Trainer Chad Brown is spotlighting several promising Kentucky Derby contenders following recent races at Aqueduct. Among them, Paladin, a $1.9 million Gun Runner colt, is set to target the Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes after dominating the Remsen Stakes with an 85 Beyer Speed Figure. Stablemates Ottinho and Schoolyardsuperman, both impressive maiden winners, are likely headed to the Listed $200,000 Withers Stakes, with Ottinho showing notable courage in a tight finish against Hadrian’s Wall. Other notable 3-year-olds include Hedge Ratio, Iron Honor, and potential stakes horses Growth Equity and Criteria, while older horses like Weigh the Risks and Shadow Banking also show strong form.

In other Aqueduct highlights, Brittany Russell’s Dazzling Dame earned a career-best 91 Beyer Speed Figure with an 11 1/2-length romp in the $150,000 Busanda, securing maximum Kentucky Oaks points and signaling readiness for longer distances. Robert LaPenta’s My World impressed with a Jerome Stakes victory, earning 10 Derby points and an 84 Beyer. Meanwhile, Lucille Ball made a remarkable comeback after a 14-month layoff, posting a 103 Beyer Speed Figure in an allowance race, with plans to target upcoming stakes such as the Barbara Fritchie or Correction Stakes. These performances underscore a strong crop of sophomores and older horses shaping up for the 2025 racing season.