Run at Gulfstream Park since 1952, the $1 million Florida Derby (G1) is one of the most important prep races for the Kentucky Derby (G1) each spring.

In the last eleven years, three winners of the Florida Derby have come back to take the Run for the Roses: Monarchos (1991), Barbaro (2006), and Big Brown (2008).

In addition, last year’s runner up Shackleford ran fourth in the Kentucky Derby and won the Preakness Stakes (G1) while Stay Thirsty, who was seventh in the Florida Derby came back to run 12^th in the Kentucky Derby, then second in the Belmont Stakes.

The winner Dialed In went off as the favorite in the Kentucky Derby at 5/1, but checked in a non-threatening eighth.

The 2010 Florida Derby winner was the Nick Zito trained Ice Box, who returned to finish in the runner up spot in the Kentucky Derby.

When looking to make your Florida Derby picks, there are several key preps at Gulfstream Park for the race.

The Holy Bull Stakes (G3) in late January and the Fountain of Youth (G2) in February are the two key preps races for the Florida Derby.

Among active jockeys, Edgar Prado (2002, 2006, 2007) and Mike Smith (1994, 1995, 1996) lead with three wins each.

Hall of fame trainers John Veitch and Nick Zito have each trained three Florida Derby winners.

Zito has won three of the last seven runnings of the race, taking the last two with Ice Box and Dialed In to go along with winning the race in 2005 with High Fly.

Recent Florida Derby Winners: