Admire Daytona Earned a Position in the Kentucky Derby as a Rising Star.
Admire Daytona has galloped into the hearts of racing fans and onto one of the biggest stages in thoroughbred horse racing—the Kentucky Derby. Securing a coveted spot in the Run for the Roses is no small feat, and Admire Daytona’s journey to Churchill Downs is a story of pedigree, determination, and rising promise.
Bred for excellence and trained with precision, Admire Daytona first turned heads in the early stages of the Road to the Kentucky Derby series. With each performance, the bay colt demonstrated growing maturity and an undeniable competitive edge.
Though not initially pegged as a frontrunner in the Derby conversation, Admire Daytona’s consistency and drive soon made him hard to ignore.
His breakthrough moment came during the Grade II Louisiana Derby, where he surprised many by finishing a close second in a fast-paced field.
That performance earned him valuable qualifying points toward the Derby and gave his connections the confidence to target bigger stages.
A few weeks later, Admire Daytona competed in the Blue Grass Stakes, a historically significant prep race at Keene land.
Despite facing a strong field, he showed poise under pressure and made a strong late run to finish within the top three, gaining enough points to secure his invitation to the Kentucky Derby.
Admire Daytona’s pedigree suggests that he was destined for the spotlight. Sired by champion stallion Admire Victor, known for his stamina and classic distance capabilities, and out of Daytona Lady, a mare with both speed and heart, this colt was bred with balance in mind.
His bloodlines trace back to Derby winners and champions on both sides, giving him not only physical potential but also the mental toughness required to tackle the ten-furlong challenge.
But bloodlines alone don’t win races. What has truly set Admire Daytona apart is his adaptability. Whether racing on fast tracks or dealing with a sloppy surface, he has managed to stay competitive and focused.
His jockey, Luis Contreras, has formed a strong bond with the colt, learning when to push and when to let him settle into stride. This trust and communication between horse and rider could prove critical on Derby day.
Admire Daytona is trained by veteran conditioner Carla Montoya, who has a reputation for bringing along talented horses with patience and discipline. Montoya has kept Daytona on a steady training regimen, avoiding the temptation to push too hard too soon.
Her strategy has paid off, as the colt has remained sound and fresh heading into the most important race of his career.
As Derby week approaches, buzz around Admire Daytona continues to build. He’s not the top betting choice, but he’s quickly becoming a sentimental favorite among racing fans who appreciate a hard-trying underdog with genuine talent.
With a good post position draw and a clean trip, Admire Daytona could surprise even the most seasoned handicappers.
No matter the outcome on Derby day, Admire Daytona has already made his mark. Earning a place in the Kentucky Derby is a testament to months—if not years—of hard work, and this colt has risen to the occasion with class and courage. He may yet write a remarkable chapter in racing history.
