The Delaware Derby makes its inaugural debut at Delaware Park, featuring a competitive field of 11 three-year-olds vying for a $200,000 purse in a 1 1/16-mile dirt battle. This race serves as a launching pad for promising contenders aiming for elite summer stakes, including the Haskell Invitational, Jim Dandy, and Travers Stakes.
Race Details
Event: Delaware Derby
Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
Time: 4:19 PM ET
Venue: Delaware Park, Wilmington, DE
Surface: Dirt (1 1/16 miles)
Purse: $200,000
TV Broadcast: TVG, Fox Sports, NYRA Bets
Top Contenders & Horse Profiles
1. Admiral Dennis (Trainer: Brad Cox | Jockey: Luan Machado)
Pedigree: Constitution – Gulf Coast (Unbridled’s Song)
Career Record: 2 wins, 1 third from 6 starts
Recent Performance: Fourth in G1 Blue Grass Stakes
Strengths: Proven graded stakes competitor with tactical speed
Concerns: Needs a breakthrough performance to solidify elite status
2. Sacred Thunder (Trainer: Gary Capuano | Jockey: Mychel Sanchez)
Pedigree: Holy Boss – Elusory (Elusive Quality)
Career Record: 3 wins, 5 seconds, 3 thirds from 13 starts
Recent Performance: Eighth in Federico Tesio Stakes after clipping heels
Strengths: Resilient competitor with strong Delaware Park record
Concerns: Struggled in last outing, needs a clean trip
3. Academy (Trainer: Graham Motion | Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.)
Pedigree: Oscar Performance – Sacred Luna (Malibu Moon)
Career Record: 1 win, 1 second from 4 starts
Recent Performance: Maiden victory at Delaware Park on May 22
Strengths: Front-runner with improving speed figures
Concerns: Limited experience against stakes-level competition
4. Surfside Moon (Trainer: James Lawrence II | Jockey: Junior Alvarado)
Pedigree: Malibu Moon – Crescent Lady (Smart Strike)
Career Record: 5-1-2-1
Recent Performance: Fifth in G2 Wood Memorial
Strengths: Strong pedigree for distance racing
Concerns: Needs to prove consistency at stakes level
5. La Houligan (Trainer: Greg Compton | Jockey: John Velazquez)
Pedigree: War of Will – Smart Dancer (Smart Strike)
Career Record: 1 win from 4 starts
Recent Performance: Maiden victory at Churchill Downs on May 8
Strengths: Late bloomer with untapped potential
Concerns: Facing seasoned competition in first stakes attempt
Race Strategy & Betting Insights
Pace Projection: Admiral Dennis and Academy likely to press early, while Sacred Thunder and Surfside Moon close late.
Key Matchups: Admiral Dennis vs. Sacred Thunder in the stretch battle.
Dark Horse: La Houligan could surprise with a breakout performance.
