Historians will notice that no Gotham Stakes winner has gained the Kentucky Derby introduced by Woodford Reserve since Immortal Secretariat in 1973. However coach Chad Brown believes that streak may very well be damaged by 3-year-old Iron Honor, winner of the 2026 Group III $300,000 Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct.
A son of 2016 Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist, this was his second begin in his profession, however he made a run for it within the closing levels and gained Gotham by one size as the favourite with 4 wins and 5 losses ($3.88 to win). The victory assured Brown that the St. Elias Secure, William Lawrence and Grassman Racing-owned colt is assured a spot within the Grade 2 Wooden Memorial Stakes at Aqueduct on April 4 at 1 1/8 miles, adopted by presumably the Kentucky Derby.
“Wooden is certainly on the radar. He intends to remain in New York and I would not rule out a Derby,” Brown stated. “He gained numerous expertise at this time. There’s numerous groundwork. He is been below our care because the summer time and has had two good races. Wooden will educate us rather a lot.”
Gotham is barely his second profession begin for Iron Honor, who posted spectacular pace in his debut within the six-furlong maiden particular class race at Massive A on Dec. 13.
“I believed he had a fantastic run. He confirmed numerous coronary heart. He’ll be higher for the race,” Brown stated. “I believe he can actually transfer ahead.”
In principle, the Kentucky Derby can be Iron Honor’s fourth profession begin, however Brown is undaunted by that.
“This horse was bred for lengthy distances and appeared enthusiastic about galloping longer distances,” coach Brown stated. He additionally trains the main paladin of the Triple Crown candidates to suit varied strains.
Iron Honor and jockey Manny Franco battled for the lead with Crown the Buckeye in instances of 46.30 seconds and 1:11.45 in a head-to-head contest. Iron Honor ultimately took the lead within the remaining furlong, posting a time of 1:37.94 on the well-rated observe.
“I believe this horse can run a mile and an eighth,” Franco stated. “There’s nonetheless room for enchancment. Race by race, he is studying.”
With Gotham awarding Kentucky Derby qualifying factors of 50-25-15-10-5 to the highest 5 finishers and 50 factors to the winner, Iron Honor will possible end within the high 20 for the Triple Crown’s first crown on Might 2nd.
Crown the Buckeye completed second with 25 factors and has a complete of 28 factors on the Highway to the Kentucky Derby leaderboard, however will not be nominated as a Triple Crown horse. Proper to Social gathering completed third by 6 1/2 lengths, however was additionally not nominated for the Spring Traditional.
