Virginia Derby

2025 Virginia Derby Overview

The Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs has evolved into a significant spring test for three-year-olds, with the 2025 running producing a memorable performance by American Promise, who dominated by 7 3/4 lengths under Nik Juarez for Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas. The race's move to dirt from its traditional turf format has created a new dynamic in the Triple Crown trail.

The 2025 edition carried a purse of $500,000 and was contested at 1 1/8 miles on the main track. The winner demonstrated impressive tactical speed and finishing power, defeating a quality field that included runner-up Render Judgment and third-place finisher Omaha Omaha.

Colonial Downs' dirt surface, known for its fairness and configuration that rewards both speed and stamina, has made the Virginia Derby an important stepping stone for late-developing three-year-olds. The timing of the race allows horses to make one final impression before major spring classics.

A notable trend over recent years shows that horses with previous stakes experience, particularly those who have competed in graded company, tend to perform well. The race often attracts a mix of established stakes performers and improving allowance horses looking to make their mark.

For handicappers, paying attention to horses showing progression in their recent starts has been key, as the race's distance and timing often favor those peaking at the right time. The Virginia Derby has emerged as a useful gauge for identifying horses who might be ready to step up to higher-level competition.

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Virginia Derby Advance

The field is set for the first-ever Kentucky Derby qualifying race at Colonial Downs as the $500,000 Virginia Derby attracted a field of 10 three-year-olds, led by the Sunland Park Derby winner Getaway Car.

The centerpiece of a special three-day meet beginning Thursday, the 1 1/8-mile Virginia Derby will be held on Saturday together with the 1 1/16-miles $250,000 Virginia Oaks. The winning horse in each race will receive 50 points toward the Kentucky Derby (G1) and the Kentucky Oaks (G1), respectively. The second- through fifth-place finishers will earn 25-15-10-5 points on a sliding scale.

Trained by Bob Baffert, Getaway Car has already racked up 36 Derby qualifying points. Making his sophomore debut last out in the Sunland Park Derby, the front-running Getaway Car was headed by Caldera at the top of the stretch but battled back to win by a bob at the wire. The Curlin colt's first stakes success came at second asking with a win in the Best Pal (G3) at Del Mar last summer. Tabbed as the 9-5 favorite in the morning line, Getaway Car drew post 6 and attracted the services of Irad Ortiz Jr.

Rapture will be reunited with Flavien Prat, who was on board the son of Uncle Mo for his maiden-breaking 6 1/2-length score at Oaklawn Park. Trainer Brad Cox will reportedly scratch his other entry, John Hancock, who will instead run next week in the Louisiana Derby (G2).

.@James_Scully111 talks to trainer @KennyMcPeek about Risen Star entry Render Judgment and Rachel Alexandra entry Gowells Delight! 🏇

We also get an update on 2024 HOY Thorpedo Anna and Saudi Cup contender Rattle N Roll! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/jFr4ajHGDr

— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) February 14, 2025