Salahudin begins Road to Ky Derby with 96 Bris speed rating in Iroquois

Today’s Churchill Downs barn notes by publicist Kevin Kerstein (Coady Media/Yeruza Rodriguez photo above of Jose Ortiz’ Iroquois victory aboard Salahudin)

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026) – Zedan Racing Stables’ unbeaten Salahudin began his campaign toward Kentucky Derby 153 by earning 10 qualifying points and a 96 Brisnet Speed Rating for his half-length victory in Saturday’s $300,000 Iroquois (Grade III) at Churchill Downs.

Trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, Salahudin overcame another slow start and completed one mile in 1:36.54 under Jose Ortiz. The victory moved the son of Uncle Mo to the top of the early leaderboard on the Road to the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve, which will determine the field for the “Run for the Roses” on Saturday, May 1, 2027.

“He’s a true mile-and-a-quarter kind of horse,” Baffert said. “Florent (Geroux) got him ready for me, and I feel so bad for him. He told me to tell Jose, ‘He won’t break real quick. Let him get his feet underneath him, and he’ll bring you up there.’ Jose had him in a nice rhythm, and I’m glad he didn’t make the lead too early because he’ll idle a little bit.”

Geroux, who remained hospitalized following a spill Thursday at Churchill Downs, watched Salahudin improve his record to a perfect 3-for-3.

“He’s a difficult horse to ride because he doesn’t break the best,” Geroux said via telephone after the race. “Jose did a great job getting him into the clear, letting him relax and allowing him to find his stride. Once he gets into that rhythm, he really begins to travel.”

When asked about a possible start in the Oct. 30 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (GI), Baffert said he wasn’t ready to look ahead.

“I’m not even really thinking about that right now,” Baffert said. “I just want to enjoy this and get him back. Hopefully, we can keep him healthy. He’s still growing and still learning.”

Salahudin was one of three stakes winners Saturday at Churchill Downs for Baffert. Earlier on the card, Splendora rolled to a 5 ¼-length victory in the $326,000 Fasig-Tipton Locust Grove (GII) and earned a 102 Brisnet Speed Rating. Usha recorded a determined three-quarter-length victory over Look Forward in the $268,000 Open Mind and received a 93 rating.

Other notable Brisnet Speed Ratings from Saturday’s card included a 99 for Built in the $300,000 Louisville Thoroughbred Society and a 93 for Manuka Honey, who won the $297,750 Pocahontas (GIII) by two lengths. Coach Pope, a 2-year-old son of Tapit trained by Kenny McPeek, earned a 99 for his dominant 12 ½-length maiden special weight victory.

SWEEZEY SOCIAL MEDIA POST SPARKS RACING INDUSTRY TO SHARE HOW THEY FOUND THE SPORT –Trainer Kent Sweezey took to social media Saturday with a simple question that sparked a positive discussion across the racing industry: Who brought you to the game?

“Horse racing gets in your blood in different ways,” Sweezey wrote, asking his followers to share who or what first drew them to the sport.

For Sweezey, racing was part of his life from an early age through his father, who managed a successful stud farm in Lexington.

“My dad managed and ran a successful stud farm in Lexington,” Sweezey wrote. “I spent weekends, summers and spring breaks working on the farm. It shaped who I am today.”

The post prompted others throughout the industry to share their own stories:

• Kurt Becker, Keeneland announcer: “1988 Kentucky Derby party with Standardbred colleagues in Lexington. Winning Colors vs. Forty Niner. Dave Johnson’s call. I was hooked.” 
• Kaitlin Benson, on-air talent at Churchill Downs: “Watching on TV as a kid and seeing my cousins involved in harness. Took one trip to Churchill Downs and it went from an interest to my entire life. Tried to ride, didn’t happen, and I still found my way in somehow.”
• Kelsey Danner, trainer, grew up around the sport as the daughter of trainer Mark Danner. Sharing a childhood photo of herself with a horse, she joked: “Started out as main bucket scrubber.” 
• Destin Heath, trainer: “My parents took me to Remington Park and Ruidoso Downs as a young kid. I fell in love and was soon begging anyone to give me a ride to the track. Never gambled much, just wanted to be there around it. That turned into Quarter Horse racing experience, and the rest is history.”
• Ramiro Restrepo, bloodstock agent: “Grandpa and uncles trained since the ’60s, parents owned a couple. Learned to read not in school but with DRF and BloodHorse. Made my first bet at 10. Walked hots at Saratoga and Finger Lakes during middle school and high school breaks. Won my first race, maiden $50,000, at Tampa in spring 2008.”
• Mark Toothaker, stallion manager at Spendthrift Farm: “My dad took me to Oaklawn when I was 15. One of his friends told me to play my age in the double, 1-5. I hit it for $375. Here I am.” 
• Cristian Torres, jockey: “My grandpa started taking me to the racetrack when I was 5 or 6 years old. About a year later, he bought a horse for my brother and me.”

“It’s refreshing seeing all of the positive interactions on social media,” Sweezey said. “I really enjoyed hearing everyone’s story.”

The original post and additional responses can be found by following Sweezey on X at @sweezeyk.

DOWN THE STRETCH – There was a $24,082 carryover in Sunday’s 20-cent Derby City 6 Jackpot that began in Race 5. First post for the 10-race card was 12:45 p.m. Other carryovers included $8,025 in the Super Hi 5 for Race 2 and $354,921 in the Jackpot 8 in Race 10. … Following dark days Monday and Tuesday, live racing resumes Wednesday with a first post of 12:45 p.m. … Thursday’s eight-race card will get underway at 5 p.m. for Twilight Thursday. The evening includes $2 domestic beer at all concession stands and live music on the Paddock Terrace by The Dad Bods. … Friday is Senior Day and guests 60 and older can enjoy lunch on Millionaires Row for $50. Tickets are available by calling (502) 636-4450. … Saturday is Downs After Dark: Oktoberfest. The night includes German-inspired food and drink specials as part of the Prost & Smokhaus VIP package; live music on the Paddock Terrace Overlook, a National Anthem performance by the German American Club and a beer wagon photo-op on the first floor. … For the latest information about the Churchill Downs September Meet, visit www.churchilldowns.com.