Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Admiral Dennis wins second try

The week after the Breeders’ Cup tends to be a quiet one in U.S. horse racing. But “quiet” is relative; there’s never a dull moment where the Kentucky Derby (G1) is concerned.

On Nov. 12, 2023—eight days after the 2023 Breeders’ Cup concluded—an up-and-coming colt named Mystik Dan dominated a 5 1/2-furlong maiden special weight at Churchill Downs by 7 3/4 lengths. The powerful finishing speed he displayed hinted at his long-term potential, and less than six months later he battled to victory in the 2024 Kentucky Derby.

With this in mind, there’s at least a small chance we saw the 2025 Kentucky Derby winner break his (or potentially her) maiden during this past week. Two candidates in particular warrant attention, and both hail from the barns of Kentucky Derby-winning trainers.

At Churchill Downs, the star of the show was Admiral Dennis. Acquired for $425,000 as a yearling, the son of Florida Derby (G1) and Donn H. (G1) winner Constitution is the first foal produced by Cash Run S. winner Gulf Coast, a daughter of Belmont (G1) winner Union Rags.

Admiral Dennis debuted with a third-place finish in a 6 1/2-furlong maiden special weight on Sept. 19 at Churchill, a performance that was better than it first appears. Admiral Dennis didn’t get off to the best start and ran into traffic early in the homestretch before fighting on to finish two lengths behind the winner.

Stretching out for a one-mile maiden special weight last Thursday made all the difference for Admiral Dennis. Favored at just over 3-5, the chestnut colt relished the longer trip. After rating one length behind splits of :22.92 and :46.32 in third place, Admiral Dennis took over through six furlongs in 1:11.30, then clocked his final quarter-mile in a sharp :24.57 to win by 3 1/2 lengths in 1:35.87.

Bred by WinStar Farm, Admiral Dennis is owned by Albaugh Family Stables, which has previously owned or co-owned half a dozen Kentucky Derby starters, including 2023 third-place finisher Angel of Empire. Admiral Dennis, like Angel of Empire, is conditioned by two-time Eclipse Award-winning trainer Brad Cox, who won the 2021 Kentucky Derby with Mandaloun.

The finishing speed Admiral Dennis displayed in his maiden win bodes well for stretching out around two turns on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Don’t be surprised if this promising colt develops into the latest Derby starter for Albaugh Family Stables.

The other maiden winner we’ll highlight his week is Tux, an LNJ Foxwoods homebred conditioned by Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott, whose abundant top-tier wins include a triumph in the 2019 Kentucky Derby with Country House.

Tux wasn’t necessarily expected to win his debut in a 6 1/2-furlong maiden special weight at Aqueduct last Saturday; in a five-horse field, he started as the 7-2 third choice. But he ran more like an even-money choice. The gray colt raced in second place through fractions of :23.53 and :46.89, then wore down the pacesetter inside the final furlong to prevail by 3 1/2 lengths in 1:17.39.

Tux’s early-maturing speed may be owed to his dam, Fancy Dress Party, a daughter of Munnings who won her debut at age two before going on to win sprints like the Beaumont (G3), Miss Woodford S., and Glitter Woman S. But Tux’s pedigree also offers potential for stretching out in distance. His sire is Tapit, a stamina influence who has led the North American sire rankings on three occasions. His top runners include 2022 Horse of the Year and Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) winner Flightline plus 1 1/2-mile Belmont winners Tonalist, Creator, Tapwrit, and Essential Quality.

A combination of speed and stamina is often the recipe for success in the Kentucky Derby, and Tux’s pedigree may prove to have the ideal blend. LNJ Foxwoods was part of the ownership group behind Country House, so perhaps the LNJ Foxwoods/Bill Mott team can return to the Derby with Tux.

Top maiden winner of the week: Admiral Dennis

Honorable mention: Tux