Further Ado romps in Blue Grass

Apr 04, 2026 James Scully

Further Ado wins the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland. (Photo by Coady Media)

Spendthrift Farm’s Further Ado prepped for the Kentucky Derby (G1) with a dazzling win in Saturday’s $1.23 million Blue Grass (G1) at Keeneland, drawing clear by 11 lengths in the major qualifier. Irad Ortiz Jr. guided the odds-on favorite for trainer Brad Cox, who also has Florida Derby (G1) winner Commandment and Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) winner Fulleffort confirmed for the Kentucky Derby on May 2.

“He was very impressive the way he does things,” Ortiz said. “He’s a light mover, a really nice horse. I’m just happy to sit on these kind of horses.”

As part of the Road to the Kentucky Derby series, the 1 1/8-mile Blue Grass awarded points on a 100-50-25-15-10 scale to the top five finishers. Further Ado entered with 35 points, earning 20 points for winning the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) at Churchill Downs last fall and 15 points for a close second in his 2026 opener, the Tampa Bay Derby (G3) on March 7.

A magnificent performance for @spendthriftfarm's 𝗙𝗨𝗥𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗗𝗢 with jockey @iradortiz up for trainer @bradcoxracing!

Next stop is @ChurchillDowns on the 1st Saturday in May for the @KentuckyDerby. 🏇🌹#TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/ObmcQDSvGs

— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) April 4, 2026

Tampa Bay Derby winner The Puma ran well finishing a nose second in the Florida Derby last weekend, and Further Ado rose to another level in the Blue Grass, advancing to challenge on the final turn and powering his way to the lead by upper stretch. The chestnut son of Gun Runner drew off brilliantly to the wire and was timed in 1:49.58.

“I felt he had moved forward since Tampa, so I expected him to run well,” Cox said. “I thought he got a great trip. I want to thank Spendthrift: Eric and Tammy (Gustavson). We kind of put a plan together with him last fall after he won here, to run him at Churchill and have two races leading up to what we hoped would get him to the Derby, and it worked out. It’s always nice when a plan works out because most of the time it doesn’t. He’s a good colt, full of quality, athletic, a great mover. I’m just happy to be part of the team.”

Further Ado had shown an affinity for Keeneland, breaking his maiden by a 20-length margin in his third career start last October, and he will probably need a new rider for the Kentucky Derby, with Irad Ortiz being the regular rider for Arkansas Derby (G1) winner Renegade, who was bet down to 4-1 favoritism in Pool 6 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager this weekend.

Ottino rallied from far off the pace for second, edging third-placer Talkin in deep stretch, Creole Chrom came next in fourth and was followed by pacesetter Great White, Reagan’s Honor, and Moonstrocity.