On Preakness Day at Pimlico Race Course, the $100,000 Spendthrift Farms Sir Barton Stakes will shine a spotlight on promising three-year-olds who have yet to capture an open stakes victory. Amidst a star-studded 14-race lineup featuring 10 stakes races and over $3.3 million in total purses, Invictus—a colt with just two career starts—enters the Sir Barton with considerable buzz, owing to both his elite pedigree and his recent maiden win.
Invictus, bred from racing royalty, is a son of leading sire Into Mischief and the accomplished mare Serengeti Empress, winner of the Kentucky Oaks. Purchased for a hefty $1.2 million by WinStar Farm and China Horse Club, the colt made his long-awaited second start in April after debuting at Saratoga the previous summer. He made an impressive return, easily breaking his maiden at seven furlongs. Since that performance, his trainer Brad Cox has seen encouraging signs during morning workouts at Churchill Downs, noting his steady progress and strong conditioning ahead of this weekend’s test over two turns.
Joining Invictus in the Sir Barton is Bestfriend Rocket, a colt by Curlin who has flourished under the guidance of Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas. After a few solid performances following the addition of blinkers, Bestfriend Rocket opened his 2025 campaign with a win at Oaklawn Park. Although he faltered in the Arkansas Derby, Lukas remains optimistic about the colt’s current form, highlighting improved training sessions since that effort.
Another contender drawing attention is Just a Fair Shake, a model of consistency with four in-the-money finishes from as many starts. Trained by Daniel McKenzie, the colt has proven to be a wise investment, turning an $8,000 yearling purchase into a six-figure earner. He recently finished second in the Federico Tesio Stakes after winning his previous start at the Sir Barton distance, and he’s shown steady improvement since being outfitted with blinkers.
Also in the field is Crudo, representing the powerful barn of Todd Pletcher. The son of Justify bounced back from a troubled debut to post a dominant 7¼-length maiden win at Keeneland last month, putting him on many shortlists for potential breakout stars. Meanwhile, Ron Moquett’s Hymn brings speed to the equation, having run competitively in all three of his starts at Oaklawn. He prepped for the Sir Barton with a sharp half-mile breeze, signaling readiness for this step up in class.
Authentic Gallop, who hasn’t raced since March, will attempt to rebound after a disappointing showing in the Virginia Derby. The colt has logged several solid workouts since that race, and trainer Tom Amoss is hoping for a return to form. Similarly, Bold Diversion looks to rediscover his best stride after a seventh-place finish in the Federico Tesio. Owner-trainer Rudy Sanchez-Salomon remains hopeful following earlier efforts that included a win at this distance.
Mr. Bogan brings consistency into his stakes debut, with six straight in-the-money finishes at Parx. While he hasn’t faced this caliber of competition yet, his reliability may serve him well against this diverse group. Rounding out the field is Bear Claw Necklace, trained by Saffie Joseph Jr. The Lord Nelson colt arrives from Gulfstream Park with a win and two placings from three starts, though he encountered traffic issues in his most recent outing.
The Sir Barton is one of many compelling storylines on Preakness Day, which also includes high-caliber races such as the Dinner Party, Gallorette, Maryland Sprint, and UAE President Cup. Each race offers its own drama and depth, promising a day of thrilling competition and emerging stars at one of American racing’s most prestigious events.
