Expert Pick of the Week: 2025 Virginia Derby

Mar 13, 2025 John Mucciolo/TwinSpires.com

Getaway Car winning the Best Pal (G3) at Del Mar (Photo by Benoit Photo)

A talented group of nine sophomores will go postward in Saturday’s $500,000 Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs. The 1 1/8-mile feature is a part of the 2025 Road to the Kentucky Derby challenge series and will reward the top five across the line with qualifying points toward the Run for the Roses on a 50-25-15-10-5 structure.

Grade 3 star Getaway Car ships in from the west for trainer Bob Baffert. By Curlin, the $700,000 yearling purchase boasts the best resume in the cast and comes off a game score in the Sunland Park Derby last time out. The bay colt has run with the best horses in his crop since his two-year-old season and has a great foundation under him, having four route races to his credit in preparation for this demanding contest. The Kentucky-bred colt has ample early foot and the benefit of being drawn outside of his other main pace rival in the tilt, and he continues to train forwardly, too. Top pilot Irad Ortiz, Jr. inherits the ride atop the talented sophomore.

"X" marks the spot, and trainer Bob Baffert is driving the "Getaway Car" to an 18th Del Mar Futurity win on Sunday. 🏇 🎶 https://t.co/HTltmAP8HA

— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) September 6, 2024

Jockey Flavien Prat lands on Oaklawn Park allowance winner Rapture, who is very intriguing to me. The Uncle Mo colt was a clear second in a smart debut offering while traveling one mile at Gulfstream Park on December 14, which preceded his romp in Arkansas on January 25. He gives every impression of a three-year-old that will prosper as the distances increase, and while this is a major class rise, the Kentucky-bred might be up to the task for Brad Cox.

Michael Gorham’s Omaha Omaha has improved his Brisnet Speed figure with each lifetime run and comes off placings in both the Jerome S. and Withers S. at Aqueduct as of late. The three-year-old son of Audible has five route races under his belt on the dirt in advance of this contest and has posted a trio of morning drills in preparation for this local bow, as well. This Virginia-bred bay is not swift from the gate but will be ranging up into contention approaching the turn for home, with Raul Mena accepting the mount.

Expert Pick

A trifecta with #6 Getaway Car on top of #4 Omaha Omaha and #7 Rapture in the 2025 Virginia Derby is the Expert Pick of the Week.