The 2025 Tampa Bay Derby, scheduled for March 8 at Tampa Bay Downs, is shaping up to be a competitive race with several promising 3-year-olds vying for the $400,000 purse and crucial Kentucky Derby qualifying points (50-25-15-10-5 for the top five finishers). Based on the latest updates from racing sources and posts on X as of March 6, 2025, here are the main contenders expected to lead the field:
- Chancer McPatrick
- Trainer: Chad Brown
- Jockey: Flavien Prat
- Profile: A standout from his 2-year-old campaign, Chancer McPatrick won the Grade I Hopeful Stakes and Champagne Stakes in 2024, showcasing his ability to rally from behind. His 3-year-old debut comes after a minor ankle surgery following a sixth-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Purchased for $725,000, he’s a high-profile contender with a strong chance to secure a Kentucky Derby spot with a win. Trainer Chad Brown won last year’s Tampa Bay Derby with Domestic Product, adding to the colt’s credentials.
- Owen Almighty
- Trainer: Brian Lynch
- Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
- Profile: This colt finished second in the Grade III Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs in February, proving his competitiveness on this track. His familiarity with the course and a top jockey in Irad Ortiz Jr. make him a serious threat. His TimeformUS speed figure of 118 from the Sam F. Davis highlights his potential to challenge for the top spot.
- Patch Adams
- Trainer: Brad Cox
- Jockey: Not yet confirmed (TBA)
- Profile: Coming off a fourth-place finish in the Grade III Southwest Stakes, Patch Adams has stakes experience and is seen as a horse capable of stalking the pace effectively from an outside post. Trainer Brad Cox has a history of success with late-developing colts, and Patch Adams is expected to improve with each outing, making him a contender to watch.
- Brodeur
- Trainer: Mark Casse
- Jockey: Jose Ortiz
- Profile: A consistent performer, Brodeur brings a solid resume into the race. Trainer Mark Casse has a strong reputation, and with Jose Ortiz aboard, this colt could capitalize on a favorable trip to land in the money or better.
- Hill Road
- Trainer: Chad Brown
- Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
- Profile: Another Chad Brown trainee, Hill Road is listed as a probable starter with upside potential. Paired with jockey Tyler Gaffalione, this colt could emerge as a dark horse if he peaks for this event.
Additional Notes:
- The field is expected to consist of seven horses, with other entries like Filoso (trained by Cathal Summers) and Naughty Rascal rounding out the lineup, though they are considered longer shots based on current buzz.
- Posts on X and nominations from Tampa Bay Downs also mention possibles like Burnham Square (Ian Wilkes) and Sovereignty (Bill Mott), but their participation remains unconfirmed as of now.
- The final field and post positions will be set after entries close on Wednesday, March 5, though updates suggest the above horses are the most likely to headline the race.
These contenders bring a mix of proven talent, track familiarity, and top-tier connections, setting the stage for an exciting Tampa Bay Derby. Chancer McPatrick and Owen Almighty appear to be the early favorites, but Patch Adams and Brodeur could shake things up with strong performances. Stay tuned for the official draw and any late changes!
