The heart of the fall horse racing calendar beats loudest in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, this weekend. Parx Racing, the home of the Pennsylvania Derby, is poised to host one of the most significant races for three-year-olds outside of the Triple Crown and the Breeders’ Cup.
The $1 million Grade 1 Pennsylvania Derby represents a final, crucial opportunity for the division's top contenders to cement their legacy and prove their mettle against a challenging, deep field of rivals. Whether you are a seasoned handicapper or a casual fan looking for a high-stakes thrill, this article is your definitive guide to understanding everything about the main event.
We will break down how to watch the action, analyze the whole field, and give you the key insights you need to get the most out of this spectacular day of racing and start planning your Pennsylvania Derby betting strategy. Before making any decisions, check out the latest Pennsylvania Derby odds right here.
How to Watch the 2025 Pennsylvania Derby: Schedule and Date
Prepare for a full day of elite racing on Saturday, September 20, 2025, with the Pennsylvania Derby as the centerpiece. The entire card, which also features the Grade 1 Cotillion Stakes for three-year-old fillies. The Pennsylvania Derby itself is the 14th of 15 races on the program, with an approximate post time of 6:00 p.m. EST. This primetime slot gives fans across the country ample opportunity to tune in and experience the excitement. For those who prefer to stream the action, the BUSR Experience platform provides a seamless, high-quality broadcast available for race day. If you are looking to place a wager, the most up-to-date Pennsylvania Derby odds will be live on the platform throughout the day, so you can lock in your picks well before the gate opens.
Expected Weather for Pennsylvania Derby Day
Weather always plays a critical role in horse racing, influencing track conditions and impacting how trainers and jockeys approach the race. Fortunately for fans and horsemen, the forecast for Saturday, September 20, 2025, in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, looks ideal. We are expecting sunny skies with a high temperature of 73 degrees Fahrenheit (23°C). The humidity will be manageable at around 70%, with a light easterly wind of 8 mph.
These conditions suggest a fast and dry main track, which should allow all contenders to show their very best without any mitigating factors. A fast track eliminates excuses and rewards the best horse, ensuring a fair and competitive race. This also provides a stable foundation for your Pennsylvania Derby betting, as you won't need to factor in potential mud or a sloppy track into your handicapping.
Full Field Odds and Expert Breakdown
The 2025 Pennsylvania Derby has drawn a stellar field of ten talented contenders, all looking to make their mark on the season's final major Grade 1 for three-year-old colts. Each horse brings a unique set of skills, a different form of cycle, and a compelling story.
The latest morning-line Pennsylvania Derby odds reflect a competitive race, with a couple of strong favorites and a host of live longshots ready to spring an upset. The quality of the field makes this a prime opportunity for savvy bettors to find value. The odds listed below are the official morning-line odds. Always shop around for the best prices when you bet on the Pennsylvania Derby.
- Baeza (2-1 Morning-Line Odds)
- Trainer: John A. Shirreffs
- Jockey: Hector Isaac Berrios
- Analysis: The morning-line favorite comes from the barn of the legendary John Shirreffs, a trainer known for his patience and ability to get his horses to peak at the right time. Baeza’s consistency has been its most impressive asset this year. He has not finished worse than third in his last four starts, including a runner-up finish in the Grade 1 Haskell Stakes. He possesses a closing kick that is devastatingly effective when the pace is fast, and he thrives on a long stretch run. Berrios, a top-tier international rider, has a fantastic feel for this horse, and they have developed a formidable partnership. If the early leaders hook up and set a quick pace, watch for Baeza to loom as a massive threat in the final turn. His formidable late speed gives him a significant edge.
