Race for the Crown episode 2 recap: The Road to the Derby (Part 1)

Episode 2 of Race for the Crown, titled “The Road to the Derby – Part 1,” highlights two critical Kentucky Derby prep races: the Florida Derby (G1) and the Blue Grass S. (G1), both offering Derby qualifying points to the top five finishers. But before race day action unfolds, the episode circles back to key storylines introduced in Episode 1.

Michael and Jules Iavarone celebrate their buy-in to Victory Avenue with a Dom Pérignon-fueled night out at a Miami club. Their goal is to get the colt to the Florida Derby, where he would face Fierceness, the recently crowned Champion Two-Year-Old Colt, following his dominant win in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1). The couple even consults a medium, who offers a hopeful assessment: “The horse will be ready to go.”

But optimism fades later in the episode when trainer Gustavo Delgado delivers bad news: Victory Avenue has sustained a minor injury requiring 30 to 60 days of rest. The timing means he’ll miss the Florida Derby—and with it, the chance to earn the Derby points needed for eligibility.

Meanwhile, across the country, Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert reaches out to jockey Frankie Dettori, checking in on his American transition and offering him the mount on Imagination for the Santa Anita Derby (G1). Though Baffert remains suspended from the Kentucky Derby due to Medina Spirit’s 2021 positive drug test, he sets his sights on the Preakness S. (G1) instead. 

The episode also introduces a third owner: John Stewart, a newcomer who entered the racing game in September. Despite his short tenure, Stewart has quickly made waves, opening a Lexington farm in January and investing heavily in the sport. He candidly shares his journey, revealing that while he owns 15 companies with 180 factories worldwide, he also lives with autism and ADHD.

“John Stewart is a bit of a mystery man,” Nick Luck, one of the show’s commentators, says. “He’s come from nowhere. Suddenly, he’s there with as many horses as you can shake a stick at.”

Stewart partners with trainer Brad Cox to campaign Just a Touch, aiming for the Blue Grass S (G1).

Back in Florida, it’s time for the Florida Derby. After his Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) win, Fierceness finished a disappointing third in the Holy Bull S. (G3).

“Which Fierceness will show up?” a Florida Derby newscaster asks. “The two-year-old champion version or something else?”

Owner Mike Repole is stressed. 

“If Fierceness loses the Florida Derby, it will be a tough 24 hours. And if Fierceness wins the Florida Derby, it’s gonna be a tough five weeks.”

The champion shows up—in spectacular fashion. Fierceness crushes the field by 13 1/2 lengths. 

“Fierceness is putting on a show in Hallendale today,” shouts track announcer Pete Aiello. “Fierceness, the REAL Fierceness, has showed up to South Florida!”

Iavarone, in attendance, reacts with grace and honesty.

“The truth is, watching the way that horse ran… Victory Avenue wasn’t beating that—honestly—today. Nobody was beating that horse.”

The spotlight then turns to the Blue Grass S., featuring Just a Touch and Dornoch, the latter co-owned by former MLB All-Star Jayson Werth. 

“I love everything about horse racing,” Werth said. “This sport fills that void left after I retired from baseball and professional sports.”

Dornoch enters the race off victories in the Remsen S. (G2) and Fountain of Youth S. (G2). But it's not his day in the Blue Grass—he finishes fourth. Just a Touch places second.

“I was disappointed for a second because he didn’t win,” Stewart said. “And then I realized we had earned enough points to get in the Kentucky Derby.” 

Keep following along with TwinSpires as the journey continues. Up next: Episode 3 “The Road to the Derby – Part 2.”

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