Nashville Derby Picks — Betting Preview and Predictions (Aug 30)

One of the hottest races of the season is set for Kentucky Downs on August 30, as the Nashville Derby will be contested over a distance of 1 5/16 miles. The race is the richest race of the season at the Kentucky track, with $3.5 million up for grabs in prize money. You can find the odds and picks for the Grade Three here.

Odds

Nashville Derby Recent Winners

Nashville Derby: Event Information

Race Preview

The Nashville Derby has been an excellent addition to the racing schedule in the United States, with the contest replacing the Dueling Grounds Derby in 2024. The significant purse on offer means that there are international raiders involved this weekend, and plenty of interesting contenders that were previously involved on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.

Wimbledon Hawkeye is an obvious favorite this weekend, with Frankie Dettori booked aboard the James Owen runner. The three-year-old has been involved in some of the biggest races on the UK schedule this season, including when third behind recent winner Pride of Arras in the G2 Dante, and second behind recent American winner El Cordobes in the G2 Prince of Wales’s Stakes. Plenty of substance to his form.

Test Score is the leading American chance this weekend based on the odds. The Graham Motion runner was last seen finishing a close third behind World Beater in the G1 Saratoga Derby. Up in distance today, and that should suit his chances of scoring in a third stakes race.

Final Gambit is one of a number of runners that were previously pointed toward the Kentucky Derby. The three-year-old has flattered to deceive on the turf to this point, most recently finishing fifth in the G1 Saratoga Derby. Sandman could be a more interesting newcomer on the turf this weekend.

Burnham Square could be an interesting angle this weekend. The three-year-old was last seen finishing fifth of eight in the G1 Haskell behind Journalism, but he showed plenty of promise earlier this term. However, a first start on the turf does raise questions.

Nashville Derby Picks

Wimbledon Hawkeye deserves plenty of respect this weekend, but at the prices, I would prefer to take a chance on Hill Road. The Chad Brown runner started his career on the turf in Ireland, beating the impressive Aidan O’Brien-trained Shackleton on debut.

Has since come up short on the dirt, including when third behind Sovereignty in the G2 Jim Dandy last month. Back on the turf this weekend, and has a very obvious chance on the strength of his Irish form.