2025 Nashville Derby Invitational Stakes Preview

Fourteen 3-year-olds will square off Saturday at Kentucky Downs in the Grade 3 DK Horse Nashville Derby Invitational Stakes, lured by one big number: $3.5 million. That purse makes the Nashville Derby one of the richest events in the sport, drawing a full gate of 14 plus two also-eligibles.

For handicappers, the race shapes up as a true puzzle. The money has tempted several proven dirt stars to try turf for the first time, adding extra intrigue to the 1 5/16-mile test.

Wimbledon Hawkeye (7-2), the European shipper, could hold the edge. He arrives stateside after a nose defeat in a Group 3, a runner-up finish in a Group 2, and a respectable run at Royal Ascot. All signs point to him being a serious contender on this course.

Test Score (4-1) enters in razor-sharp form. He was a close third in the Grade 1 Saratoga Derby Invitational, and his last three starts at the top level produced a win, a second, and a third. He looks like a must-use in exotics.

Sandman (5-1), a Grade 1 dirt winner, will try grass for the first time. His pedigree doesn’t scream turf, and with a social media celebrity among his owners, he’s likely to take more money than he deserves. That could make him a vulnerable favorite in the win pool.

Race 10 goes 1 5/16 miles for a $3.5 million purse, with post time set for 5:46 p.m.