- Goal Oriented (5-2 Morning-Line Odds)
- Trainer: Bob Baffert
- Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
- Analysis: No race is complete without a top contender from the Bob Baffert barn. Goal Oriented enters the Pennsylvania Derby as a formidable second choice. He is a speedy colt with the tactical versatility to sit right off the pace or go to the lead if no one else wants it. His last start, a hard-fought third in the Haskell, proved he can compete at the highest level. Irad Ortiz Jr. takes the mount, and his presence on a horse is always a major plus. Ortiz is one of the most aggressive and successful jockeys in the sport, and his ability to put a horse in the perfect spot is second to none. Goal Oriented’s raw talent and pedigree suggest he has the potential to dominate. The jockey-trainer combination makes this horse a dangerous threat to win.
- Magnitude (6-1 Morning-Line Odds)
- Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen
- Jockey: Ben Curtis
- Analysis: A Grade 2 winner in the Risen Star, Magnitude looked like a top Triple Crown contender early in the year. A minor physical setback forced a layoff, but he returned to the track with a solid effort in the Travers Stakes. He is a classic grinder, a horse who wears down his competition with a relentless, sustained run. The shorter 1 1/8-mile distance of the Pennsylvania Derby should be much more to his liking than the 1 1/4 miles of the Travers. Trainer Steve Asmussen has a fantastic record with horses coming back from a break. Ben Curtis, a talented and patient rider, has been working with Magnitude in the morning, and they have developed a good rapport. His odds make him an enticing prospect for Pennsylvania Derby betting.
- Big Truzz (10-1 Morning-Line Odds)
- Trainer: Brian A. Lynch
- Jockey: Javier Castellano
- Analysis: Big Truzz comes into this race after a smashing victory in the Ellis Park Derby, where he put everything together to deliver a career-best performance. He is an imposing colt with a powerful stride, and his connections have high hopes for him. His style is to get out and be a presence on the front end, but he has the stamina to carry his speed over a distance. The engagement of Hall of Fame jockey Javier Castellano is a massive vote of confidence from trainer Brian Lynch. Castellano has a knack for winning big races and knows precisely when to press the button. At double-digit odds, Big Truzz represents a serious value play for those looking for an upset. His recent form suggests he is sitting on another considerable effort.
- David of Athens (12-1 Morning-Line Odds)
- Trainer: Brendan P. Walsh
- Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
- Analysis: This lightly raced colt makes his graded stakes debut in a Grade 1, a testament to the high regard in which trainer Brendan Walsh holds him. David of Athens broke his maiden in an allowance race at Ellis Park by a sensational margin, earning a career-high speed figure in the process. He has since trained lights-out and looks like a horse with a tremendous amount of upside. Tyler Gaffalione, the leading jockey at several meets this year, gets the call. His aggressive style and ability to ride a horse to its maximum potential could be the winning combination. The biggest question mark for David of Athens is the jump in class, but if he handles it, he could be a significant threat. He is an intriguing option when looking at the Pennsylvania Derby odds.
- Mo Plex (12-1 Morning-Line Odds)
- Trainer: Jeremiah C. Englehart
- Jockey: Joseph D. Ramos
- Analysis: Mo Plex enters the Pennsylvania Derby as a proven commodity with five wins from nine starts. He is a gritty and determined horse who finds ways to get it done, whether leading from the front or stalking from just off the pace. His win in the Ohio Derby was a statement performance. The New York-bred has shown he can handle tough competition and is always a fighter in the stretch. Trainer Jeremiah Englehart has brought him along steadily, and he has matured into a formidable competitor. Jockey Joseph Ramos rides him with confidence and has built a strong relationship with the horse. He could easily hit the board at a nice price.
- So Sandy (15-1 Morning-Line Odds)
- Trainer: Cherie DeVaux
- Jockey: Kendrick Carmouche
- Analysis: So Sandy has shown significant improvement in his recent starts, culminating in a solid runner-up finish in the Curlin Stakes. His newfound affinity for a pressing style has unlocked his potential, and he has a knack for finding the wire. Trainer Cherie DeVaux has done a fantastic job of getting him to focus and run to his best ability. Local hero Kendrick Carmouche gets the ride, and he knows the Parx oval like the back of his hand. His local knowledge and experience can provide a significant advantage in a race like this. So Sandy will need to run the race of his life, but he is a horse on the rise and could surprise.
