Over the past ten years, trainer Chad Brown has seen several of his Remsen (G2) contenders achieve great success at the highest levels of horse racing, including the 2024 champion three-year-old Colt Sierra Leone (runner-up in 2022) and later G1 winner Zandon (runner-up in 2021).
Now, Brown is hoping Paladin continues this promising trend following an easy two-length win in Saturday’s 1 1/8-mile race for young horses at Aqueduct. This victory earned Paladin, a son of Gun Runner, the maximum qualifying points for the 2026 Kentucky Derby, awarded to the top five finishers (10-5-3-2-1).
Ridden by Flavien Prat, Paladin showed agility early with fast splits of 23.32, 47.47, and 1:12.53, moving from second to third along the inside. Renegade, who beat Paladin but was disqualified at Aqueduct on October 17, started seventh under Irad Ortiz Jr., then moved wide to challenge, but Brown’s horse demonstrated maturity by waiting for Prat’s cue.
As they approached the stretch, Prat guided Paladin seven-wide to take the lead and maintain a safe distance from Renegade to avoid a rough finish. Both horses pulled ahead from the rest, with Paladin showing superior power to secure the win in 1:50.97, earning a Beyer Speed Figure of 85.
Brown expressed satisfaction with Paladin’s strong performance despite losing a front shoe during the race. “He lost his front right shoe, so we’re giving him a few days’ rest before heading to Payson Park in Florida,” Brown said. “He looks good overall and has gained valuable experience. This horse is genuine, starting his career with two wins on debut—it couldn’t be better.”
Paladin shares the same sire as Sierra Leone and ownership with Sierra Leone’s partners Peter Brandt and Brooke Smith, racing for Coolmore’s Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Taber, and Derrick Smith. Bred in Kentucky by Jane Lyon’s Summer Wind, Paladin’s development may even be ahead of Sierra Leone and Zandon, Brown suggests.
“He’s posting faster numbers than any horse in history at this stage,” Brown said. “He’s advanced, with good forward and positional speed, which is encouraging for the future.”
Brown also thanked the owners for their continued support and for providing quality horses, especially following Sierra Leone’s recent retirement. “It’s rewarding to send a great horse off and know a replacement is ready,” Brown said. “They have backed me with many high-value prospects, and continuing this trend with fresh talent and promising stallions for the Derby is exciting. I feel I’m helping maintain a strong pipeline.”
Paladin is out of the unraced Tapit mare Secret Say, a half-sister to stakes winner Karina. His second dam, India, is a two-time graded stakes winner and related to several stakes winners including G1 winner Angela Rennie and 2010 Remsen winner Serve.
Todd Pletcher, trainer of Remsen runner-up Renegade, who earned five Derby points, praised the horse’s effort despite being wide early and crowded at the first turn. Renegade is owned by Robert Rowe, Lawana Rowe, and Lepore Stables. Pletcher plans to take him south and develop a race plan.
Other Pletcher runners, Coating and Gritness, who finished fourth and fifth at Remsen and earned Derby points, also drew attention. Coating, purchased for $5 million at the 2024 Keeneland September Yearling Sale by Whisper Hill Farm, Stone Street Stables, and Windancer Farms, finished ninth but showed promise despite early trouble in the race.
Pletcher noted Coating’s effort was better than what the results suggested, despite a difficult first turn.
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Fan Take: This update highlights the emergence of promising young talent like Paladin, poised to continue the legacy of champions under Chad Brown. For horse racing fans, it signals an exciting future for the Kentucky Derby and the sport, showcasing the depth of talent and quality training shaping the next generation of stars.
