The $1 million Pennsylvania Derby at Parx Racing has grown into a key Grade 1 race for 3-year-olds, offering a crucial chance for horses from the Triple Crown trail or late bloomers to secure a major route race victory before facing older horses in marquee events like the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Recent winners include notable horses such as Seize the Grey, Harlan’s Holiday, and Saudi Crown. The race is part of a strong Parx card that also features the Grade 1 Cotillion Stakes for fillies, with coverage available on FanDuel TV and previews on the Hot 2 Trot podcast.

This year’s Pennsylvania Derby field includes ten contenders with varied profiles. Favorites like Goal Oriented (5-2) and Baeza (2-1) bring strong credentials, with Goal Oriented trained by Bob Baffert and Baeza closely related to recent classic winners. Other notable entrants include Magnitude, a talented but lightly raced colt returning from injury, and Gosger, a consistent stalker with multiple graded stakes placings. Longshots such as So Sandy and Altobelli face significant challenges stepping up in class and distance. Overall, the race promises a competitive test of speed and stamina among rising 3-year-olds aiming for a breakthrough Grade 1 win.