Brian Bohl

Following a standout Saturday showing, elite 2026 targets now loom for the juvenile Paladin, a Gun Runner chestnut. From an outside sweep he ran past Renegade and then drew off by two lengths to capture the Grade 2 Remsen worth a quarter‑million at Aqueduct Racetrack, much like a youngster stamping a travel ticket after a bold move late.

On October 17 at this same oval, his debut ended with a promotion from second to first over Renegade at one mile, and off that ruling he jumped into a nine‑furlong stakes restricted to 2‑year‑olds. Even after losing a front shoe, the Chad Brown trainee handled his first two‑turn assignment and secured double‑digit qualifying credit toward the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby; for example, early points can shape a season. In the one hundred twelfth Remsen—the last to be held at the Big A before shifting to the new Belmont Park next year—the top five earned 10, 5, 3, 2 and 1 points toward May’s Run for the Roses, a familiar framework to thoroughbred fans.

Sent off at 9–5, Paladin left the gate cleanly with Flavien Prat and then sat just behind Day One Starter. Up front that rival and Balboa sparred through 23.32 for the first quarter and 47.47 to the half on a fast‑rated main track, for example like two leaders trading early jabs.

As the field straightened, Balboa—urged by Ricardo Santana Jr.—still had the call. Given clear air, Paladin was asked and responded; meeting Renegade in the final furlong, he edged away and stopped the clock in 1:50.97, akin to a runner finding another gear at the wire.

Renegade, from the Todd Pletcher barn with Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard, held second by one and one‑half lengths over Balboa. Courting reported home fourth and Grittiness picked up the lone point for fifth; Igniter, I Did I Did, Day One Starter, Talkin, Chambersville and Concarneau completed the order, while Probably Dreaming was scratched, the sort of late change that often occurs in stakes.

The Remsen delivered Prat a second straight victory, following his 2024 ride on Poster for Eoin Harty.

Prat explained that the race unfolded ideally: pace concerns faded, he could stalk, and when he tipped out the colt quickened just as hoped; for instance, he traveled kindly behind horses before that outside move. He added that this is the time of year for big dreams, though many tests remain, and he viewed today as a strong step.

Owned by Mrs. John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor, Derrick Smith, Peter Brant, Brook T. Smith and breeder Summer Wind Equine, Paladin began with lofty expectations in this stakes race. He brought $1.9 million at the 2024 Fasig‑Tipton Saratoga Select Yearling Sale, is out of the Tapit mare Secret Sigh, and she is a half‑sister to dual Group 1 winner Mozu Ascot and stakes winner Kareena—pedigree notes any handicapping fan would recognize.

Brown said Prat kept the colt focused and clear of the other horse, which prevented Renegade from re‑rallying. In only his second start and first around two turns he showed class to gut it out, and the lost front shoe during the race added difficulty—an extra hurdle that highlighted perseverance at a young age.

Continuing, Brown noted that Paladin navigated around tiring rivals while the second choice, Renegade, got first run and put him in a tricky spot. Yet the colt paused, then finished off while holding a straight course and did not let that opponent come back as in his maiden; he called it a forward step and said he is excited heading into the 3‑year‑old season.

A $2 win ticket returned $5.76—$2.88 per $1—and his earnings rose to $184,250.

Brown also emphasized that alongside banking Kentucky Derby points, the colt gained education: he sat inside, took dirt for much of the trip, then waited and slipped around horses to complete a two‑turn race at two—for example, learning to settle and finish—experience that should pay off later.

He added that the horse will head to Payson Park, their winter base, to recover. A cut on a hind pastern and that missing front shoe will need time, and overcoming both today, Brown said, was another sign of class.

Renegade made his stakes debut and tried two turns for the first time, re‑engaging Paladin in the stretch. In October he had rallied inside to finish a head in front before a stewards’ inquiry regarding the final sixteenth led to a disqualification, and he has hit the board in all three starts for Pletcher, a consistent form cycle in horse racing.

Pletcher explained that Renegade’s preparation had been uneven—he reportedly missed a work with a quarter‑crack—yet the effort was encouraging. Irad, he said, tried to make a move into the far turn while the eventual winner was inside, and the trip proved fine; he expects the colt to benefit and keep moving forward, which left him encouraged.

Sunday’s Big A program offers eight races, topped by the Grade 3 Comely in Race 7 for $200,000 and the $150,000 Garland of Roses in Race 6. First post is 12:40 p.m. ET, a typical slot for the fall meet.

America’s Day at the Races will air live coverage and analysis of the Aqueduct Racetrack fall meet on the FOX Sports networks. For the broadcast schedule and channel finder, visit.

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