Trainer Brad Cox has strategically chosen the Grade 3, $1 million Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park as the next step for Patch Adams in his journey toward the Kentucky Derby. This 3-year-old Into Mischief colt, owned by WinStar Farm and China Horse Club, will make his debut over a distance of 1 1/16 miles on Saturday. The timing of this race fits perfectly into Patch Adams' preparation schedule, allowing him to build on his impressive maiden victory last November. His trainer and owners are confident that this race will be a crucial test to gauge his readiness for the prestigious Derby trail.

Patch Adams has shown remarkable potential since his racing debut. After an initial third-place finish at Keeneland in October, he made a significant statement with a dominant win at Churchill Downs, finishing 10 1/2 lengths ahead of the competition. This performance earned him a robust 98 Beyer Speed Figure, indicating his exceptional speed and potential. Despite limited experience, Patch Adams is already highly regarded in the racing community, named as the 5-2 second choice in the program. For his upcoming run, jockey Flavien Prat, the 2024 Eclipse Award winner, will take the reins for the first time.

The Southwest Stakes will also see Southern California-based Gaming as the morning-line favorite. Trained by Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, Gaming is a Grade 1 winner and finalist for champion 2-year-old male. Both horses will be making their 3-year-old debuts, adding excitement to the race. While some Oaklawn-based entrants have faced training interruptions due to winter weather, Patch Adams has been steadily preparing at Payson Park in south Florida, where he has completed a series of bullet workouts.

Elliott Walden, president, CEO, and racing manager of WinStar Farm, expressed optimism about Patch Adams' ability to maintain his speed over two turns. He noted that Patch Adams comes from the family of Well Armed, a horse who triumphed in the 2009 Dubai World Cup at a distance of 1 1/4 miles. Walden believes that Patch Adams' background and preparation give him a competitive edge. The Southwest Stakes is part of Oaklawn's four-race series leading up to the Kentucky Derby, including the Rebel Stakes and the Arkansas Derby. WinStar has a history of success in these races, adding to the anticipation surrounding Patch Adams' performance.

Patch Adams, named after the 1998 film starring Robin Williams, is set to showcase his talent in the Southwest Stakes. With solid preparation and a promising pedigree, all eyes will be on this young colt as he takes another step toward potentially securing a place in the Kentucky Derby field. The outcome of this race could significantly influence his future prospects in one of horse racing's most prestigious events.