Picks: $800 Virginia Derby/Oaklawn KDBC Qualifier tournament

Saturday’s $800 Virginia Derby/Oaklawn KDBC Qualifier tournament on TwinSpires.com is a lucrative opportunity for bettors.

One or more entries into the 2026 Kentucky Derby Betting Challenge (KDBC) will be awarded to the top-ranked player(s). The entry fee for the KDBC is $5,000, so winning an entry in Saturday’s qualifier tournament is a great way to get in.

$800 Virginia Derby/Oaklawn KDBC Qualifier

The $800 Virginia Derby/Oaklawn KDBC Qualifier requires betting your entire $400 bankroll across at least six races at Colonial Downs and Oaklawn Park. Eligible races are Races 5-10 at Colonial and Races 6-11 at Oaklawn, and you must wager at least $30 in a given race for it to count toward the six-race minimum.

The feature event on Colonial’s card is Race 9, the Virginia Derby for three-year-olds racing 1 1/8 miles on dirt. #6 Lockstocknpharoah (5-1) is a compelling contender at a bit of a price. The son of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah is 2-for-2 on Tapeta, most recently wiring a $62,500 allowance optional claimer by 8 1/4 lengths. His pedigree suggests he’ll handle the switch to dirt, and since morning-line favorite #1 Buetane (5-2) isn’t certain to relish 1 1/8 miles, Lockstocknpharoah is an appealing alternative.

We suggest tournament players place a win bet on Lockstocknpharoah.

Colonial Downs: Race 9 wager

• $30 to win on #6 Lockstocknpharoah

At Oaklawn, we recommend getting involved in Race 8, the Purple Martin S. for three-year-old fillies dashing six furlongs on dirt. #1 River Wind (2-1) is a compelling favorite. She debuted in a maiden special weight over this track and distance on Feb. 16, and after setting a quick pace, she powered away to dominate by 8 1/4 lengths.

River Wind earned a 92 Brisnet Speed rating that ranks as the highest number in the Purple Martin field. Hot trainer Norm Casse strikes at a 23% rate with last-out maiden winners, so River Wind has a strong chance to remain unbeaten in the Purple Martin. Load up with a win bet on River Wind, then add an exacta using #4 Goodall (5-2) for second place:

Oaklawn Park: Race 8 wagers

• $24 to win on #1 River Wind
• $6 Exacta: 1 with 4
  Total: $30

Bonus: Oaklawn Park’s $8,725 Pick 6 carryover

Adding extra value to the Saturday action at Oaklawn is an $8,725 carryover in the $1 Classix Pick 6.

The sequence gets underway in Race 6 at 4:07 p.m. ET. We recommend building tickets around the above-mentioned River Wind in Race 8, singling her and counting on the promising filly to deliver victory at a short price.

Good luck!