents an opportunity for three-year-olds to earn points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby and solidify their status as serious contenders.