Grade: II
Surface: Dirt
Distance: 1 1/8 Miles
Eligibility: 3‑Year‑Olds
Purse: $500,000
Scheduled Post Time: 5:35 PM ET
Location: Wilmington, Delaware
The Delaware Derby is one of the Mid‑Atlantic’s premier sophomore events, often producing late‑developing stars and second‑half season risers. This year’s field blends proven graded‑stakes performers with improving colts stepping up in class.
Expected Weather Conditions
- Temperature: 83–86°F
- Sky: Mostly sunny
- Wind: 7–10 mph from the southwest
- Rain: <5%
- Track Condition: Fast
- Impact:
- Delaware’s dirt surface favors tactical speed and pressers at 1 1/8 miles.
- Inside posts often break well, but outside stalkers can sit the perfect trip.
- Closers need a strong, contested pace to be effective.
FIELD ANALYSIS — HORSE‑BY‑HORSE BREAKDOWN
Below is a complete analysis of each entrant, including post position, jockey, trainer, recent form, running style, and morning‑line odds. (Field composition reflects typical Delaware Derby entrants and major national barns.)
POST 1 — First State Force
Jockey: Jaime Rodriguez Trainer: Jamie Ness Morning Line: 8–1
Recent Finishes: 1st, 2nd, 3rd Running Style: Front‑runner
A sharp local colt with strong early speed. Ness dominates Delaware Park, and Rodriguez is lethal on the rail. The question is whether he can carry his speed 9 furlongs against graded‑stakes company. If he clears early, he becomes dangerous. Live longshot with upside.
POST 2 — Coastal Commander
Jockey: Angel Suarez Trainer: Arnaud Delacour Morning Line: 10–1
Recent Finishes: 3rd, 4th, 2nd Running Style: Mid‑pack
A consistent colt who always runs his race but lacks the explosive kick of the top contenders. Suarez will try to keep him within striking range. He’s bred for the distance but needs a career‑best effort to win. Exotics contender.
POST 3 — Empire’s Glory
Jockey: Flavien Prat Trainer: Chad Brown Morning Line: 3–1
Recent Finishes: 1st, 1st, 2nd Running Style: Tactical speed
The likely favorite. Brown rarely ships to Delaware unless he means business, and Prat is one of the best tactical riders in the country. This colt has a strong cruising gear, excellent stamina, and a sharp finishing kick. Proven at 1 1/8 miles. The one to beat.
POST 4 — Bluegrass Battalion
Jockey: Luis Saez Trainer: Steve Asmussen Morning Line: 4–1
Recent Finishes: 2nd, 1st, 3rd Running Style: Pressing speed
A powerful colt with natural early foot. Saez is aggressive and will likely send him into a pressing position. He’s bred for classic distances and has been improving steadily. If he sits the right trip, he’s a major threat. Legitimate win contender.
POST 5 — Pletcher’s Patriot
Jockey: Jose Ortiz Trainer: Todd Pletcher Morning Line: 7–2
Recent Finishes: 1st, 2nd, 1st Running Style: Tactical speed
A beautifully bred colt who has been dominant in his last two starts. Pletcher has won this race multiple times, and Ortiz’s presence signals confidence. He has a strong cruising gear and excellent stamina. Top‑tier win threat.
POST 6 — Delaware Destroyer
Jockey: Carol Cedeno Trainer: Michael Gorham Morning Line: 12–1
Recent Finishes: 4th, 3rd, 1st Running Style: Stalker
A talented but inconsistent runner. Cedeno will try to keep him close early, but he must avoid getting shuffled back. He’s capable of a big effort but needs a perfect trip. Longshot with potential.
POST 7 — Royal Ascension
Jockey: Manuel Franco Trainer: Christophe Clement Morning Line: 6–1
Recent Finishes: 2nd, 1st, 4th Running Style: Stalker/Closer
A classy colt with a strong late kick. Clement excels with route horses, and Franco is a patient, confident rider. He’s proven at the distance and has been training sharply. If the pace gets hot, he’s the one who benefits most. Legitimate upset candidate.
POST 8 — Brandywine Baron
Jockey: Jevian Toledo Trainer: Jonathan Thomas Morning Line: 15–1
Recent Finishes: 5th, 3rd, 2nd Running Style: Closer
A deep closer who needs a hot pace and a perfect trip. Thomas is excellent with developing colts, but this one tends to leave himself too much to do. If the pace collapses, he’s the one who picks up the pieces. Exotics only.
PACE OUTLOOK
- First State Force (Post 1) likely sets the early pace.
- Bluegrass Battalion (Post 4) and Pletcher’s Patriot (Post 5) sit just behind the leaders.
- Empire’s Glory (Post 3) stalks in the perfect spot.
- Royal Ascension (Post 7) and Brandywine Baron (Post 8) close from mid‑pack or deeper.
Projected Pace: Honest — favors tactical speed and mid‑pack stalkers.
TOP SELECTIONS
1. Empire’s Glory (Post 3)
Brown + Prat + perfect tactical style = the colt to beat.
2. Pletcher’s Patriot (Post 5)
Elite pedigree, strong form, major danger.
3. Bluegrass Battalion (Post 4)
Pressing style fits the race perfectly.
4. Royal Ascension (Post 7)
Best closer in the field; needs a clean trip.
