Ned Toffey, general manager of Spendthrift Farm, shared his preliminary spring plans for their trio of graded stakes-winning sophomore horses, as reported by Thoroughbred Daily News. The undefeated 2-year-old colt Ted Nophy, regarded as the Eclipse champion, along with Kentucky Jockey Club Grade 2 winner Father Add, are both training in Florida. Ted Nophy is based at Palm Beach Downs under Todd Pletcher, while Father Add, trained by Brad Cox, is at Payson Park, according to Toffey.
“Toffey emphasized the importance of managing each horse’s campaign individually, quoting Wayne Hughes: ‘You have to plan so you can change your plans.’” Ted Nophy aims to compete at Gulfstream Park with a target on the Grade 1 Florida Derby on March 28. Father Add may start in the 2026 Kentucky Derby qualifying race at Tampa Bay Downs, potentially setting up a run in the Grade 1 Bluegrass Stakes at Keeneland on April 4.
The Grade 3 Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs, offering 20 Kentucky Derby points to the winner and fewer points to the next top finishers, is scheduled for February 7. The Grade 2 Tampa Bay Derby, awarding 50 points to the winner, will take place on March 7. As of January 2, Ted Nophy leads the Kentucky Derby leaderboard with 40 points, while Father Add holds 10 points, placing eighth. Both the Florida Derby and Bluegrass Stakes award a hefty 100 points to the winner.
Additionally, Tommy Joe, trained by Todd Pletcher and a winner of the Grade 1 Spinaway and Alcibiades (the latter by disqualification), is set to make his sophomore debut in the seven-furlong Grade 3 Forward Gal at Gulfstream Park on January 31, Toffey noted. Tommy Joe currently ranks fourth on the Kentucky Oaks leaderboard with 13 points, with Forward Gal offering points to the top five finishers on a 20-10-6-4-2 scale.
For further details, visit thoroughbreddailynews.com.
Fan Take: This update on Spendthrift Farm’s promising young horses is exciting news for horse racing fans, highlighting rising stars that could shape the upcoming racing season. Their strategic placements and preparations suggest a fiercely competitive spring, potentially delivering thrilling performances and shaping the future of the sport.
