Incredibolt Headlines Competitive Field for 2026 Holy Bull Stakes,Launching Kentucky Derby season at Gulfstream Park
The Grade 3,$275,000 Holy bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park marks the official kickoff to the Kentucky Derby qualifying season,and a field of nine promising three-year-olds are set to compete for valuable points on Saturday. Leading the charge is Incredibolt, fresh off a victory in the Grade 3 Street Sense at Churchill Downs on October 26, and poised to make his sophomore debut.
The 1 1/16-mile dirt race will award 20,10,6,4,and 2 points to the top five finishers,setting the stage for a thrilling run to the first Saturday in May. Incredibolt, a son of Bolt d’Oro trained by Riley Mott, demonstrated a powerful late-closing style in the Street Sense, surging from last to first to win by 1 3/4 lengths. Jockey Jaime Torres, who has been in the saddle for all three of Incredibolt’s starts, will retain the mount.
However, the path to the winner’s circle won’t be easy. A notable contender initially slated to participate, Buetane, trained by Bob Baffert, has been withdrawn from the race after his flight to Florida was canceled. Despite this change, the field remains stacked with talent, including Bravaro, the onyl other stakes winner in the lineup. Trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., Bravaro broke his maiden on debut in September and followed up with a win in the Sleepy Hollow on October 25. He will be ridden by Tyler Gaffalione as he steps up to face open company for the first time.
Another horse to watch is Nearly, a trainee of Todd Pletcher, who has shown important enhancement in recent starts at Gulfstream park. After a disappointing debut at Aqueduct in October, Nearly has secured two victories, including an allowance race on January 2. John Velazquez will be aboard, aiming to continue the colt’s upward trajectory.
Adding to the intrigue is Cannoneer, described as a “buzz horse” for trainer Brad Cox. This son of Into Mischief boasts an extraordinary pedigree, being a half-brother to multiple graded stakes winners, and comes off a dominant maiden special weight victory at Churchill Downs on November 29. Irad Ortiz Jr. will once again guide Cannoneer as he faces winners for the first time.
The Holy Bull is the first of three significant Kentucky Derby prep races at Gulfstream park, followed by the Fountain of Youth (G2) on February 28 and the Florida Derby (G1) on March 28.The Fountain of Youth offers 50 points to the winner, while the Florida Derby boasts a significant 100 points, making these races crucial stepping stones toward the Kentucky Derby.
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The full field, with post positions, trainers, and jockeys, is as follows:
- Incredibolt (Bolt d’Oro), Riley Mott, Jaime Torres
- Roger That (Dana Awesome Slew), Luis M. Ramirez, R. rojas
- Project Ace (War of Will), Dale L. Romans, Corey J. Lanerie
- Global Aviator (Global Campaign), Rohan G. Crichton, Joe Bravo
- Cannoneer (Into Mischief), Brad H. Cox, irad Ortiz, Jr.
- Buetane (Tiz the Law), Bob Baffert, Joel Rosario (Withdrawn)
- Nearly (Not This Time), Todd A. Pletcher, John R. Velazquez
- Bravaro (Upstart), Saffie A. Joseph, Jr., Tyler Gaffalione
- Game For It (Known Agenda), Chad Summers, Junior Alvarado
With a compelling mix of seasoned stakes performers and promising newcomers, the Holy Bull stakes promises an exciting start to the road to the Kentucky Derby.
