Iroquois Stakes 2025: First Kentucky Derby points up for grabs! 🐎

Is it too early to find the 2026 Kentucky Derby winner? Maybe not… 🐎🏆
The Road to Kentucky Derby 152 officially begins with the G3 Iroquois Stakes, and in this video, I give you EVERYTHING you need to help find the winner — from pedigree analysis and past performances to angles, trainer stats, and more.

The Iroquois Stakes is the first 10-point race on the Kentucky Derby trail, and with a field full of exciting 2-year-olds, this is a must-watch for any serious racing fan or future Derby handicapper. I analyze the field contender by contender, so you’re armed with insight before they even reach the gate.

🔍 Iroquois Stakes Contender Analysis:

#1 Nothing PersonalTrainer: Greg ComptonA blowout debut winner at Colonial Downs by 8 lengths — nearly breaking the track record. Talent + speed = serious upside.

#2 SometimeTrainer: Mark Simms, Jr.Wants the lead but might face early pressure. Can he outrun the other speed? Or get cooked in the process?

#3 No More CentsTrainer: Kenny McPeek.Won first career race in a stakes — and now McPeek pairs with Irad Ortiz, Jr. for this one. Intriguing combo.

#4 So SpecialTrainer: Kenny McPeek.McPeek's “other” horse but don’t overlook him. Brian Hernandez, Jr. rides, and the turf-to-dirt switch is a sneaky angle McPeek crushes with 2YOs.

#5 Spice RunnerTrainer: Steve Asmussen.Full brother to Gunite and trained by the same man. Keeps running into Comport — can he finally flip the script?

#6 Shake and RattleTrainer: Keith Desormeaux.Has experience with 5 starts, but doesn’t light up any of my key angles. Could be outclassed.

#7 ComportTrainer: Eddie KenneallyThis one is legit. Always in the exacta, climbing the speed ladder, and checks a ton of boxes. One to beat.

#8 VostTrainer: Will WaldenOnly one start but showed a powerful late kick. Lots of potential! Keep an eye out.

#9 Nine BallTrainer: Riley Mott.From the first crop of Code of Honor. Won last out at Ellis Park — potential is there if he takes the next step.

#10 Maximus PrimeTrainer: Anthony Mitchell (formerly trained by the late Larry Demeritte)Still a maiden, but this is the same barn that won this race with West Saratoga in 2023. Sentimental and intriguing.

🔥 Whether you're handicapping the race or tracking future Derby stars, this breakdown is your cheat code.

👍 Like the video if you enjoy deep-dive handicapping.💬 Drop your pick in the comments — who do YOU like in the Iroquois?🔔 Subscribe for weekly coverage of Derby preps, angles, and hidden gems. Hit the HYPE button and help me find viewers like you!

🎧 Don’t miss my new podcast: “The Road to the Kentucky Derby” on YouTube Music

The journey to Churchill Downs starts now. Let’s go!

#IroquoisStakes #KentuckyDerby2026 #HorseRacing #DerbyTrail #ThoroughbredRacing #RoadToTheDerby #PedigreeAnalysis #HorseRacingPodcast #YouTubeRacing #KentuckyDerby152

All tips are for informational purposes only.
Horse betting is not legal in all states so if you are betting, make sure it is legal.

Music is Zydeco Piano Party - Media Right Productions found on YouTube Creator Music

00:00 Introduction
02:43 Tips for finding winners
03:57 #1 Nothing Personal
05:09 #2 Sometime
07:07 #3 No More Cents
09:22 #4 So Special
12:00 #5 Spice Runner
15:24 #6 Shake and Rattle
17:12 #7 Comport
20:09 #8 Vost
22:02: #9 Nine Ball
23:17: #10 Maximus Prime