Gulfstream Park Race Track - Home of the Florida Derby

Bet on the 2006 Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park

The 132nd Kentucky Derby is just a few months away! And as prep races for the Derby are drawing critical attention, the Florida Derby remains one of the most anticipated prep races having sent 19 victories to Churchill Downs throughout the race's history.

The Florida Derby is a Grade I race for top 3-year-old thoroughbred horses in America, 9-furlong (1.1/2 miles) run and a $1 million purse up for grabs.

High Fly dominated last year's top east coast 3-year-olds at the Gulfstream Park for the derby race, definitely a key race for hopefuls en route to the Triple Crown. The horse, however, failed to show a spectacular performance at the Kentucky Derby.

Will this year's victor finally give Florida Derby its 20^th Kentucky Derby victory? Only one of the reasons why this year's race is topping the excitement on the road to Churchill Downs!

A Bit of History

The Florida Derby stakes debuted at Gulfstream Park in 1952, in time with the race track's expansion. The next year the derby purse was raised to $100,000 making it the first stakes event so richly endowed in the Sunshine State.

It was in 1957, in a historic race where Gen. Duke equaled the world record 1:46 4/5 and defeating Bold Ruler, that the Florida Derby was established as a major stepping stone to the Kentucky Derby and the Triple Crown trail.

The race continued to rise in popularity over the next years, along with it the significant increase in the race's purse. Standing at $1 million today, the Florida Derby is still one of the richest horse racing stakes.

Who will win this year's Florida Derby? We will give you horse racing picks & betting tips, odds to win the 2006 Florida and the Kentucky Derby, news on top contenders, jockeys, and trainers. Complete that with the best betting options you can find on the Internet on the road to another thrilling Triple Crown horse racing season!

FREE Florida Derby Racing Picks & Horse Betting Tips!