After a commanding victory in the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club, First Resort has been making headlines with impressive workouts. Trained by Eoin Harty, this Godolphin homebred is rapidly becoming a name to watch in the upcoming Kentucky Derby.

Prepare for a Thrilling Journey as First Resort Races Toward Glory

The Dawn of a Champion

On a brisk Monday morning at Turfway Park, First Resort made an unforgettable statement. His five-furlong workout, clocked at 59.4 seconds, was the fastest among ten horses over the same distance. This performance marks his fifth workout since clinching the prestigious Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes on November 30th. Notably, it’s also his third workout following a brief hiatus between late December and late January. First Resort's ascent began on July 5th when he broke his maiden in a dirt sprint at Ellis Park. Under the guidance of trainer Eoin Harty, the son of Uncle Mo quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. He followed up his maiden win with a commendable second-place finish in the Saratoga Special (G2), narrowly behind Showcase. Despite a fourth-place finish in the Summer Stakes (G1) on Woodbine's turf, First Resort has consistently shown promise and resilience.

A Strategic Path to Glory

Trainer Eoin Harty has meticulously charted First Resort's path toward the Kentucky Derby. Born from the lineage of the Grade 1-winning mare Fair Maiden, whom Harty also trained for Godolphin, First Resort carries a pedigree steeped in racing excellence. His sire, Uncle Mo, is renowned for producing top-tier performers, adding another layer of anticipation to First Resort's journey.As of Sunday, First Resort was listed at 50-1 odds in the Kentucky Derby futures book at Caesars in Las Vegas, a slight increase from 45-1 the previous week. This shift mirrors his closing price in the third Kentucky Derby Future Wager, which concluded on January 19th, where he closed at 49-1. The consistent betting patterns underscore the growing interest and cautious optimism surrounding this young talent.

Beyond the Odds: A Closer Look

While the odds may seem long, First Resort's recent performances suggest a horse ready to defy expectations. His workouts have been nothing short of stellar, demonstrating both speed and stamina. Turfway Park's fast track conditions provided the perfect stage for him to showcase his potential, leaving trainers and enthusiasts alike eagerly anticipating his next move.Moreover, the strategic breaks in his training regimen have allowed for optimal recovery and preparation. The month-long gap between workouts in December and January ensured that First Resort returned to action refreshed and recharged. This balanced approach to training highlights Harty's expertise in nurturing thoroughbreds for peak performance.

National Spotlight: Fellow Contenders

The spotlight on First Resort is not isolated; other contenders are also making waves across the country. Romanesque, under the tutelage of Bob Baffert, posted a strong five-furlong time of 1:00.0 at Santa Anita, marking the second-fastest workout among 29 horses. Tiztastic, trained by Steve Asmussen, matched this time at Oaklawn, recording the fastest of seven works at the distance.Romanesque's recent second-place finish in the San Vicente (G2) at Santa Anita underscores his competitive edge. Meanwhile, Tiztastic's third-place showing in the Southwest (G3) at Oaklawn adds depth to the field. These performances set the stage for a thrilling race season, with First Resort emerging as a key player in this elite group.

A Promising Future Ahead

As the Kentucky Derby approaches, all eyes are on First Resort. His combination of raw talent, strategic training, and impressive pedigree positions him as a serious contender. With each workout and race, he continues to build momentum, capturing the hearts of fans and experts alike. The road to Churchill Downs is fraught with challenges, but First Resort is poised to rise above, embodying the spirit of a true champion.