Further Ado earns first 2026 Derby points with Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) victory

Spendthrift Farm’s Further Ado won his stakes debut Saturday at Churchill Downs with a gritty performance in the $400,000 Kentucky Jockey Club (G2).

The 2-year-old colt, who broke his maiden by an astonishing 20 lengths Oct. 10 at Keeneland, found himself tested in the 1 1/16-mile affair. Further Ado was fourth around the first turn, with Dr. Kapur leading through the first half-mile in :46.76. Further Ado moved up into third entering the final bend and loomed just a length behind Soldier N Diplomat, who had taken over the top spot, turning for home.

Soldier N Diplomat proved a tough foe in the lane, but Further Ado got his measure in the final sixteenth and won by 1 ¾-lengths over a late-closing Universe. The final time was 1:43.33 on a fast track.

“This was a really good test for him,” said trainer Brad Cox. “He won very impressively last time. Today he had to show a different dimension and really had to dig down late to get by. It’s very important to get a horse like this started early on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Hopefully he can bring us right back here in the spring.”

Further Ado collected 10 points as part of the “Road to the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve” series.

Overall, Further Ado has won two of four starts. His earnings stand at $320,703.

Further Ado gives Spendthrift a formidable duo of 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) hopefuls, joining Ted Noffey, undefeated winner of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) and presumptive 2-year-old champion.