This story has been updated to reflect a jockey change.
Robusta has drawn in off the also-eligible list for the 2026 Kentucky Derby on May 2 at Churchill Downs.
Post time for the Kentucky Derby is set for 6:57 p.m. Saturday.
In his most recent start, Robusta finished seventh in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby on April 4.
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Color: Dark bay/brown.
Bred in: Kentucky.
Sire: Accelerate.
Dam: Urbane Legend, by Into Mischief.
Price tag: Homebred.
Owner: Calumet Farm (Brad Kelley). Calumet has a record eight Derby victories in 28 starts, winning with Whirlaway (1941), Pensive (1944), Citation (1948), Ponder (1949), Hill Gail (1952), Iron Liege (1957), Tim Tam (1958) and Forward Pass (1968).
Trainer: Doug O’Neill. He’s 2 for 8 in the Derby, winning with I’ll Have Another (2012) and Nyquist (2016).
Jockey: Cristian Torres. First Derby.
Record: 1-1-0 in five starts.
Career earnings: $83,500.
Last race: Seventh in Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby on April 4.
Running style: Frontrunner.
Notes: Broke his maiden in his second start on Jan. 9 at Santa Anita Park. He’s 0 for 3 in three stakes since then — sixth in the Grade 3 Robert Lewis and second in the Grade 2 San Felipe before the disappointing finish in the Santa Anita Derby. … Since Kelley took over Calumet in 2012, the farm is 0 for 7 in the Derby. Its best finish was sixth in 2013 (Oxbow) and 2018 (Bravazo). … O’Neill said Robusta will enter the Preakness on May 16 at Laurel Park if he doesn’t make the Kentucky Derby.
What they’re saying: “He ran huge in the San Felipe,” O’Neill said “We’re hoping he gets a chance to get in (the Derby). He’s training really well and is definitely a talented horse.”
Jason Frakes: 502-582-4046; [email protected]. Follow on X @KentuckyDerbyCJ.
