Saturday afternoon, Chicago time, the Derby trail and the Oaks trail return stateside, to Gulfstream Park.  Their three-year-old preps — and their winter Championship meet — draw to a close with the Florida Derby (G1) and the Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2).

The Florida Derby, particularly, has long been a top-flight Kentucky Derby prep.  Its importance has been as strong as ever in recent years.  In the five editions of the Kentucky Derby since the points system started, three Florida Derby winners have earned the roses a month later, and several of this year’s top contenders will take their final tune-up in Hallandale Beach.

Head over to Picks and Ponderings, read my preview of the Florida Derby and the Gulfstream Park Oaks, and let me know your thoughts in the comments!