My top ranked Kentucky Derby 2026 contender Paladin made his much anticipated return in the Grade 2 Risen Star at the Fair Grounds on Saturday, Feb. 14, and he stalked the pace and wore down Chip Honcho in a quality effort. In this report, I will recap the Risen Star and Sunland Park Derby, update the points standings, and share my exceptional eleven Derby contenders.
I cover all of the Kentucky Derby 2026 points races on my Runaway Horse video channel, and through 21 points races, my top choices have 8 wins, 3 runner-up finishes, and 2 show finishes. The next Derby points race is the John Battaglia Memorial at Turfway Park on Feb. 21.
Mesquite and Thunderously are both off the Derby trail. The former, trained by Cherie DeVaux, finished second in the Lecomte (G3) in January. He has a soft tissue injury and will be evaluated this week. The latter, a Bill Mott runner, easily won his dirt route debut at Gulfstream on Jan. 10 (88 BSF). He has an undisclosed injury and will be sidelined indefinitely.
Kentucky Derby 2026 Points Race Recaps
Grade 2 Risen Star at Fair Grounds (2-14-26): Chip Honcho (blinkers off) made the running and almost went all the way. Race favorite Paladin ($3.40) stalked from fourth and moved up to challenge Chip Honcho with three furlongs to go, and he gradually wore that one down to prevail by a half-length (93 BSF). Chip Honcho fought hard throughout and was clearly second best in a fine effort. Golden Tempo rallied from the back of the pack to secure the show and Universe was an even fourth. Carson Street (5th), Courting (6th), Quality Mischief (7th), and Colt Forty Seven (8th) also ran. Tyler Gaffalione rode the winner for Chad Brown. Paladin’s regular rider Flavien Prat was in Saudi Arabia on Saturday and he guided Nysos to a runner-up finish in the $20 million Saudi Cup. The Fair Grounds main track played to forwardly placed runners on Saturday and Gaffalione kept Paladin within striking range throughout. Fractions: 23.81, 47.49, 1:11.53, 1:36.37, 1:49.14.
No comments:
Post a Comment