Father Addo, the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes winner from Spendthrift Farm, is currently training at Payson Park Training Center in Florida as he prepares for his upcoming spring season, according to Thoroughbred Daily News. Trainer Brad Cox reported that Father Addo completed a four-furlong workout in 49.40 seconds on January 31st.
Ned Toffey, general manager of Spendthrift Farm, shared that the stallion Gun Runner is tentatively set to make his seasonal debut in the G3 Tampa Bay Derby on March 7th, followed by an appearance in the Keeneland-bred G1 Bluegrass Stakes on April 4th. Both races offer opportunities to earn Kentucky Derby qualifying points. “Everything is progressing well and the team is pleased with his condition,” Toffey remarked. “He has completed several workouts so far and is scheduled for his third one this weekend.”
Notably, Father Addo dominated his maiden race by 20 lengths at Keeneland on October 10 during his third career start and first at a distance of 1 1/16 miles with two turns. In his following race, he stepped up the competition and defeated Group 1 finisher Universe by 1 3/4 lengths in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes, held at Churchill Downs and ridden by jockey Irad Ortiz Jr.
Bred in Kentucky by John C. Oxley, Father Addo is out of Sky Dreamer, a mare by G3-placed Sky Mesa, and is a half-brother to Kinbear, a multiple major stakes winner in the UAE. As a yearling, Father Addo was purchased by George Mellon for $275,000 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, and later Spendthrift Farm acquired him for $550,000 at the 2025 OBS Training 2-Year-Old Spring Sale.
For additional details, visit thoroughbreddailynews.com.
This article was originally published by Paulick Report on February 5, 2026, under the News section. Click here to set the Paulick Report as your preferred news source.
Fan Take: This update on Father Addo is exciting for horse racing enthusiasts as it highlights a promising contender preparing to make a significant impact in major Derby prep races. His strong performances and strategic placements this spring could reshape the competitive landscape leading into the Kentucky Derby, offering fans thrilling moments ahead.
