#9 The Puma | 56 pts | ↑ 2

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Trainer: Gustavo Delgado
Jockey: Javier Castellano
Last Race: Tampa Bay Derby (G2) – 1st
Running Style: Midpack

The Puma earned his biggest win yet in the G3 Tampa Bay Derby, securing 50 Kentucky Derby points with a determined performance. While the 89 Beyer Speed Figure wasn’t among the fastest on the trail, the bigger story is his steady progression. He has improved with every start, a key sign of a colt developing at the right time.

His midpack running style allows him to settle before making a move, a useful trait as race distances increase. The connections are also notable — Gustavo Delgado and Javier Castellano teamed up to win the Kentucky Derby with Mage, giving this colt a proven path if his progression continues.

Why He’s Ranked #9

• Tampa Bay Derby winner (50 points)
• Improving with each start
• Tactical midpack running style
• Derby-winning trainer/jockey combination

Pedigree Analysis:

Sire: Essential Quality
Dam: Eve of War
Grandsire: Tapit
Granddam: Delightful Quality
Other notable ancestors: Declaration of War, War Front, Broken Vow

The Puma’s pedigree leans toward classic distance stamina. Essential Quality, a champion two-year-old and Belmont Stakes winner, passes along endurance and class, while Tapit and Declaration of War deeper in the pedigree reinforce the colt’s ability to handle longer routes as the Derby trail continues.