It's that time of the year again. The chase for the Kentucky Derby (G1) officially begins Sept. 13 with the $300,000 Iroquois Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs, the first points race for the Triple Crown class of 2026. A field of 10 will compete at a one-turn mile, a distance that could speak volumes for a juvenile's chances of stretching out to two turns.
The Iroquois offers Derby points to the top five finishers on a 10-5-3-2-1 basis.
1. Nothing Personal: Was an easy winner of his debut at Colonial Downs with one of the best speed figures in the field. The rail can pose a problem in a one-turn mile, but he should be a key threat here.
JOCKEY: Jaime Rodriguez; TRAINER: Greg Compton
2. Sometime: Won his Colonial debut in a dead-heat and then finished third in a turf stakes. Think his future is on dirt so he should move forward in a return to the main track.
JOCKEY: Luan Machado; TRAINER: Mark Simms Jr.
3. No More Cents: Was well-beaten in an Ohio-bred stakes last time but did put in a nice workout for this. Could bounce back with a top effort.
JOCKEY: Irad Ortiz Jr.; TRAINER: Ken McPeek
4. So Special: Moves to dirt after a maiden win on turf. His pedigree indicates the switch should be beneficial.
JOCKEY: Brian J. Hernandez Jr.; TRAINER: Ken McPeek
5. Spice Runner: After a dull try in the Bashford Manor Stakes, bounced back with a second in the Ellis Park Juvenile Stakes. Should be part of the early pace and could hang around until the end.
JOCKEY: Jose Ortiz; TRAINER: Steve Asmussen
6. Shake and Rattle: Was a distant fourth in the Ellis Park Juvenile and was fifth on the turf last time. Not a lot to like.
JOCKEY: James Graham; TRAINER: Keith Desormeaux
7. Comport: Won the Ellis Park Juvenile by two lengths after a second in the Bashford Manor. Seems like the added distance will not faze him and looks like the one to beat.
JOCKEY: Tyler Gaffalione; TRAINER: Eddie Kenneally
8. Vost: Rallied from 10th to win his debut at Ellis Park, but the speed figure earned in that race leaves him a cut below the top contenders.
JOCKEY: Florent Geroux; TRAINER: William Walden
9. Nine Ball: Also rallied from the back of the pack to win his Ellis Park debut. Time was better than Vost's, but will need to a take a step forward to register a win over this field.
JOCKEY: Jaime Torres; TRAINER: Riley Mott
10. Maximus Prime: Winless in three tries but was second in the Kentucky Juvenile Stakes on this track. Could be a threat with his best try.
JOCKEY: Luis Saez; TRAINER: Anthony Mitchell
THE PICK: Comport
LIVE LONGSHOT: So Special
SUPERFECTA: 7-1-5-4
