Further Ado looks to recreate local magic in Blue Grass

Mar 31, 2026 Vance Hanson/Brisnet.com

Further Ado wins at Keeneland. (Photo by Coady Media)

When Further Ado last ran at Keeneland, the son of Gun Runner bolted up to win a maiden race by 20 lengths in his first start around two turns. Six months later, Further Ado is arguably the horse to beat in the $1.25 million Blue Grass (G1) on Saturday.

One of a trio of final major Kentucky Derby (G1) preps on Saturday, the 1 1/8-mile Blue Grass concludes an 11-race program. Derby qualifying points of 100-50-25-15-10 will go to the respective top five finishers.

The Brad Cox-trained Further Ado has run twice since his freakish graduation. He posted a far more workmanlike 1 3/4-length tally in the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) in late November, and most recently finished second in the Tampa Bay Derby (G3) to The Puma, who flattered the form last weekend with a nose loss in the Florida Derby (G1).

FURTHER ADO makes his 3YO debut in Saturday's G3 Tampa Bay Derby! 🤩

He ended 2025 with a win in the G2 Kentucky Jockey Club at Churchill Downs.

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Stakes newcomer Reagan's Honor steps from the overnight ranks for Cherie DeVaux. After finishing fourth in his debut sprinting, Reagan's Honor has won two straight at Fair Grounds over 1 1/16 miles, including an allowance by a commanding margin of 6 3/4 lengths.

Class President goes for Todd Pletcher after a game photo-finish win in the Rebel (G2) over Silent Tactic, who was humbled by the Pletcher-trained Renegade in the Arkansas Derby (G1) last weekend. Great White, meanwhile, tries dirt for the first time following an upset win in the Feb. 21 John Battaglia Memorial at Turfway Park.

Ottinho, a half-brother to Gun Runner, finished a distant third in the Withers S. at Aqueduct two months ago. He was cross-entered in the Wood Memorial (G2) on Saturday, but will reportedly opt for the Blue Grass.

The remainder of the Blue Grass field has form to find, among them Grade 1-placed Talkin and Louisiana-bred stakes winner Creole Chrome.

Post time for the Blue Grass is 6:22 p.m. ET. The race can be watched and wagered on at TwinSpires.com.