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UAE Derby Picks, Odds & Preview (Mar 28)

By · Updated 1 day ago

International action on the Road to the Kentucky Derby 2026 is set for Meydan this weekend, as the G2 UAE Derby offers 100 qualifying points for the opening leg of the Triple Crown. Find the odds, and our picks for the UAE Derby here.

UAE Derby: How to Watch

  • When: Saturday, March 28, 2026 @ 9:30 AM ET
  • Where: Meydan, Dubai, UAE    
  • How to Watch: FanDuel TV

UAE Derby Odds

HorseOdds
Pyromancer+225
Six Speed+275
Salloom+350
Devon Island+800
Labwah+1000
Brotherly Love+1200
Wonder Dean+1200
Other Selections+2500 & Bigger

Race Information & Records

StatInformation
Race Distance1 3/16 Miles
Purse$2,500,000
Most Successful TrainerSaeed bin Suroor (8)
Most Successful JockeyChristophe Soumillon (3)
Kentucky Derby Qualifying Points100-50-25-15-10

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UAE Derby: Recent Winners

YearWinnerJockeyTrainer
2025Admire DaytonaChristophe LemaireYukihiro Kato
2024Forever YoungRyusei SakaiYoshito Yahagi
2023Derma SotogakeChristophe LemaireHidetaka Otonashi
2022Crown PrideDamian LaneKoichi Shintani

Race Preview

Key prep races ahead of the 2026 Kentucky Derby are set for the U.S. this weekend, but international challengers will be aiming to secure their starting berth in the race at Churchill Downs in Meydan. The UAE Derby has produced some high-quality winners, including Breeders’ Cup champions such as Forever Young and Rebel’s Romance.

Keiji Yoshimura-trained Pyrodancer is the most interesting runner on Saturday. The three-year-old has followed the Forever Young path to the UAE Derby, showing impressive late speed on his previous start to land the G1 Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun. Is a perfect three-from-three under rules, and this Godolphin-owned colt could be a big market mover in the Derby betting on Saturday.

Bhupat Seemar saddles two noteworthy challengers on Saturday, with Salloom being the ride of Tadhg O’Shea. However, Six Speed is his most fascinating contender. The son of Not This Time holds an RPR of 119, and has won three from four on the all-weather. Last time out, he impressively beat the re-opposing Devon Island by five lengths in the G3 UAE 2000 Guineas.

But, there would be no surprises to see the Charlie Appleby-trained runner reverse that form. Devon Island was returned following a break when beaten over the mile, and as a son of Practical Joke, he is open to improvement now stepping up in distance.

Previous course and distance winners Labwah and Brotherly Love are interesting, with the latter representing the Jamie Osborne yard, who were second in this race 12 months ago.

UAE Derby Picks

Japan could have a new Kentucky Derby hope on Saturday. Pyrodancer looks like a well-bred challenger for a respected yard, and his performances on track to this point indicate that further improvement should be expected at Meydan this weekend.

Free Pick:

Alex Dudley
Contributor Alex has covered huge sporting events for various websites and publications. He has attended football European Championships, Rugby League and Union World Cups, and the Paralympics. Alex is dedicated to giving the most insightful tips for VegasOdds readers and specialises in horse racing, soccer, golf and basketball.