13Pashmina

Bet Pashmina with TwinSpires, the official betting partner of the Kentucky Derby.

Who is Pashmina?

Pashmina may be the most underrated distance horse in the field. She already ran at today's exact distance in her most recent race, finishing second in a quality stakes event, and she handled the trip well even without winning. Her form has been improving consistently as the distances have gotten longer, which is an encouraging sign. Her father's bloodline is associated with classic staying ability, adding further support to what her race record already shows. The concern is that she's been beaten in earlier races by horses who aren't considered among the very best in this field, raising honest questions about whether she belongs at this level of competition. But at 30-1, she represents real value for anyone considering combination bets. She's proven she can get the distance, she's trending in the right direction, and a favorable race scenario could find her in the mix late.

What Matters

For casual fans looking for a horse to root for, Pashmina is the great 'catch me if you can' speedster. In her recent runner-up performance in the Grade 3 Gazelle Stakes at Aqueduct, she broke alertly and led almost the entire way, only being caught in the final strides. Her ability to set fast fractions (23.84 and 48.51 seconds) shows she has the natural engine to lead a field. Handicappers should note her grit; despite a heavy rainstorm just before the race and a muddy track, she fought bravely to secure 50 qualifying points, virtually guaranteeing her a spot in the Oaks starting gate.

Pashmina wins easy in R7 at @fairgroundsnola under @_benacurtis for trainer Rob Atras! 🏇

🎥 #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/e3R3Jufjul

— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) November 28, 2025

Caution

While her speed is her greatest weapon, it is also her biggest risk. Pashmina has a history of 'fading' late in longer races. In the Gazelle, she held a clear lead into the stretch but couldn't hold off the late surge of Always a Runner. Additionally, her previous starts at Fair Grounds and Sunland Park showed she can be vulnerable if she faces too much 'traffic' or a 'troubled' trip. If other fast horses challenge her early for the lead, she may run out of energy before reaching the finish line.

Pashmina's Important Related Information

• Meaning tops leaderboard in Santa Anita Oaks; Always a Runner gets up in Gazelle
• TwinSpires Horse Profile: Pashmina
• Albus upsets Wood Memorial; Always a Runner sharp in Gazelle