The Puma earns maiden breaking win in Tampa Bay Derby

Three years after Mage registered an upset in the 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1), his connections will get a chance to win the roses for a second time with The Puma, who stamped his ticket to Churchill Downs with a hard fought victory in the $350,000 Tampa Bay Derby (G3) on Saturday.

The Tampa Bay Derby was the first career win for The Puma, who finished second in his debut on Jan. 10 at Gulfstream and subsequently finished third in the Sam F. Davis S. at Tampa. Barring an interim start, The Puma will enter the Kentucky Derby with a nearly identical record as Mage, who finished fourth in the Fountain of Youth (G2) and second in the Florida Derby (G1) after a career-opening win.

Sent off as the 7-1 fourth choice in the Tampa Bay Derby field of nine, The Puma fell back to last in the opening quarter, in part a function of breaking from post 8. That was in contrast to his first two starts, when he settled in midpack. But that seemed to work to the chestnut's advantage.

Launching a four- to five-wide bid around the far turn alongside 3-2 favorite Canaletto, The Puma remained wide when set down for the drive, gradually wore down the favorite inside the final furlong, and pulled away late to win by three parts of a length.

The Puma races for OMGA Investments, JR Ranch, and High Step Racing. Trained by Gustavo Delgado, The Puma was ridden by Javier Castellano to a final time of 1:43.23 for 1 1/16 miles over a fast track. He paid $16.80.

Rallying for second was 2-1 second choice Further Ado, who was making his first start since winning the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) at Churchill in late November. He finished a head in front of second-time starter Canaletto, who had two lengths on pacesetter Redland Rebels. The order of finish was rounded out by Talkin, Powershift, Thunder Buck, Hulkamania, and Roger That Dana.

The Puma earned 50 additional Kentucky Derby qualifying points and now has 56 in total. Further Ado secured 25 points, increasing his total to 35, while Canaletto earned 15 points. Redland Rebels garnered 10 points and Talkin doubled his total from five points to 10.

The Puma is from the first crop of dual champion and classic winner Essential Quality and was reared by the Grade 3-placed Eve of War, by Declaration of War. Bred in Kentucky by Hidden Brook Farm and Brian Kahn, he last sold at public auction for $150,000 at the OBS April sale of two-year-olds.