The road to the Kentucky Derby is in full swing, and the excitement is building as Patch Adams leads a group of nine talented horses preparing for the upcoming $1 million Grade 3 Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn. This key race is a major step for Derby hopefuls to secure qualifying points and prove their potential.
Patch Adams’ Impressive Workout
Patch Adams, trained by Brad Cox, showed his readiness with a sharp five-furlong workout at Payson Park. He clocked the distance in 1:00.2, the fastest of 17 workouts on Sunday morning. Patch Adams has been steadily improving, and his recent seven-furlong maiden win at Churchill Downs highlights his growing talent.
Other Notable Contenders
Here are some standout horses also working hard for Derby success:
- Gunmetal: Another Brad Cox trainee, this Gun Runner colt breezed four furlongs in 49.6 seconds at Payson Park. Gunmetal impressed in his last start with a maiden win at Fair Grounds in December.
- Tappan Street: This Into Mischief colt matched Patch Adams’ five-furlong time of 1:00.2 at Payson Park. His last race saw him win a maiden event at Gulfstream Park.
- Clock Tower: A Grade 3 winner, Clock Tower worked five furlongs in 1:00.4 at Santa Anita, showing consistency after his victory in the Cecil B. DeMille Stakes at Del Mar.
- Romanesque: Placing second in the San Vicente (G2), Romanesque worked four furlongs in 48.6 seconds at Santa Anita. He is trained by Bob Baffert and is considered a strong contender.
The Path to the Southwest Stakes
The Southwest Stakes is a crucial prep race for the Kentucky Derby, offering valuable points (20-10-6-4-2) to the top five finishers. With $1 million on the line, the race will test these young horses’ ability to handle high-pressure competition and long-distance racing.
What’s at Stake
The Kentucky Derby is the ultimate goal for these 3-year-olds, and every workout and prep race brings them closer to that dream. The Southwest Stakes is a chance for these horses to showcase their skills, gain experience, and secure points to qualify for the prestigious Derby.
The road to the Kentucky Derby is packed with excitement, and the upcoming Southwest Stakes will give fans a closer look at some of the top contenders. From Patch Adams’ impressive workout to the consistent performances of rivals like Gunmetal and Romanesque, this race is shaping up to be a thrilling showdown. As these horses prepare to make their mark, their determination and hard work are setting the stage for an unforgettable Derby season.
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