Reagan’s Wit delivered a performance full of purpose and precision at Pimlico Race Course, taking home his first stakes victory in the $100,000 James W. Murphy Stakes. Supplemented into the field following his graded-stakes debut, the chestnut colt stormed to a decisive 3¼-length win in the one-mile turf contest, part of the star-studded card supporting the 150th Preakness Stakes.
The colt, trained by Cherie DeVaux and piloted by Jose Ortiz, broke from the gate with focus but waited patiently behind the early pacesetters. Navigating traffic with poise, Ortiz angled Reagan’s Wit into a prime position on the turn. Once asked for his run, the colt responded with a powerful move between horses, gliding to the lead and confidently pulling away in the final furlong. Clocking in at 1:40.25 on a turf surface rated as good, Reagan’s Wit solidified his potential with his second career win from five starts.
Behind him, Soleil Volant managed to edge past Twain in the final strides to claim second place, while Barbadian Runner closed late to round out the superfecta. The remainder of the field included Curahee, Stormy Flight, and Studlydoright, while three contenders were scratched before post time.
For Ortiz and DeVaux, it was a fruitful afternoon. Ortiz had already captured a win aboard Zeitlos in the $125,000 Skipat Stakes, and DeVaux secured another earlier victory in the Chick Lang with Retribution, ridden by Ortiz’s brother, Irad Ortiz Jr.
Reagan’s Wit’s journey to this moment hasn’t been without challenges. A spirited and occasionally unruly character, he needed time to develop, especially after a training incident delayed his early career. His connection to the DeVaux-Ingordo family runs deep — he’s a half-brother to Reagan’s Edge, the first horse named in honor of David Ingordo’s daughter. That family sentiment makes Saturday’s victory all the more special.
According to Ortiz, Reagan’s Wit still shows signs of greenness, especially once he gains the lead. However, he handled the occasion like a seasoned professional. His team hopes that the experience gained from this performance will sharpen his focus in future assignments.
The James W. Murphy Stakes carries the name of a revered Maryland trainer who earned over 50 stakes wins and nearly 1,400 total victories throughout his career. Saturday’s renewal added another compelling chapter to the race’s legacy, with Reagan’s Wit emerging as a rising force on the grass.
