- Trainer PPs UPDATED
- Sire PPs UPDATED
2026 Holy Bull Stakes (G3): Official Field and Analysis
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UPDATE: Click here for the full 2026 Holy Bull Results and Payouts
The Road to the Kentucky Derby officially begins in earnest on Saturday, January 31 in South Florida at Gulfstream Park with the 37th running of the Grade 3 Holy Bull Stakes. As the primary local prep for the Fountain of Youth and Florida Derby, it’s a high-stakes talent filter for sophomores looking to secure their spot in the starting gate at Churchill Downs.
Brad Cox will send out the favorite in Cannoneer (5-2), who retains the services of Irad Ortiz, Jr., after earning a 100+ speed figure in his 7 furlong maiden victory at Churchill last time out. He appears to be the horse to beat. Todd Pletcher’s Nearly (3-1) drew perfectly in post 7 and has massive gate speed and expect John Velazquez to send him early to clear the field before the first turn. The rail challenge will be from Incredibolt (7-2), the most accomplished runner who must navigate a tricky trip from the rail. He’s a horse that prefers to come from off the pace and will need a masterful ride from Torres to avoid being pinned inside. Handicappers should keep an eye on cross-entered Buetane (4-1). If Baffert keeps him in Florida rather than shipping to Oaklawn for the Southwest Stakes, he adds significant early pressure to the pace.
The 1 1/16-mile start is notoriously short before the first turn. Speed from the inside or tactical position from the mid-pack is essential.
2026 Holy Bull Stakes (G3) – Race 12 Official Entries, Post Positions & Morning Line Odds
Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
Track: Gulfstream Park | Distance: 1 1/16 Miles (Dirt)
Purse: $275,000 | Derby Points: 20-10-6-4-2
Post Time: 5:45 PM EST (Approx.)
| PP | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Opening Odds* | Notes |
| 1 | Incredibolt | Riley Mott | Jaime A. Torres | 7-2 | G3 Street Sense winner; drew the rail but is a deep closer. |
| 2 | Roger That Dana | Luis M. Ramirez | Renzo Rojas Pinzon | 20-1 | 2nd in Mucho Macho Man; adds experience but faces tougher company. |
| 3 | Project Ace | Dale L. Romans | Corey J. Lanerie | 15-1 | Churchill maiden winner; Romans is dangerous with prices in FL. |
| 4 | Global Aviator | Rohan Crichton | Joe Bravo | 8-1 | The “Wiseguy” horse; earned 85 Beyer in debut win. |
| 5 | Cannoneer | Brad H. Cox | Irad Ortiz, Jr. | 5-2 | Morning Line Favorite; earned 100 Brisnet Speed Fig breaking maiden. |
| 6 | Buetane | Bob Baffert | Joel Rosario | 4-1 | Cross-entered in Southwest Stakes (Oaklawn). G1 Hopeful runner-up. |
| 7 | Nearly | Todd A. Pletcher | John R. Velazquez | 3-1 | Won last two by 14+ lengths combined; the speed of the race. |
| 8 | Bravaro | Saffie A. Joseph, Jr. | Tyler Gaffalione | 6-1 | Undefeated NY-Bred (2-for-2); Saffie Joseph is 28% at the meet. |
| 9 | Game for It | Chad Summers | Junior Alvarado | 12-1 | Aqueduct maiden winner shipping in for open stakes company. |
Notable Winners
The Holy Bull has a storied history of identifying future legends. It’s been twenty years since Barbaro went on to win the Kentucky Derby after winning the Holy Bull. Before that, in 1994, Go for Gin won the Holy Bull on his way to victory in the Kentucky Derby. Since then, others have gotten close in the Derby.
| Year | Horse | Derby Finish |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Tiz the Law | 2nd |
| 2018 | Audible | 3rd |
| 2006 | Barbaro | 1st |
| 1994 | Go for Gin | 1st |
Get the Edge. Bet the Edge.
Click here to access racing data for the Holy Bull Stakes. See the free past performances for Saffie Joseph or Brad Cox.
Late-Breaking Update: Holy Bull Field Scratches Down to Seven
