HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Union Rags has been made the 6-5 morning-line favorite in a field of nine horses entered for the $1 million Florida Derby on Saturday.
The 1 1/8-mile Florida Derby is a major prep race for the Kentucky Derby on May 5.
Considered a leading contender for the Run for the Roses, Union Rags drew the No. 6 post at Wednesday’s post-position draw. The 3-year-old colt is trained by Michael Matz, who won the 2006 Florida Derby and the Kentucky Derby with Barbaro.
Union Rags will be ridden by Julien Leparoux.
Risen Star Stakes winner El Padrino is the 2-1 second choice.
The field, from the rail out, is Fort Loudon, News Pending, Take Charge Indy, Neck N’ Neck, Z Camelot, Union Rags, Bartolome, El Padrino and Reveron.
