In an unexpected turn of events at Oaklawn Park on Saturday, Speed King emerged victorious in the Grade 3, $1 million Southwest Stakes, a key prep race for the Kentucky Derby 2025. Owned by Triton Thoroughbreds and trained by Ron Moquett, this colt, sired by Volatile, achieved a remarkable upset win with odds of 14-1. The race was marked by several challenges for other competitors, including a stumble at the start and mid-race collisions, which ultimately benefited Speed King. With a winning time of 1:45.86 over 1 1/16 miles, the horse secured a one-length victory over Sandman, who faced unfortunate circumstances early in the race.

The day's highlight was undoubtedly Speed King's performance under jockey Rafael Bejarano. Throughout the race, Speed King maintained consistent fractions, setting a pace that proved unbeatable. Despite the challenging conditions, the colt demonstrated exceptional stamina and agility, navigating the fast main track with precision. The second-place finisher, Sandman, suffered a significant setback when it stumbled at the start and collided with Patch Adams, the odds-on favorite, during the stretch run. This incident hampered both horses' chances of securing a higher position. Meanwhile, Tiztastic managed to place third, further behind the leading duo.

Post-race analysis revealed that Speed King's strategic approach played a crucial role in its success. Trainer Ron Moquett's preparation and the jockey's skillful handling were pivotal. The stewards conducted an inquiry into the stretch run, particularly focusing on the interactions between American Promise and Publisher. As a result, American Promise was demoted from sixth to seventh place, while Publisher was promoted to sixth. Other notable performances included Gaming, which struggled early in the race but eventually finished eighth, and Bon Temps, which placed last among the nine 3-year-olds competing.

The top five finishers earned valuable points toward qualifying for the Kentucky Derby. Speed King's victory not only provided a thrilling spectacle for racing enthusiasts but also significantly boosted its chances for the prestigious event. With this win, Speed King now holds 25 qualifying points, positioning it favorably for future competitions. The horse's journey began with a debut win at Churchill Downs in November, followed by a second-place finish in the Remington Springboard Mile, where it earned five Derby points. Saturday's triumph underscores Speed King's potential as a formidable contender in upcoming races.