Render Judgment – Kentucky Derby Context

A stakes veteran, Render Judgement recorded an encouraging second in the Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs two starts back, but he needs to rebound from a non-threatening fifth in the Blue Grass (G1) last out. A projected hot pace may benefit the late runner, but Render Judgement owns lower Brisnet Speed ratings and must improve significantly to offer a serious challenge if he draws into the main body of the 20-horse Kentucky Derby (G1) field.

RELATED: Kentucky Derby News and Notes

OWNER: Baccari Racing Stable (Chris Baccari), Dream Walkin Farms (Tonni Covel et al), MJM Racing (Michael J. Makin), and Rocket Ship Racing (Brook T. Smith). Rocket Ship Racing co-owned last year’s Kentucky Derby runner-up and eventual champion three-year-old male Sierra Leone. Render Judgement would be the first starter for Baccari Racing Stable, Dream Walkin Farms, and MJM Racing.

TRAINER: In 2024, Kenny McPeek became the first trainer to win the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks (G1) in the same year since Ben Jones in 1952, earning his first Kentucky Derby victory via 18-1 Mystik Dan. The win gave McPeek a personal sweep of the Triple Crown, all with double-digit longshots: Swiss Skydiver won the Preakness (G1) at 11-1 in 2020 and Sarava surprised at 70-1 in the 2002 Belmont (G1). The 62-year-old trainer made his first Kentucky Derby appearance in 1995, finishing second with Tejano Run, and McPeek owns an overall record of 10-1-1-0 record.

JOCKEY: NA

BREEDER: A Kentucky-bred bay colt, Render Judgement would give Green Lantern Stables their first starter as a breeder. He was purchased for $310,000 as a yearling at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton Keeneland July sale.

SIRE: Named champion older male after defeating Zenyatta in the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), Blame is still looking to make an impact upon the Triple Crown as a sire. He’s by Arch, who is perhaps best known as the broodmare sire of 2012 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner I’ll Have Another.

DAM: Render Judgement is the first foal to race out of the Commissioner mare Barbara Gordon. By A.P. Indy, Commissioner finished second in the 2014 Belmont. Render Judgement is one of two North American starters as a broodmare sire for Commissioner.

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