A remarkable performance by Instant Replay in a 1 1/16-mile allowance race at Fair Grounds has captured the attention of horse racing enthusiasts. Trained by Brad Cox, this Gary and Mary West-owned colt showcased impressive speed and stamina, finishing five lengths ahead of his competitors. The win not only earned him a commendable 93 Brisnet Speed Rating but also placed him as a potential contender for the Kentucky Derby. Meanwhile, Cox’s stable continues to produce promising performances with other horses like Good Cheer and Velvet Vortex, both showing strong potential in their respective categories.

Instant Replay's Impressive Debut Signals Potential Derby Contender

Instant Replay made a significant impact in his sophomore campaign, emerging victorious in a competitive field of 3-year-olds. Despite starting from last, the Maximum Security colt demonstrated exceptional acceleration, overtaking the leader Furio near the finish line. Trainer Brad Cox expressed satisfaction with the horse's condition post-race and hinted at possible future starts in prestigious events such as the Louisiana Derby or Arkansas Derby. The horse's performance on the fast track, which favored forward runs, was particularly noteworthy, stopping the clock at 1:43.12.

The victory was more than just a win; it was a statement. Instant Replay’s ability to surge past the competition with minimal urging from jockey Florent Geroux highlighted his raw talent. The 93 Brisnet Speed Rating further underscores his potential. Cox noted that Instant Replay came out of the race in excellent shape, making him a viable candidate for upcoming races. The trainer is considering pointing him towards the Louisiana Derby, given the horse's impressive performance on the local track. This strategic decision could position Instant Replay as a serious contender in the Derby trail.

Cox's Stable Continues to Excel with Multiple Promising Horses

Beyond Instant Replay, Brad Cox’s stable has seen several other standout performances. Notably, Good Cheer, a Godolphin-owned filly, secured her fourth consecutive win in the Rachel Alexandra (G2) race, maintaining her perfect record. With multiple graded-stakes victories under her belt, including the Golden Rod (G2), Good Cheer leads all fillies on the road to the Kentucky Oaks leaderboard with 45 points. Her next start could be in the Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) on March 22, pending further evaluation.

Another promising addition to Cox’s roster is Velvet Vortex, a 3-year-old filly owned by e Five Racing Thoroughbreds. She earned a 95 Brisnet Speed Rating in her recent win, signaling her potential for longer distances. Although her next start remains undecided, Velvet Vortex has been nominated for the $1.5 million Kentucky Oaks, adding another layer of anticipation to her career. Additionally, despite a disappointing seventh-place finish in the Mineshaft (G3) for Catching Freedom, the 4-year-old gelding remains in good health, with no immediate plans for his next race. Overall, Cox’s stable continues to demonstrate consistent excellence across various competitions.