The 2025 KY Downs Preview Nashville Derby takes center stage as Race 8 at Ellis Park on Saturday, August 2, 2025. This $250,000 turf stakes for three-year-olds over 1 1/8 miles is a key prep for the Kentucky Downs meet, attracting a competitive field of emerging turf stars.
Race Details
Race: KY Downs Preview Nashville Derby
Track: Ellis Park, Henderson, KY
Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025
Post Time: 3:12 PM CT
Distance: 1 1/8 miles (Turf)
Purse: $250,000
Conditions: 3-Year-Olds
Full Field Analysis
| PP | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Sire | Dam (Dam Sire) | ML Odds |
| 1 | Mesero | Corey Lanerie | Dale Romans | Not This Time | Lemon Liqueur (Exchange Rate) | 6/1 |
| 2 | Yinzer | Keith Asmussen | Steve Asmussen | Twirling Candy | Rehearsed (Tapit) | 10/1 |
| 3 | I Know I Know | Julien Leparoux | Patrick Biancone | Jess’s Dream | Prove Me (Big Drama) | 15/1 |
| 4 | Native Runner | Brian Hernandez Jr. | Kenneth McPeek | Laoban | Intermittent (Bernardini) | 7/2 |
| 5 | Esmark | Luan Machado | Victoria Oliver | Constitution | Neverthesame (Scat Daddy) | 6/1 |
| 6 | Coalmoon | Joseph Ramos | Paulo Lobo | Coal Front | Stella Moon (Malibu Moon) | 15/1 |
| 7 | Emergence | Tyler Gaffalione | Brad Cox | Uncle Mo | Belle Watling (Pulpit) | 5/1 |
| 8 | Tomasello | Fernando De La Cruz | Mark Casse | Authentic | Dakota Queen (War Front) | 9/2 |
| 9 | Siesta Key | Florent Geroux | Brad Cox | Into Mischief | Cocoa Beach (CHI) | 4/1 |
Top Contenders Breakdown
Native Runner (ML: 7/2)
Trainer: Kenneth McPeek
Jockey: Brian Hernandez Jr.
Pedigree: By Laoban, out of Intermittent (Bernardini)
Form: Strong effort at Churchill Downs in June
Edge: Tactical speed, proven turf form, top connections
Siesta Key (ML: 4/1)
Trainer: Brad Cox
Jockey: Florent Geroux
Pedigree: By Into Mischief, out of Cocoa Beach (CHI)
Form: Runner-up in the American Derby; elite pedigree
Edge: Classy turf stakes performer, late kick
Tomasello (ML: 9/2)
Trainer: Mark Casse
Jockey: Fernando De La Cruz
Pedigree: By Authentic, out of Dakota Queen (War Front)
Form: Consistent turf efforts; improving
Edge: Versatile style, bred for distance
Pedigree Insights
Into Mischief: Sire of Siesta Key; dominant turf and dirt influence.
Authentic: Kentucky Derby winner; Tomasello’s sire adds stamina and class.
Uncle Mo: Emergence’s sire; known for producing precocious and durable runners.
Constitution: Esmark’s sire; excels with turf routers.
Laoban: Native Runner’s sire; emerging as a turf influence.
Final Thoughts
The Nashville Derby promises a tactical turf battle with Native Runner, Siesta Key, and Tomasello leading the charge. Emergence and Esmark offer value with strong pedigrees and improving form. Expect a lively pace and a stretch duel among well-bred colts with Breeders’ Cup aspirations.
