9The Puma

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Please note that The Puma has been scratched form the 2026 Kentucky Derby, as of May 2.

Who Is The Puma?

The Puma is one of the more compelling longshot cases in the field, built on a specific and recent pattern: both Mage in 2023 and Sovereignty in 2025 finished second in the Florida Derby before winning the Kentucky Derby. The Puma followed that same path, losing by a nose in a head-bobbing photo finish to Commandment. He has improved in every start since January and brings Javier Castellano , who won the 2023 Derby on Mage , back to Churchill with the same trainer, Gustavo Delgado, who engineered that 15-1 upset. The concern is that Essential Quality is producing his very first three-year-olds and has no track record passing on classic distance stamina. The talent is clearly present, but backing an unproven sire to deliver in the Derby requires a leap of faith. At a price, The Puma is a live ticket on a team that has already proven they can win this race.

What Makes The Puma Special

The Puma won his most recent race on March 7, 2026, at Tampa Bay Downs in a stakes race at 1-1/16 miles, defeating the field by 3/4 length at impressive 7-1 odds. This victory shows he can handle classic distances and beat quality competition.

However, The Puma has only raced three times. His record is 1 win, 1 place, 1 show ($244,280 earned). He finished third in his previous stakes race on February 7 by 6 lengths, showing inconsistency.

What Matters: Why Root for The Puma

The Puma deserves attention for his recent winning form and impressive odds at which he won. His sire, Essential Quality, has proven Derby bloodlines. The March 7 victory demonstrates capability at classic distance and provides momentum heading into the final stages of Derby preparation.

Caution: Why He Might Not Win

The Puma has extremely limited racing experience with only three starts. Two scratches from races suggest possible training adjustments or soundness concerns. His overall record (1 win in 3 starts) is just 33%—not impressive compared to undefeated competitors. He finished 6 lengths back in his previous stakes attempt, which raises questions about consistency against top competition.

Racing History and Wins by The Puma

• Tampa Bay Downs (March 7, 2026):** He WON a Stakes race by 3/4 length — an impressive victory!
• Gulfstream Park (January 10, 2026):** He finished second in a Maiden Special Weight race by 1.5 lengths
• Tampa Bay Downs (February 7, 2026):** He finished third in a Stakes race — strong competition

THE PUMA had his running shoes on today and pounced on the favorites at 7/1 in the G3 Tampa Bay Derby to pick up 50 points towards Kentucky Derby 152! 🏆🌹

Gustavo Delgado trains the 3YO and @jjcjockey was aboard!

🎥 #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/yYD0LqSu1b

— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) March 7, 2026

The Puma’s Important Related Information

• Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: The Puma
• TwinSpires Horse Profile: The Puma
• Kentucky Derby Context: The Puma
• The Puma strikes in Tampa Bay Derby
• Kentucky Derby Horse Profile: The Puma
• The Puma earns maiden breaking win in Tampa Bay Derby