The Holy Bull Stakes takes centre stage at Gulfstream Park this Saturday, carrying both promise and lineage as Riley Mott edges closer to following his father Bill Mott into the Kentucky Derby winner’s circle. With Pin Oak Stud’s Incredibolt, the younger Mott will test his colt’s Classic credentials in one of the most informative early-season races for three-year-olds.
Riley Mott, who has steadily built his own reputation while learning under a Hall of Famer, returns to a race that already holds special meaning. Last autumn, Incredibolt announced himself at Churchill Downs with a decisive victory in the Street Sense Stakes, a race his sire, Bolt d’Oro, would appreciate for its stamina demands and one that Bill Mott’s Sovereignty had captured the year before en route to top honours in the spring.
The 1 1/16-mile Holy Bull Stakes, run as part of a strong 12-race card, is a recognised stepping stone toward the Curlin Florida Derby later in the season. Saturday’s renewal brings together proven juveniles and lightly raced improvers, each looking to stake an early claim among the division’s leaders.
Incredibolt’s profile continues to strengthen with each outing. After an educational debut sprinting at Ellis Park, he broke through second time out over a one-turn mile at Churchill Downs before showing maturity and resolve in the Street Sense. Settled near the back, he produced a sustained rally to draw clear late, underlining both stamina and temperament.
“The two-turn question is a big question, and he’s answered that,” Mott said this week. “He’s won at Churchill Downs, which is always a positive. Being out of an Awesome Again mare gives us confidence about distance. We’re hopeful and excited about where he can go.”
Since arriving in Florida after a planned autumn break, Incredibolt has trained consistently at Palm Meadows. Jaime Torres, who knows the colt well after partnering him in all three starts, retains the ride as they break from the inside stall.
The Holy Bull Stakes field is deep and varied. Centennial Farms’ Nearly arrives after two commanding performances at Gulfstream, both achieved with authority and suggesting untapped potential as he stretches out around two turns for the first time. Trainer Todd Pletcher believes the colt’s style and pedigree point strongly toward added distance, while John Velazquez takes the mount.
Saffie Joseph Jr., fresh from recent high-profile success at Gulfstream, is represented by the unbeaten Bravaro. The son of Upstart has shown a strong late kick in both starts at Aqueduct, including a polished victory in the Sleepy Hollow Stakes. Tyler Gaffalione, who enjoyed a memorable ride at the track last weekend, is booked for his first partnership with the colt.
Brad Cox saddles Cannoneer for his seasonal return. The Into Mischief colt rebounded impressively from an early setback to break his maiden in emphatic fashion at Churchill Downs, and Saturday marks his first attempt around two turns. Irad Ortiz Jr. resumes the partnership.
Project Ace, trained by Dale Romans, adds further intrigue. The War of Will colt has already shown determination over this distance, finishing narrowly in defeat at Keeneland before graduating at Churchill with a well-timed late run. Corey Lanerie remains aboard.
Rounding out the expected starters are Roger That Dana, a consistent performer who finished second in the Mucho Macho Man Stakes, and debut winner Global Aviator, who impressed with a closing effort on debut at Gulfstream.
With a blend of proven form and unanswered questions, Saturday’s Holy Bull Stakes promises clarity as much as excitement. For Riley Mott and Incredibolt, it represents another measured step toward a dream already realised once by the family name.
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