Gufstream Park is the second to last East Coast Derby prep stop, where a nine horse field is set to contest the Grade 1, $1 million Florida Derby. Run at 1 1/8 miles, the race offers 100-50-25-15-10 qualifying points to the top five finishers and has long served as one of the defining preps on the Kentucky Derby trail, with this year’s edition shaping up as one of the most competitive yet.

Chief Wallabee will enter as the 2-1 morning-line favorite as one of the most lightly raced but highly regarded runners in the field. Trained by Bill Mott, the colt has made just two career starts but already flashed significant ability, including a runner-up finish in the Fountain of Youth. He showed professionalism in that effort but could not get past Commandment late, leaving the question of whether he can take the next step against a deeper group at this stage of his development.

Commandment, trained by Brad Cox, comes into the race in peak form following his victory in the Fountain of Youth, extending his winning streak to three after finishing just out of the money in his debut last October at Keeneland. He has already proven himself over the Gulfstream surface and showed the ability to finish strongly with that win over Chief Wallabee, as well as a prior 6 3/4-length victory in the Mucho Macho Man Stakes,traits that become increasingly important as distances stretch out. With experience and momentum on his side, he figures to be a central figure once again.

Nearly enters with a similarly strong profile, bringing a three-race winning streak of his own into the race, highlighted by a victory in the Holy Bull by 5 3/4 lenthgs. Trained by Todd Pletcher, he has progressed steadily throughout the winter and appears to be developing at the right time. His running style and consistency give him a legitimate chance to capitalize if the race unfolds with pressure among the leaders.

The Puma adds another layer of intrigue after capturing the Tampa Bay Derby earlier this month. Trained by Gustavo Delgado, he brings a different form line into this race, and his ability to translate that success against this group will be a key factor. If he moves forward off that effort, he has every right to be competitive in a field without a clear standout. Though Delgado and connections can slightly relax, knowing The Puma already has enough points to be at the gate come Derby time.

Others in the field, including Albus, Wayne’s Law, Redland Rebels, and Timeless Victory, will need to take a step forward to contend, though races at this stage of the season often produce unexpected results as developing horses continue to improve.

Horses exiting the Florida Derby have gone on to win the Kentucky Derby 25 times, an impressive figure considering the race didn’t debut until 1952. Whether Chief Wallabee, Commandment, or another runner from this field can become number twenty-six remains to be seen.