Brad Cox Sends Out Trio of Top Derby Contenders in Morning Breezes at Churchill Downs
Louisville, Ky. — April 17, 2026.
Trainer Brad Cox had an early start Friday at Churchill Downs, overseeing a busy series of timed workouts from his formidable team of Kentucky Derbyhopefuls — a trio of major prep winners now converging on the Run for the Roses in peak form.
All three colts — Commandment, The Puma, and Chief Wallabee — took to the track well before sunrise, each turning in polished efforts aimed at maintaining fitness while fine-tuning for the 152nd Kentucky Derby on May 2.
Cox, who already owns Derby victories with Mandaloun and Essential Quality, said the group came through their drills “perfectly,” describing each breeze as “a continuation of what we’ve seen all spring — steady, controlled energy and maturity.”
Commandment looking sharper than ever
Commandment, the Florida Derby (G1)winner and likely one of the race favorites, worked five furlongs in 1:00.00, gliding through the stretch under Flavien Prat. The son of Into Mischief galloped out powerfully, reinforcing the strong physical impression he left at Gulfstream.
“He’s been steady all along, doing everything right,” Cox said. “He’s not a flashy work horse — he’s just efficient and professional. That’s exactly what you want three weeks out.”
The Puma builds on confidence from Florida
Just behind him on the work tab was The Puma, runner-up in both the Florida Derbyand earlier preps. The gray colt breezed five furlongs in 1:00.20, staying on even terms with his stablemate through the gallop-out. Cox called the move “textbook.”
“He’s grown up tremendously this spring,” Cox said. “He’s getting stronger, more focused — and he loves this racetrack.”
Chief Wallabee keeps momentum from Florida Derby
Completing the trio, Chief Wallabee, who finished a close third behind Commandment and The Puma in the Florida Derby, breezed five furlongs in 1:00.80 wearing blinkers for the first time in training. Cox noted the equipment appeared to make a difference, helping the Constitution colt stay more engaged during the early stages of the move.
“He was sharper with them, exactly what we were hoping to see,” Cox said. “He’s thriving right now.”
Cox also sent out Counting Stars, his Kentucky Oaks candidate, for an easy half-mile maintenance breeze, adding that “she’s right on target for Friday.”
With less than two weeks remaining until the opening leg of the Triple Crown, Cox’s barn at Churchill Downs has become a focal point of Derby-week anticipation. Between Commandment’s authority, The Puma’s consistency, and Chief Wallabee’s steady progress, few trainers will bring a stronger hand into this year’s classic.
“It’s a good position to be in,” Cox said with a grin. “Now it’s just about keeping them happy, healthy, and ready for their moment.”
