Welcome to the realm of lucrative prize money, better known as Kentucky Downs. Situated approximately 45 minutes north of Nashville, the track hosts a brief seven-day meet of turf racing annually, highlighted by remarkably high purses. A prime example is the $3 million Nashville Derby Invitational (G2) on Saturday, featuring 3-year-olds competing over a distance of 1 5/16 miles on the uniquely shaped course.
This substantial purse ranks it among the richest races in North America. However, there is a condition: the full $3 million is exclusively reserved for Kentucky-bred horses, a category that includes eight of the twelve entrants. The remaining four competitors will race for a $1.75 million purse—a still highly significant sum.
With such a significant prize on the line for an extended grass race, the four European-trained runners are expected to dominate the competition. Having traveled a considerable distance, they are determined not to leave empty-handed.
Glacius (4-1) appears to hold a distinct advantage. Trained in England by Hugo Palmer, Glacius traveled to Saratoga last month, securing a front-running victory in the Saratoga Derby (G1). This prior experience gives him the benefit of being fully acclimated to racing in the United States.
Aidan O’Brien’s Causeway Named 5-2 Favorite in 12-Horse Field
Ireland’s esteemed trainer Aidan O’Brien, who seldom misses a lucrative turf event in the United States, enters Causeway as the 5-2 morning line favorite. Following a victory in the King Edward VII (G2) at Royal Ascot, Causeway finished a disappointing seventh in the Grand Prix de Paris (G1) over soft ground at Longchamp, despite strong backing at 3-1 odds. The unfavorable footing may have contributed to his performance, and he is expected to find firmer ground here for his rebound attempt.
Gostam (6-1) represents Germany’s hopes in the race. However, he is coming off a poor performance, finishing tenth in the German Derby (G1) most recently.
Nil Bua Gan Dua (10-1), trained by Aidan’s son Joseph O’Brien, recently secured a minor stakes victory in Ireland.
The strongest American contender may be Fancy Sailor (8-1), who recently won the Water Tower Stakes at Ellis Park. The remaining domestic runners seem unlikely to match the pace of the European contingent.
The Nashville Derby is scheduled for a post time of 5:36 p.m. ET.
The Picks: 1 Glacius, 2 Causeway, 3 Fancy Sailor
The Field for the $3 million Nashville Derby Invitational (G2), from the rail out, with jockey, trainer, odds:
| # | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Royal Causeway (KY) | C A Torres | D Stewart | 20/1 |
| 2 | Royal Guard (KY) | F Geroux | B H Cox | 8/1 |
| 3 | Glacius (GB) | L Saez | H Palmer | 4/1 |
| 4 | Caroline St Beat (NY) | T Gaffalione | M Clement | 20/1 |
| 5 | Versailles Road (KY) | J R Velazquez | T A Pletcher | 12/1 |
| 6 | Causeway (IRE) | R L Moore | A P O’Brien | 5/2 |
| 7 | Fuzzbuster (KY) | M Gutierrez | V H Oliver | 20/1 |
| 8 | Fancy Sailor (KY) | B J Hernandez, Jr. | B A Lynch | 8/1 |
| 9 | Gostam (GER) | A Fresu | A Wohler | 6/1 |
| 10 | Go Grey (KY) | J L Ortiz | M J Maker | 20/1 |
| 11 | Nil Bua Gan Dua (KY) | B Curtis | J P O’Brien | 10/1 |
| 12 | Blackmail (KY) | J Castellano | M E Casse | 15/1 |