- Happily Delusional (30-1 Morning-Line Odds)
- Trainer: Louis C. Linder Jr.
- Jockey: Paco Lopez
- Analysis: Happily Delusional, a true longshot, has shown glimpses of talent but has yet to compete at this high level. While his record may not jump off the page, his connections clearly believe he is ready to take a shot. Jockey Paco Lopez, a Parx regular, will give him every chance. Lopez is known for his aggressive rides and could put Happily Delusional in a position to steal the show if the pace falls apart. He is a longshot for a reason, but in horse racing, anything can happen.
- Altobelli (50-1 Morning-Line Odds)
- Trainer: James E. Nicholson Jr.
- Jockey: Angel Castillo
- Analysis: Altobelli represents the longest shot on the board and for good reason. His career earnings are modest, and he has never raced at a distance close to this. However, his presence at the gate is a testament to the dreams and aspirations of his connections. He will be looking to get on or near the early lead. It is implausible that he can hold off the late charges of the more accomplished runners. For those who enjoy a true longshot, he's a flyer, but he will need a monumental improvement to factor in the final standings.
Past Winners of the Pennsylvania Derby
To truly appreciate the magnitude of the Pennsylvania Derby, one must look at the history of its winners. The race has a rich tradition of crowning champions and future stars, serving as a stepping stone for horses destined for greatness. The list of past winners is a who's who of some of the sport's most impressive horses.
- 2024 - Seize the Grey: This horse, trained by the legendary D. Wayne Lukas, became a fan favorite with his gritty, workmanlike performances. Seize the Grey had already captured a Grade 1 that year, and his victory in the Pennsylvania Derby solidified his status as one of the best of his generation. His win demonstrated that a horse with a consistent work ethic and a well-managed campaign can outshine more flashy competitors.
- 2023 - Saudi Crown: Saudi Crown came into the race with a reputation for speed and a powerful front-running style. He did not disappoint, setting a fast pace and holding off all challengers with a tenacious display of stamina and determination. His victory showcased the importance of early position and the ability to handle pressure on the lead, proving that speed can and often does carry over a distance when a horse has enough heart.
- 2022 - Taiba: In a dominant performance, the Bob Baffert-trained Taiba put his immense talent on full display. He sat off at a quick pace before unleashing a furious run to win by a comfortable margin. Taiba's victory was a perfect example of a top-class horse with elite closing speed. His performance stamped him as a serious contender for Horse of the Year honors and solidified his place in the history books.
- 2021 - Hot Rod Charlie: The Pennsylvania Derby was a high point in the long and productive career of Hot Rod Charlie. He battled with a rival down the stretch in one of the most exciting races of the year, showing immense courage and a relentless will to win. His victory was a testament to his toughness and gave his fans a final hurrah before a successful stallion career.
- 2019 - Math Wizard: This was a story for the ages. Math Wizard, a 31-1 longshot, came from nowhere to stun the racing world with a stunning upset. He proved that anything is possible in horse racing and that the best horses don't always win. It was a reminder that even the biggest longshots deserve a look in your handicapping.
Gulfstream Park Awaits for Race Weekend Action
The 2025 Pennsylvania Derby is more than just a race; it is a showcase of speed, stamina, and heart. A fantastic day of racing awaits, full of opportunities to watch the sport’s future stars and to find value in your wagers. From the live coverage on BUSR Experience to the thrilling finish on the Parx main track, this is an event you simply cannot miss. Remember to check the final Pennsylvania Derby odds before post time and get ready to bet on the Pennsylvania Derby. Whether you're a new fan or a seasoned pro, the time to get in on the action is now. Sign up today and experience the thrill of victory!
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
