It's Official: Pennsylvania Derby Now Worth $750,000

Hal Handel, chief executive officer of Philadelphia Park, confirmed Thursday the Pennsylvania Derby (gr. III), set for Labor Day, will have its purse increased from $500,000 to $750,000 "no matter who runs."

Earlier this week, trainer Bobby Frankel indicated he would likely send Haskell Invitational Handicap (gr. I) winner Peace Rules to the Pennsylvania Derby if its purse was $750,000.

This will be the first purse increase for the 1 1/8-mile Pennsylvania Derby since 2001, when it was boosted from $300,000 to $500,000.

Among the 3-year-olds considering the race are recent Canadian Triple Crown winner Wando, grade I winner Toccet, unbeaten Grande Hombre, who is based at Monmouth Park with trainer Dennis Manning, and Peace Rules.

Dual classic winner Funny Cide was nominated to the race, but is expected to start in the Aug. 23 Travers Stakes (gr. I) if he recovers sufficiently from a fever contracted the morning after the Haskell.