Hillbilly Royalty Trying to Make the Grade in $250,000 Iowa Derby

Hillbilly Royalty has been tabbed as the morning line favorite at odds of 7-2 in the wide open field for trainer Donnie Von Hemel. A gelded son of Langfuhr, he has won three of his six starts and will be trying to earn the first graded stakes victory of his career. Last time out, he won the Prairie Mile over a field of eight rivals. Luis Quinonez, his regular rider, will be aboard and they are scheduled to break from post position three.

Paid Admission trying to earn his first stakes win

Second choice at 9-2 on the morning line is Paid Admission for trainer Chris Richard. A bay son of Candy Ride, he has won two of his eleven starts and will be trying to earn his first stakes victory. Last time out, he was second in the Prairie Mile and won an optional claiming race in his previous start. Ramon Vazquez will be in the irons and they will break from post position nine as he goes for his third victory.

Step up in class for well-bred Alabaster

Also in the field at morning line odds of 12-1 is Alabaster for trainer Eoin Harty. A dark bay son of Medaglia d’Oro, he has won two of his eight starts and will be stepping up to stakes competition for the first time following a runner-up effort in an optional claiming race on the turf at Arlington Park. He will switch to the main track and have Julio Felix aboard carrying the Godolphin silks from post four.