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Zedan Racing Stables’ unbeaten Salahudin began his campaign toward 2027 Kentucky Derby by earning 10 qualifying points and a 96 Brisnet Speed Rating for his half-length victory in Saturday’s $300,000 Iroquois (G3) at Churchill Downs.
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Trained by 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, 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 (G1), 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, who is unbeaten in three starts, was one of three stakes winners Saturday at Churchill Downs for Baffert. Earlier on the card, Splendora rolled to a 5¼-length victory in the Fasig-Tipton Locust Grove (G2) and earned a 102 Brisnet Speed Rating. Usha recorded a determined three-quarter length victory over Look Forward in the Open Mind and received a 93 rating.
Other notable Brisnet Speed Ratings from Saturday’s card included a 99 for Built in the Louisville Thoroughbred Society and a 93 for Manuka Honey, who won the Pocahontas (G3) by two lengths. Coach Pope, a 2-year-old son of Tapit trained by Kenny McPeek, earned a 99 for his dominant 12½-length maiden special weight victory.
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This story was originally published September 13, 2026 at 9:38 AM.