On Saturday at Churchill Downs, Lagynos showcased an extraordinary display of speed and determination. With an authoritative closing kick, this talented horse managed to split rivals in the midstretch and pull away to victory by three-quarters of a length over Evade. It was a performance that left spectators in awe and set a new stakes record time.

Impressive Stakes Record

Lagynos ran an astonishing 1 1/16 miles over a firm turf course in just 1:40.83, eclipsing the previous Commonwealth Turf record of 1:41.54 set by Heart to Heart in 2014. Flavien Prat, the renowned jockey, rode the winner for Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen, who achieved a record-extending fourth win in this prestigious race. His other Commonwealth Turf winners include Inca King in 2007, Hot Springs in 2018, and Gigante in 2023.This breakthrough victory was Lagynos' first stakes win, following a string of close finishes. Earlier this year, he finished second in the $275,000 Audubon in June and the $500,000 Hall of Fame (GII) at Saratoga in August. He also placed third in the $400,000 Transylvania (GIII) and the $600,000 American Turf (GII).“Asmussen expressed his pride in Lagynos, saying, ‘He deserved this win. He’s gotten in so much trouble in his last couple starts and even this spring at Keeneland. But he showed up today and ran hard every time.’”

The Race Itself

Lagynos had a beautiful trip in the G3 Commonwealth at Churchill Downs. Under Flavien Prat, he relaxed in sixth down the backstretch as My Boy Prince led the field of eight 3-year-olds. The fractions at the key points were :23.08, :47.34, and 1:11.23. As they approached the head of the stretch, Lagynos was full of run but faced traffic issues. However, a seam opened up between My Boy Prince on the inside and Piper’s Factor on the outside. With a powerful late kick, Lagynos split those rivals, grabbed the lead at the eighth pole, and cruised down the homestretch to outrun Evade (FR) by a significant margin.“Prat described the ride, saying, ‘He broke well and I got him to relax going into the first turn. I knew I wanted to be close but had to wait for room. Down the lane, I was able to split horses late and he really finished up nicely.’”

Betting Odds and Finish Order

Lagynos returned $9.12, $4.82, and $3.32 as the 7-2 third betting choice. Evade (FR), with Luan Machado up, paid $6.44 and $3.70 at odds of 5-1. Ak Sar Ben Derby, ridden by Junior Alvarado at odds of 16-1, paid $6.78 to show.The finish order was as follows: Lagynos, Evade (FR), Piper’s Factor, My Boy Prince, 5-2 favorite Herchee, Dashman, and Will Take It. Telescopic was scratched.

Owner and Breeding Details

Lagynos netted $180,350 for owner HRH Prince Sultan Bin Mishal Al Saud of Saudi Arabia. With this win, his career earnings now stand at $700,553 from a record of 3-2-3 in 13 starts.Lagynos is a son of Kantharos out of the Speightstown mare Steamy and was bred in Kentucky by Robert Spiegel.