The 1 1⁄16-mile Tampa Bay Derby (G3) is Saturday at Tampa Bay Downs.

The race has long existed in the shadow of richer Kentucky Derby (G1) prep races at neighboring Gulfstream Park.

But despite facing fierce competition to attract the best three-year-olds in Florida, the Tampa Bay Derby has more than held its own as a productive prep for the First Saturday in May.

First held in 1981, the Tampa Bay Derby got off to a quick start when 1982 winner REINVESTED went on to finish 3rd in the Run for the Roses.

But the race really took off around the turn of the century when several Tampa Bay Derby runners went on to hit the board in the Kentucky Derby, prompting the race to receive Grade 3 status in 2002.

This upgrade, coupled with steady purse increases, compelled better horses to target the Tampa Bay Derby. 2006 runner-up BLUEGRASS CAT gave the race a boost when finishing 2nd in the Kentucky Derby, and STREET SENSE went one better in 2007, winning both the Tampa Bay Derby and the Kentucky Derby.

Trainer Todd Pletcher has been the most successful conditioner of Tampa Bay Derby champions, winning with LIMEHOUSE in 2004 before saddling four winners during a five-year span from 2013 to 2017. Pletcher also saddled 2010 TBD 3rd-place finisher SUPER SAVER, who went on to claim the 2010 Kentucky Derby.

The Tampa Bay Derby, a Grade 3 event with a $400,000 dollar purse, has grown in significance on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, offering 50-20-15-10-5 qualifying points to the top five finishers.

The race’s unique characteristics — including Tampa Bay Downs‘ deep, demanding surface and two-turn configuration — have proven excellent preparation for Churchill Downs.